Your child is also in danger. Schools and unlordic universities towards cyber attacks
Polish schools and universities are increasingly the goal of cyber criminals. Reason? Overwater IT infrastructure, low levels of digital awareness and no systemic solutions at the European Union level.
According to experts, the education sector is today one of the most vulnerable areas in public administration.
The digital facilities of schools are their weakest point
Foreign Cyberszpieg groups – related, among others with China, North Korea, Russia and Iran – they are more and more willing to attack European educational institutions. Microsoft data shows that the education sector is the third most frequently attacked in the world, and on average every day 15,000 are sent. News with malicious QR code.
– Cybercriminals are looking for gaps in institution security every day. An attack on schools or universities is a chance to quickly obtain personal data or ransom for deciphering resources. Not only pupils and students can go to the leak, but also financial, health information or test results scientific – says Kamil Sadkowski, ESET analyst.
A growing number of attacks
CERT data shows that already 36 percent All ransomware attacks in the Polish public administration in 2024 concerned educational institutions. CSIRT NASK recorded as many as 450 incidents in just seven months – more than in the whole of 2023.
The attacks are increasingly destructive. In one of the poviats in Poland, IT systems were hacked, forcing the local authorities to appeal to PESEL numbers. At one of the universities, the operation of HR and payroll systems was interrupted.
Outdated equipment, people who are disturbed
Public educational institutions have a limited budget, which translates into a lack of modern equipment and effective security systems. The older, non -updated computer equipment is a “invitation” to steal data.
– It is not only a matter of technology, but also awareness. The level of knowledge of employees, students or students often does not keep up with threats. Openness and sharing information favors the risk – explains Sadkowski.
– Example? In Great Britain, obligatory cyber security training for university employees exist in 84 percent. cases, but only 5 percent Trains students – he adds.
