Throughout the first half of 2023, K12 and higher education institutions experienced 85 ransomware attacks, nearly doubling last year's recording, according to a new analysis from Comparitech. Unfortunately for the education sector as a whole, it's a troubling trend that shows no signs of slowing down, and it's costing schools a fortune in downtime.
During the first six months of 2023, the education sector saw a 179% spike in overall attack volume compared to the first half of 2022. The attacks are seemingly regular as well, with 16.6% of victims reported being targeted at least once a month.
Academic leaders should embrace focused investment in digital education, but the potential threats TikTok poses to their digital infrastructure are prompting schools to implement drastic policy measures.
Following Florida's TikTok ban across its public universities, at least five states have also issued similar restrictions, whether for its state colleges or universities—or both. Tennessee is about to make it six, pending the signature of the governor.
From "devious licks" to vandalizing school property, more districts are becoming aware of the dangerous TikTok trends that students can't get enough of. Then there's the fact that it can cause massive cybersecurity issues.
"TikTok's lack of data privacy measures are extremely concerning," wrote Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley in a memo to school leaders.
