Privacy & Security
Education news, analysis, and opinion about efforts to protect sensitive information and keep students safe online
School Cyberattacks, Explained
Hackers are terrorizing schools with increasingly complex attacks, causing data breaches and more. Here’s what educators need to know.
Special Report
Cyberattacks on Schools
There have been at least 775 publicly disclosed cyber incidents in K-12 schools nationally since 2016. Under normal circumstances, this was a big problem. Now, the coronavirus could make it even bigger.
Special Report
K-12 Cybersecurity
Education Week delves into the nature of the threats facing K-12 systems and the steps they can take to protect themselves. This examination of K-12 cybersecurity is the second of three special reports focused on the needs of K-12 district technology leaders, including chief technology officers.
Special Report
Data
The rising tension between advocates for greater use of data to improve schools and people who are worried about protecting student privacy is one of the most contentious issues in education.
Privacy & Security Massive Shift to Remote Learning Prompts Big Data Privacy ConcernsAn unprecedented number of online interactions between teachers and students from their respective homes introduce new privacy questions that lack easy answers.
Privacy & Security 5 Steps to Curb Cyberattacks in 1-to-1 Computing SchoolsThe proliferation of school-issued digital devices can open schools up to all kinds of cybersecurity problems, especially in schools with 1-to-1 computing programs.
Privacy & Security Using Amazon Echo, Google Home to Learn: Skill of the Future or Bad Idea?The growing popularity of voice-activated technologies is forcing educators to think about the role such tools play in preparing students for the jobs of the future.Privacy & Security Spotlight Spotlight on CybersecurityIn this Spotlight, examine cyberattack statistics, discover how district leaders are combating and preventing cyberattacks and more.
Privacy & Security Opinion The Cyber-Security Problem Schools and Ed. Tech Need to FaceGood intentions alone don't protect our children's personally identifying information, writes Global Cyber Risk's Joel Schwarz.
Privacy & Security Federal Privacy Protections Would Extend to Older Children Under New BillOlder children would be protected by the same online privacy laws that apply to younger kids, under a federal bipartisan bill.
Privacy & Security N.Y. District Will Use Facial Recognition Software, Despite Big Privacy ConcernsA New York State school district has announced it will begin using controversial facial recognition software for school safety purposes, over the strenuous objections of civil liberties advocates.Privacy & Security Quiz Quiz Yourself: How Much Do You Know About K-12 Cybersecurity?Quiz Yourself: What are today's biggest challenges to cybersecurity in schools?
Privacy & Security Apple Dumps Vaping-Related Apps Amid Public Health CrisisApple removed 181 vaping-related apps from its App Store in an effort to limit teens' exposure to content that could lead to harm or illness.
Privacy & Security TikTok: Powerful Teaching Tool or Classroom Management Nightmare?Some teachers are adding the video-sharing platform into their lessons. But cyberbullying and data privacy are big concerns, experts say.
Privacy & Security Instagram's Removal of 'Like' Counts Meant to Combat Anxiety, DepressionInstagram will begin hiding "like" counts on photos for some U.S. users, pleasing some child advocates while raising red flags for Instagram-friendly teachers.Privacy & Security School Board Member's Use of Student Records Stirs Dust-UpA little story out of Lexington, Ky., raises some big questions for K-12 districts to consider on how to handle ongoing murkiness over student privacy, open-records laws, and how candidates for school boards should best communicate with their constituents.Privacy & Security Briefly Stated Briefly Stated: Stories You May Have MissedA breakdown of high-profile news stories you may have missed during the week.
Privacy & Security Opinion How the Ed. Department Threw a Wrench in Student-Privacy LawsAn incoherent FERPA rule change is facing legal challenges. As it should, writes Frank D. LoMonte.
Privacy & Security Malware Attack Prompts School District Closure: K-12 Cyber Disruptions RisingThe Flagstaff Unified School District in Arizona is just the latest to fall victim to a cybersecurity attack so disruptive it forced schools to close.
