Mitigating IoT threats in schools for safer digital learning environments

TLDR:

• Rise in cyberattacks on IoT devices in schools
• Schools face unprecedented surge in attacks due to increase in remote learning

The education sector is seeing a drastic rise in cyberattacks targeting IoT devices in schools, with 131 weekly attacks per organization – more than twice the global average. Schools are prime targets due to the increase in remote learning, leading to a surge in attacks in 2024. The wide adoption of IoT devices in classrooms, while beneficial for enhancing learning experiences, has also made schools vulnerable to hackers. Weak passwords, unsecured network connections, phishing attacks, and DDoS attacks are common ways hackers gain access to IoT devices, posing threats to sensitive data and disrupting school operations. Schools can mitigate these dangers by implementing best practices such as regular software updates, network segmentation, cybersecurity training, and investing in automated data security platforms. By taking proactive measures, schools can harness the transformative power of IoT devices while ensuring the safety and security of their digital infrastructure.