Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

KnowBe4 Releases Report on Education Sector’s Preparedness for Cyberattacks

  • By Matt Jones
  • 03/19/25

Cybersecurity platform KnowBe4 recently released a new research report titled “From Primary Schools to Universities, The Global Education Sector is Unprepared for Escalating Cyber Attacks,” according to a news release. Multiple reports indicate that in 2024, the education sector was the most heavily targeted for cyberattacks, as many institutions don’t have adequate resources for comprehensive cybersecurity programs.

According to the report, both K–12 and higher-education institutions use third-party vendors for services like cloud storage, IT services, and software-as-a-service. Vulnerabilities in these third-party systems could affect all clients and institutions using these services.

The report also found that many schools and colleges mix modern and legacy IT systems to compensate for limited resources and the demand for modernization. This mix can provide attackers searching for an open door with access to either outdated or easily exploitable systems containing sensitive personal data.

Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigation Report (DBIR) found a total of 30,458 security incidents for the year, including 10,626 confirmed data breaches, the news release reports. Among these, 1,780 incidents (17%) were against educational institutions, and 1,537 (14%) included confirmed data breaches.

Finally, according to the report, Trustwave research documented 352 ransomware claims against educational institutions in 2023.

“Today’s classroom environment is becoming ever more digital, increasing the attack surface of educational institutions and creating an unprecedented level of cyber risk,” said KnowBe4 CEO Stu Sjouwerman. “Educational institutions have inadvertently become prime targets for sophisticated threat actors due to an overall lack of resources. The most concrete, effective step that an educational institution can take to secure vital and sensitive data is to ensure that all individuals who access IT systems are equipped with the proper tools, education and awareness to protect against cyber threats and reduce human risk.” 

Finally, the report indicated the significance of employee awareness training in mitigating security risks. Employee susceptibility to phishing attacks plunged from 33.4% to 3.9% in small educational institutions following a year of sustained training and simulated phishing attacks, the news release reports.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Construction Begins on 100+ Acre K–12 Campus Designed for Lakota Culture

    The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) and the Cheyenne-Eagle Butte School District in Eagle Butte, S.D., recently broke ground on a new K–12 campus that will cover more than 100 acres and serve students and families across 1,600 square miles, according to a news release.

  • University of Washington Opens New Broadcast Studio

    The University of Washington in Seattle, Wash., recently announced the opening of Sundodger Studios, a new broadcast, production, and content facility, according to a news release. The university partnered with Anthony James Partners for the design and development of the studio, which will host about 100 live broadcasts and 120 live videoboard shows per year.

  • Haws Corporation Marks 120th Anniversary

    Haws Corporation, which provides hydration and emergency safety solutions worldwide, recently announced that the company is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, according to a news release.

  • Sam Houston State University Completes Athletic Stadium Renovations

    Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, recently announced the reopening of Elliott T. Bowers Stadium after an extensive renovation project, according to a news release. The university partnered with Stantec and DLR Group for the project’s design.