0%
of schools have a business continuity and disaster plan
0%
of schools have not recieved any cybersecurity training
0/3
of schools lack basic protections like antivirus
Cybersecurity for universities, schools and other educational institutions
Trusted by 1340 schools in the UK protecting 297,000 devices, ESET’s advanced cybersecurity solutions have the protection needed to safeguard against ransomware attacks, data breaches, and other advanced cyber risks in the ever-changing threat landscape.
Safeguard your school, college, or university with ESET
Speak to one of our experienced Account Managers to learn how we can work with your cybersecurity requirements, budgets and timescales to provide a solution using ESET’s award-winning technology that keeps you, your staff, students and data safe.
The importance of cybersecurity in the education sector
Here are the stats and how many breaches and attacks schools and educational institutions have identified in the last year.
0%
Primary schools
0%
Secondary schools
0%
Further education
0%
Higher education
Why educational institutions are prime targets for cybercriminals:
Personal data:
Schools and universities handle vast amounts of personal student data, including names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, grades, and credit card details.
Intellectual property
Universities conduct cutting-edge research, resulting in valuable intellectual property (IP). Cybercriminals can steal this for financial gain or use it in ransomware attacks, threatening to leak or destroy it unless a ransom is paid.
Lack of cybersecurity
The education sector is often slow to adopt modern cybersecurity solutions due to limited funding. The outdated technology, resource constraints, and growing institution sizes make them attractive targets for cybercriminals.
A cyber attack can leave educational institutions in a position that compromises the safety of their students, staff and data. Schools, colleges and universities need an affordable and effective cybersecurity strategy to strengthen their digital defences and reduce the risk of a cyber attack.
Cybersecurity threats in education institutions
What are the main cyber threats education institutions are facing today?
Phishing attacks
Phishing is a form of cyber-attack in which criminals impersonate a trustworthy or legitimate source, usually requesting sensitive and personal information such as passwords and/or account details of the victim.
Ransomware attacks
Ransomware is a type of malware that can lock a device or encrypt its contents, this prevents the user from accessing their personal files to extort money. In return, operators of the malicious code promise – of course, without any guarantees – to restore access to the affected machine or data.
Viruses, spyware or malware
Malware combines two words – "malicious" and "software" and describes any form of malicious code specifically designed to infiltrate a computer or device without authorised access. While malware doesn’t cause damage to hardware, it can steal, delete and hijack your data while spying on your activity without you knowing.
ESET are invested in educating future generations
Safer Kids Online
Safer Kids Online (SKO) is a global initiative currently active in the US, Europe, Middle East and Asia-Pacific, with more markets to follow. It is a resource platform for kids, parents and educators, dedicated to building a safer online environment for children. Its website and related newsletter feature blogs, videos, parental guidance and expert insights that help children to safely enjoy the internet’s full potential. Our ultimate goal is to become a valuable source for kids, parents and teachers and to support communities and schools with direct teaching sessions through formal educators.
University Studentship
Our Cybersecurity Studentship is the first of its kind in the UK, offering a female student a £5000 grant to study a cybersecurity course at Bournemouth University, as well as ongoing support and hardware needed. This initiative aims to increase diversity within the industry and support students to pursue their career aspirations, no matter what gender they are.
Cybersecurity Training
We offer free cybersecurity training that you can share with your employees and colleagues to help reduce cybersecurity risk through human error. With this free training, you can create a more secure digital environment for your staff and students with the tools and resources you need.
