Notifications of cyberattacks are becoming increasingly common in school-related emails to parents. Recently, students in Ontario returned from winter break to find classrooms without internet due to a cyber incident. Shortly after, several Canadian school divisions reported data breaches linked to PowerSchool, which manages student information.
Cyberattacks on schools are growing in frequency and sophistication, threatening daily operations and the security of personal data. Experts stress the need for stronger defenses to protect these institutions.
Schools hold large amounts of personal information and provide essential services, making them attractive targets for attackers. Ontario’s privacy commissioner, Patricia Kosseim, notes that attackers exploit these vulnerabilities to demand ransom.
An attack on Manitoba’s Pembina Trails School Division disrupted all digital operations, highlighting the reliance on internet-connected systems. Experts warn that attackers often seek monetary gain through ransom or fraud using stolen data.
Tracking cyber incidents in Canadian schools is inconsistent. Only five provinces mandate reporting of privacy breaches in K-12 schools, revealing the need for standardized reporting and better support.
To reduce risks, schools should limit data collection to essential information and regularly practice incident response plans. Collaborating with other boards and updating privacy legislation are also crucial steps.
When cyberattacks occur, clear communication with families is essential. Honest updates enable parents to protect their children’s data and trust the school’s handling of incidents.
Cyberattacks on schools are a growing concern. By strengthening defenses, taking proactive measures, and ensuring transparent communication, school boards can better protect their students and educational systems.
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Canada face cybersecurity threats that parallel those encountered by schools, underscoring the critical need for robust defenses. Like educational institutions, SMBs store sensitive data and depend heavily on internet-connected systems for their operations.
Cyberattacks can disrupt business activities, compromise valuable customer and business information, and lead to significant financial losses due to ransomware demands or data breaches. The rising sophistication and frequency of these attacks necessitate that SMBs prioritize cybersecurity measures.
Investing in employee training, regular system updates, and comprehensive incident response plans are essential steps for SMBs to enhance their cybersecurity posture. These measures not only help in mitigating risks but also in ensuring business continuity.
Just as transparency is vital for schools, SMBs must communicate openly with their customers about any breaches to maintain trust and protect their reputation. Providing clear and honest updates allows customers to take necessary precautions and demonstrates the business’s commitment to security.
SMBs can benefit from collaborating with industry peers to share best practices and resources, similar to the collaborative efforts recommended for school boards. By doing so, they can collectively strengthen their defenses against cyber threats.
Advocating for updated privacy legislation at different government levels can help close gaps in protecting business data, just as it would for student data in schools. Proactive cybersecurity strategies are crucial for SMBs to safeguard their operations and data. By staying vigilant and prepared, businesses can better defend themselves against cyberattacks and continue to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Original article courtesy of MSN.com and CBC.
Enhance Your Business Security with Expert Cybersecurity Solutions. Click here to learn more and download shawcsIT’s free services overview catalogue.