As schools become more digitally connected, they become prime targets for cybercriminals. Ransomware attacks against K-12 schools have exploded in recent years, rising 393% between 2016 and 2022. In the nearly two years between November 2022 and October 2024, another 85 ransomware incidents hit public school districts, forcing school administrators and IT teams to confront a growing cybersecurity crisis.

Unlike large enterprises, most schools lack the cybersecurity resources to defend against these threats. Small IT teams must secure thousands of users, including students, who often serve as an easy entry point for hackers. With outdated security tools and limited recovery options, many schools end up paying ransoms just to regain access to their systems.

Ransomware attacks on schools show no signs of slowing, but stronger defenses don’t have to mean added complexity or straining school budgets. With the right cybersecurity strategy in place, schools can close security gaps, reduce IT workload, and build resilience against future threats — without stretching already limited resources.

Why schools are struggling to stop ransomware attacks

Cybercriminals don’t need sophisticated tactics to infiltrate school systems when there are plenty of weak links available to exploit.

Student accounts and personal devices create one of the biggest security gaps. Younger users are often more likely to fall for phishing scams, download malware or use weak passwords. Without strong authentication and security measures in place, students can unknowingly open the door to ransomware attacks.

Schools also struggle with fragmented security infrastructures. Many districts use a patchwork of security tools — separate vendors for email protection, endpoint security, and network monitoring. This approach creates security gaps and requires constant oversight, something small IT teams don’t have the capacity to manage effectively. Without a unified cybersecurity strategy, ransomware threats can easily go undetected.

Recovery is another major challenge. Nearly half of all schools hit with ransomware end up paying the ransom because restoring systems is either too expensive or too complicated. Unlike corporations with dedicated security teams, most schools lack the expertise and funding for rapid recovery.

But reactive defenses come at a steep cost — not just for schools, but for the communities that fund them. A ransomware attack can halt instruction, forcing schools to cancel classes, disrupt learning, and divert already limited budgets toward recovery.

Without a proactive strategy, schools will remain vulnerable to attacks that threaten their systems and their ability to educate students.

How schools can protect their systems without overloading IT teams

A proactive approach to cybersecurity doesn’t have to be costly or complex. Schools can significantly reduce ransomware risk by securing student accounts, automating threat detection and capitalizing on available cybersecurity funding.

Secure student accounts with the same protections as other users

The simplest and most effective defense is multi-factor authentication (MFA). Enforcing MFA across all users — students, teachers, and administrators — ensures that stolen passwords alone are not enough to compromise accounts.

Beyond MFA, role-based access controls further reduce risk by limiting user permissions. Students, for example, should not have privileges that allow them to install software or access sensitive data. IT teams should regularly audit permissions to ensure users only have access to what they need.

Securing accounts also requires reducing exposure to phishing attempts. Automated email security tools can detect and block phishing messages before they ever reach inboxes, significantly lowering the risk of students or staff clicking on malicious links. Training programs can be a helpful tool to reinforce best practices, teaching users to identify suspicious emails and avoid common scams.

Automate security processes to reduce the IT burden

IT teams in the education sector are often small — yet expected to manage thousands of student and faculty devices. Manual oversight of security events is unsustainable, making automation a necessity rather than a luxury.

Advanced security platforms can continuously scan for vulnerabilities, automatically apply security patches, and monitor for unusual activity without human intervention. Continuous monitoring and automated patching reduce the chances of unpatched software creating an entry point for ransomware.

Automated threat detection tools can also recognize and respond to attacks in real time. When a system detects suspicious login attempts, unauthorized file access, or an unusual spike in network activity, automated workflows can isolate compromised devices and alert IT staff before a breach escalates. Without automation, these threats may go unnoticed until it’s too late.

Automation allows IT teams to focus on long-term security improvements instead of constantly reacting to immediate threats.

Take full advantage of cybersecurity funding opportunities

Budget limitations are a common concern for school districts, but grant funding is available to help offset cybersecurity costs. Many schools don’t take full advantage of programs like the E-Rate program, which provides funding for network security enhancements, endpoint protection, and access controls.

The challenge often lies in navigating the funding process. Some districts are unaware they qualify for grants — or that such grants even exist — while others lack the resources to complete applications. Partnering with cybersecurity specialists can help schools identify the most relevant funding opportunities, streamline the application process, and effectively allocate resources.

Smarter cybersecurity keeps schools secure and resilient

Cybercriminals aren’t slowing down, and school districts will remain a prime target unless they take proactive steps to strengthen their defenses. But protecting school systems doesn’t have to mean added complexity or higher costs.

Schools can significantly reduce risk by securing student accounts, leveraging automation, and utilizing available cybersecurity funding while easing the burden on IT teams.

A stronger security posture doesn’t just protect systems — it keeps classrooms running, minimizes disruptions, and allows schools to focus on what matters most: educating students.