Ransomware is a nightmare that’s hitting schools more often than you’d think. Schools are extremely attractive targets because their data is very sensitive, and defences sometimes lower than they could be. So hackers regularly sneak into school networks, lock down important files, and then demand a ransom to get them back. When a ransomware attack strikes, it can put students at serious risk, alongside financial and reputational disaster for teachers, students, and administrators.
The good news? There are some practical steps schools can take to stop ransomware in its tracks and protect their networks. Here’s a straightforward guide to keeping your school safe from these cyber threats.
1. Keep everything updated
One of the simplest but most effective things schools can do is keep their systems and software up to date. Hackers love finding weak spots in outdated systems. When schools fail to install updates and patches, they leave the door wide open for an attack.
Make sure your school’s computers, software, and operating systems are always running the latest versions. Set updates to install automatically overnight so nothing slips through the cracks. Even if it seems like a small step, it can make a big difference.
2. Educate staff and students about phishing
Phishing is one of the most common ways ransomware spreads. Hackers send emails that look legitimate, tricking people into clicking on bad links or downloading harmful attachments. In schools, it’s especially easy for busy teachers or students to fall for these scams.
The best defence is education. Teach staff and students how to recognise phishing emails. Look out for red flags like strange email addresses, urgent language, or suspicious attachments. If in doubt, don’t click.
Schools should also have a simple reporting system so if someone receives a suspicious email, they can easily notify the IT department before any damage is done.
3. Back up everything regularly
Backups are a lifesaver. If ransomware does manage to get through, having a solid backup system in place means you won’t be at the mercy of hackers. Regularly back up all important data – student records, grades, lesson plans, etc. – and make sure those backups are stored securely and offline.
This way, if an attack happens, you can wipe the infected systems and restore everything from the backup without paying a ransom.
4. Limit access
Not everyone in the school needs access to every part of the network. Hackers love to exploit unnecessary permissions. By limiting who can access what, you reduce the risk of an attack spreading.
Create user accounts with different levels of access. For example, teachers might need access to certain files or systems, while students need less access. Only give admin privileges to those who really need it. This keeps the damage to a minimum if someone’s account is compromised.
5. Install reliable antivirus and anti-executable software
6. Use Deep Freeze
Deep Freeze returns school computers to their original state, with a mere restart. So if the worst happens, you know you’re only a minute away from completely eliminating any malicious code, rather than having all your resources sucked up for weeks or months.
Conclusion
Ransomware is a serious threat to schools, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable. By taking simple, proactive steps – like keeping systems updated, educating staff, backing up data, and using reliable security tools – schools can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to an attack. Staying prepared and vigilant is the best defence.
