Strengthening Cybersecurity in School Document Management

In today's digitally connected education landscape, schools are not just hubs of learning—they’re also prime targets for cybercriminals. With sensitive student data, financial records, and internal communications flowing through digital channels, K-12 schools are facing ongoing threats to their document management systems. From ransomware attacks to data breaches, cybersecurity vulnerabilities are growing quickly.

The Rise of Ransomware in U.S. Schools 

Ransomware attacks are one of the most prevalent cybersecurity threats affecting schools today. In 2022 alone, 89 U.S. school districts—impacting 1,981 schools—suffered from ransomware attacks, according to K12 SIX. These attacks lock schools out of their critical data until a ransom is paid, disrupting daily operations and jeopardizing student privacy. As education systems embrace digital document management, protecting these systems from ransomware has become an urgent priority. 

Cybersecurity Incidents are Increasing

The issue extends beyond ransomware. From 2016 to 2022, U.S. K-12 schools reported 1,619 cyber incidents, ranging from phishing scams to devastating data breaches (K12 SIX). These incidents highlight the vulnerability of school systems' digital infrastructure. The sudden shift to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic further compounded these vulnerabilities, as schools quickly adopted advanced networking technologies without having robust cybersecurity measures in place.

The Growing Impact of Cyberattacks

Cyberattacks in the education sector are not just isolated disruptions—they have widespread implications. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has identified that adopting new technologies during the pandemic opened doors to increased cybersecurity risks for schools. These risks make K-12 schools attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking to exploit system weaknesses for financial gain or data theft. 
 
One of the most significant impacts of a cyberattack is the loss of sensitive information, including student academic records, health data, and personal details. Beyond this, schools face operational downtime, which can affect learning outcomes and create financial burdens due to recovery efforts.

Underfunded and Underprotected

Despite the growing threat landscape, many school districts need more resources to protect their systems adequately. A staggering 40% of school districts report underfunding their cybersecurity measures, with 81% citing funding as a top concern (K12 SIX). This lack of funding leaves many schools unable to implement advanced cybersecurity strategies, leaving them vulnerable to attacks.

The Importance of Secure Document Management in Schools

Securing document management systems has never been more critical in light of these challenges. School document management systems store everything from enrollment forms to special education records, making them a rich target for cybercriminals. Implementing robust cybersecurity measures—such as multi-factor authentication, regular system updates, and staff training—can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and ransomware attacks. 
 
At SumnerOne, we recognize the importance of securing school documents and work closely with districts to deliver document management solutions prioritizing cybersecurity. From encrypted file storage to advanced user permissions, our solutions help schools maintain compliance with privacy regulations while reducing their risk of cyber threats.

Practical Steps Schools Must Take

To enhance cybersecurity in document management, school districts should consider the following best practices: 

1. Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication:
   Adding an extra layer of security beyond just passwords can significantly reduce unauthorized access.
   
   
2. Regular Security Audits:
   Schools should conduct frequent security assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities in their document management systems.
   
   
3. Employee Training:
   Ensuring that staff are aware of phishing tactics and other cyber risks can prevent many attacks before they occur.
   
   
4. Data Encryption:
   Encrypting sensitive documents adds another barrier for cybercriminals attempting to access school files.
   

By investing in the right technologies and practices, schools can protect their document management systems, students, and staff from the growing cyber threat landscape. 

Secure the Future

Cybersecurity is no longer an optional investment for school districts—it is essential. As more schools become targets of cyberattacks, protecting document management systems is critical. At SumnerOne, we support educational institutions in their fight against cyber threats, ensuring a safer, more secure future for students and educators.

Learn how we can help your school district stay secure.