Cyber Corner: Back-to-School Cyber Risks for Schools and Families

As students head back to the classroom each fall, they aren’t just carrying backpacks and school supplies, they’re also bringing laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other connected devices. Technology has become an essential part of education, creating new opportunities for learning while also introducing new cybersecurity risks.

From protecting student data to recognizing online scams, schools and families both play an important role in creating a safer digital environment. Here are three key cyber risks to keep in mind this back-to-school season.

Protecting Student Data Privacy

Schools collect and store a significant amount of sensitive information, including student records, addresses, health information, grades, and financial data. This makes educational institutions attractive targets for cybercriminals.

Parents also share personal information through online registration forms, payment portals, and school communication platforms, making it even more important to safeguard that data.

Tips for Schools

School districts can strengthen data privacy by:

• Limiting access to sensitive information based on job responsibilities.
• Requiring multi-factor authentication (MFA) for staff accounts.
• Encrypting sensitive data whenever possible.
• Regularly updating software and security systems.
• Training employees to recognize phishing attempts and suspicious activity.

Tips for Families

Parents can help protect their children’s information by:

• Using strong, unique passwords for school portals and online accounts.
• Monitoring children’s online activity and privacy settings.
• Avoiding the sharing of personal information on public forums or social media.
• Logging out of shared devices after accessing school accounts.

Protecting student information requires a partnership between schools, families, and technology providers.

Keep School Devices Secure

Whether devices are owned by the school or the family, they should be treated like any other valuable asset. An unsecured laptop or tablet can become an entry point for cybercriminals if it is lost, stolen, or infected with malware.

Best Practices for Device Security

Encourage students and staff to:

• Keep operating systems and apps up to date.
• Install updates as soon as they become available.
• Use passwords or biometric security to lock devices.
• Avoid downloading software from unknown sources.
• Connect only to trusted Wi-Fi networks.
• Back up important files regularly.

Parents should also remind students not to leave devices unattended in vehicles, classrooms, or public places.

Watch Out for Social Engineering Scams

Cybercriminals don’t always rely on sophisticated technology to gain access to sensitive information. Often, they simply trick people into giving it away.

This tactic, known as social engineering, relies on manipulation rather than hacking.

Common examples include:

• Emails pretending to be from a school administrator requesting login credentials.
• Text messages claiming a student’s account has been locked.
• Fake fundraising or payment requests.
• Phone calls asking families to verify personal information.
• Fraudulent messages appearing to come from teachers or coaches.

These scams often create a sense of urgency, hoping recipients will act before thinking.

How to Stay Safe

Before clicking a link or sharing personal information:

• Verify the sender’s email address.
• Contact the school directly using a trusted phone number if something seems unusual.
• Avoid opening unexpected attachments.
• Never share passwords through email or text messages.
• Teach students to question suspicious messages rather than respond immediately.

A few extra moments of caution can prevent a costly mistake.

Cybersecurity Is Everyone’s Responsibility

Creating a secure learning environment extends beyond the classroom. Teachers, administrators, parents, and students all have a role to play in protecting personal information and reducing cyber risks.

Simple habits—such as using strong passwords, securing devices, and recognizing phishing attempts—can significantly lower the risk of cyber incidents.

For school districts, regular cybersecurity training, technology updates, and incident response planning are essential parts of an effective risk management strategy. For families, ongoing conversations about online safety can help children build smart digital habits that last a lifetime.

Start the School Year Securely

Back-to-school season is the perfect time to review your cybersecurity practices. Taking proactive steps now can help protect student information, reduce the risk of cyber incidents, and create a safer digital experience for everyone involved.

At SeibertKeck Insurance Partners, we work with school districts and families to navigate today’s evolving cyber risks. From risk management guidance to cyber insurance solutions, our team is here to help you protect what matters most—both in and out of the classroom.