October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, making it the perfect time for private schools to ask an important question: how secure is our technology environment?
Most schools have some form of cybersecurity protection in place. Firewalls, antivirus software, passwords, and backups are common. But having security tools doesn't necessarily mean your school is fully protected. Some of the biggest cybersecurity risks come from things that are easily overlooked.
1. Outdated hardware and software
Aging firewalls, servers, computers, and network equipment can create security vulnerabilities, especially when manufacturers stop providing security updates. If your school doesn't know which systems are approaching end-of-life, you may be operating with unnecessary risk.
The question: When was the last time your school reviewed its technology for outdated or unsupported systems?
2. Accounts that should no longer have access
Schools experience staff changes every year. When employees leave or change roles, their accounts and permissions should be reviewed promptly. Old accounts, unnecessary administrative privileges, and excessive access can increase the potential impact of a compromised login.
The question: Are you confident that only authorized employees can access your school's sensitive systems?
3. Backups that have never been tested
Having backups is important. Knowing they actually work is even more important. A successful backup notification doesn't guarantee your school can quickly recover critical information after an outage or cyberattack. Schools should periodically test recovery procedures and understand how long restoring important systems might take.
The question: If your school lost access to critical data tomorrow, how quickly could you recover it?
4. Inconsistent multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an important layer of security beyond passwords. However, some schools enable MFA for certain applications while leaving other important accounts unprotected. Email, administrative accounts, financial platforms, and systems containing sensitive information should be reviewed for appropriate MFA coverage.
The question: Is MFA consistently enforced across your school's important accounts and applications?
5. Security tools that aren't regularly reviewed
Installing cybersecurity software is only the beginning. Firewalls need appropriate configurations. Security alerts need monitoring. Devices need updates. Access permissions need regular reviews. Without ongoing oversight, protections that were effective when installed may become less effective over time.
The question: Who is regularly checking whether your school's cybersecurity protections are working as intended?
Cybersecurity is an ongoing responsibility
Cybersecurity isn't something schools can address once and forget. As technology changes, employees come and go, and new threats emerge, your school's security needs change too. The goal isn't to eliminate every possible risk. It's to identify weaknesses early and take practical steps to reduce them.
Could your school have security gaps you don't know about?
Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an opportunity to take a closer look at your school's technology environment. CyberSphere Solutions offers a Free School Technology Assessment to help private schools identify potential cybersecurity risks, aging infrastructure, and opportunities to strengthen their technology environment. Don't wait for a cybersecurity incident to discover what your school may have overlooked.