"Device Complexity Leaving Schools at Heightened Risk of Ransomware Attacks"
Researchers at Absolute Software conducted new research that revealed the significant management and security challenges faced by K-12 education IT teams with the rise in digital learning and widespread adoption of 1:1 device programs. The researchers stated that the increased device mobility and complexity are leaving schools increasingly vulnerable to security risks and potential attacks. The use of devices became the primary mode of learning and connection for students and staff, and data shows that the total number of devices deployed across K-12 environments increased 74 percent from 2019 to 2020. The FBI stated that Schools are now the top target for ransomware attackers. Of all the reported ransomware attacks in August and September 2020, 57 percent targeted K-12 institutions. The researchers also found that schools have deployed an average of 6.7 applications to facilitate online learning, including 5.4 security controls, such as VPN, anti-virus, or anti-malware per device. The researchers stated that every new app deployed on an endpoint device increases the likelihood of collision or decay. The researchers also found that only 53 percent of anti-virus applications analyzed were found to be working effectively.