Cybersecurity

AI is igniting enthusiasm in classrooms, department meetings, board rooms, and administrative offices across the country. For many, generative AI is changing what it means to create, solve problems, communicate, and even learn.

Technology has become an integral part of education, with students relying on various devices to access resources, collaborate with peers, and engage in learning activities. However, with the increased reliance on technology comes the heightened risk of cyber threats.

Each day, schools and universities face cyber threats from bad actors who want access to the sensitive data stored in education systems.

In 2023, Oregon State University (OSU) was at the forefront of innovation, securing more than $480 million in competitive research grants. However, the spring of 2021 brought a harsh realization: even the most prestigious institutions are not immune to cyber threats.

Technology was already firmly integrated with school systems before the COVID-19 pandemic. But since 2020, admin processes and classroom learning—whether traditional, hybrid, or fully remote—have pivoted, increasingly relying on technology-based solutions.

According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, school staff were responsible for most of the accidental security breaches plaguing schools between 2016–2020, with students responsible for most of the intentional breaches (the bulk of incidents being to—perhaps unsurprisingly—change grades).

On February 6, people around the world will celebrate Safer Internet Day 2024. Originating in the European Union in 2004, today Safer Internet Day is honored in over 180 countries.

With the rapid transition to digital learning and the increased need for device management in education institutions, we understand the importance of providing secure digital environments for all staff and students.

The concept of “school safety” has evolved significantly in the last several decades to include cybersecurity, ranging from policy compliance, privacy, and data protection to common cybersecurity threats like phishing attacks.

“We need to be taking these cyber-attacks on schools as seriously as we do physical attacks on critical infrastructure. Schools are the infrastructure of learning in America.” – Dr.

The past few years have reminded us how motivating and engaging video-based learning experiences are for students. In a recent survey, 75% of school staff now say that video captures students’ attention more than text-based content and results in more interaction with course materials.

The Microsoft 365 A5 security suite helps districts and schools provide safe and secure learning experiences backed by world class protection and consolidated into one cost-effective solution.