Deep Freeze: Enhancing Cybersecurity in Educational Institutions

With educational institutions increasingly reliant on digital tools and online platforms, cybersecurity has become more critical than ever. Schools, colleges and universities are prime targets for cyberattacks, including data breaches and ransomware incidents, which can severely disrupt operations. As IT teams struggle to manage vast networks and safeguard sensitive information, tools like Faronics’ Deep Freeze provide a robust, cost-effective solution to protect workstations and reduce IT management challenges.

The growing cybersecurity threat in education

Cyberattacks on schools are increasing, with institutions facing more sophisticated threats. The shift to digital learning during the pandemic exposed long-term vulnerabilities, making educational institutions frequent targets for cybercriminals. In 2023, cyberattacks on schools rose by 18%, according to the K-12 Cybersecurity Resource Center, and 82% of U.K. universities experienced incidents.

Key challenges include:

• Limited cybersecurity resources.
• High turnover of users.
• Increased phishing, malware, and ransomware attacks.

These factors jeopardize student data and disrupt teaching, underscoring the need for stronger cybersecurity measures.

Deep Freeze: A key player in cybersecurity

Faronics’ Deep Freeze addresses these growing cybersecurity challenges with its reboot-to-restore technology, which resets computers to a pre-configured state after each reboot — wiping away any malware, viruses or unauthorized changes. This reduces the chances of cyber threats persisting and prevents lasting damage from user errors or malicious software. Schools, which often have many users sharing devices, benefit significantly. 

Key features of Deep Freeze include:

• Instant system recovery: Ensures that computers are restored to their original state after every reboot.
• Protection from unauthorized changes: Prevents the installation of unwanted software and changes to critical system settings.
• Cross-platform compatibility: Works on both Windows and macOS, making it adaptable to different institutional needs.
• Centralized management: Allows IT teams to manage and monitor systems across multiple labs or classrooms from a single console.
• Energy efficiency: Built-in power management features reduce energy consumption, with options for scheduling automatic shutdowns or reboots.

Deep Freeze and layered defense strategy

While Deep Freeze provides substantial protection, no single tool can fully safeguard an institution’s network. This is where the concept of a layered defense strategy becomes essential. Layered security —  often referred to as “defense-in-depth” — involves using multiple security measures to protect a network. Deep Freeze is one layer, working alongside firewalls, antivirus software and data encryption. By integrating Deep Freeze into a broader defense strategy, educational institutions reduce the risk of a successful cyberattack. 

For example, if phishing emails bypass security filters and introduce malware, Deep Freeze will erase it after a reboot, ensuring that the malware cannot persist. This is especially valuable in educational institutions, where many users may not be familiar with cybersecurity best practices, which increases the risk of unintentional breaches.

Components of a layered defense strategy include:

• Firewalls: Block unauthorized access to the network.
• Antivirus software: Detect and eliminate malware.
• Deep Freeze: Restores systems to a clean state after every session.
• Data encryption: Protects sensitive information, such as student data, from being accessed in the event of a breach.
• Cybersecurity training: Regular training for staff and students on recognizing phishing attempts and secure internet usage.

The 2023 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report found that 74% of breaches involved a human element, and phishing, stolen credentials, and vulnerability exploitation remain the most common methods of attack. This emphasizes the importance of combining technological solutions with human-focused measures, such as training and layered defenses. Tools like Deep Freeze — when integrated into a multi-layered security strategy — can help protect against these threats by ensuring that systems are regularly reset and unauthorized changes are removed, reducing the risk of long-term damage.

Maintaining data privacy and boosting institutional efficiency

Deep Freeze not only protects systems from malware and unauthorized changes but also helps educational institutions comply with strict data privacy regulations such as FERPA in the U.S. and GDPR in Europe. These regulations require safeguarding student data from breaches and unauthorized access. By wiping clean any changes made during each session, Deep Freeze ensures that no personal data remains stored on workstations, reducing the risk of breaches.

The importance of these measures is evident as 79% of higher education institutions and 80% of lower education institutions were hit by ransomware in 2022, according to the 2023 Sophos State of Ransomware in Education Report. Additionally, 35% of higher education institutions reported that their data was both stolen and encrypted, emphasizing the growing threat of “double-dip” ransomware attacks​.

Beyond enhancing cybersecurity, Deep Freeze offers significant cost-saving benefits. Research shows that schools can save approximately $30,000 annually on IT support costs by reducing the need for manual system re-imaging and repairs. Moreover, minimizing computer downtime improves operational efficiency, and many schools have reported increased student satisfaction due to fewer disruptions during learning.

Key takeaways: Securing education’s digital future

As cyber threats evolve, it’s vital for educational institutions to proactively safeguard their systems and data. Deep Freeze offers an effective solution, enhancing cybersecurity while reducing IT workload and improving student experience. Integrated into a layered defense strategy, it helps schools protect digital environments, ensure compliance with data privacy regulations and reduce long-term costs. In the face of rising cybersecurity challenges, Deep Freeze remains essential for maintaining secure, efficient and uninterrupted learning.

Contact us today to learn how Deep Freeze can protect your systems and ensure seamless IT operations.