Understand the consequences of data breaches of your students’ sensitive information. Use best practices for online tutoring for a safe learning environment.
Educational institutions have been investing heavily in digital technology. Yet, outdated legacy systems and limited resources still hamper the education sector. As a result, the cyberattack statistics for the education sector are astonishing. It’s one of the most targeted industries globally for ransomware and other cyberattacks.
Some cybercriminals target students and schools because children’s stolen PII has a high long-term value. Educational institutions store a lot of personal data about students. Apart from contact details, databases can also include medical, mental health, and behavioral data.
Tutors and educators have a grave responsibility to protect student data. The consequences of data breaches can be dire for children and educators.
The Far-Reaching Consequences of Data Breaches
Children’s PII includes their Social Security numbers, birth dates, and addresses. Hackers and scammers use it to commit identity theft.
Children have pristine credit histories and no debts. It’s a clean slate for criminals. They can open fraudulent credit accounts, buy property, and borrow money before the child reaches adulthood. The theft might remain undetected for years. This delay gives criminals ample time and opportunity to exploit the stolen identity.
Criminal identity theft is a haunting spectre. Criminals can combine a child’s stolen PII with fake details to create synthetic identities. These forged personas are hard to trace because they’re not tied to real individuals. They’re used to commit fraud and money laundering.
The Role of Student Awareness Training
A tech-savvy cyber strategy helps staff install everyday security measures. Basic cyber hygiene awareness can be an effective defense against cyberattacks. Reducing cyber risks for higher-level users, such as teachers and tutors, is a great start.
However, many incidents start with compromised students’ school-provisioned accounts.
When students use social media platforms, they sometimes overshare personal details. Cybercriminals can use tiny bits of information – like a birthday or celebrating moving to a new address – to build a target profile. Additionally, many students use the integrated payment systems on games and social apps. That’s a powerful incentive for attackers. They use phishing emails or messages to steal login details. Other methods include QR-code exploits or brute-force attacks. Some attackers buy passwords from different data breaches on the dark web.
Formal security awareness training for staff and students is a good investment. Several private companies offer online courses. But security awareness training should be baked into everyday conversations and online sessions.
Cybersecurity Best Practices for Educators and Tutors
Online and freelance tutors don’t necessarily have control over their employers’ cyber posture. Still, tutors can help to focus the educational institution’s cyber strategy. A solid framework will give them the right tools to protect learning sessions, students, and themselves from cyberattacks.
- Follow the organization’s cybersecurity and data privacy policy. Stick to established procedures to comply with applicable regulations.
- Get expert help. Cybersecurity experts can do a threat assessment, identify vulnerabilities, and implement better security. They can create an incident response plan. It should outline the steps each individual should take in the event of a breach.
- Choose the online tutoring platform and other digital tools with care. A secure platform should use end-to-end encryption for all sessions and file transfers. It should force students to use strong and unique user passwords. Also, activate its multi-factor authentication (MFA) rule to keep unauthorized users out.
Cybersecurity Checklist for Online Tutorials
Simple steps can stop a large percentage of cyberattacks in their tracks. And, while this checklist is aimed at tutors, tutors should pass along these tips to students. Incorporate it into online sessions.
- Store sensitive information on a secure, encrypted cloud storage service. If you store files on a device, ensure it’s locked in an encrypted vault.
- Use a reputable antivirus solution on all your devices. It should include a firewall and phishing protection. Remember to update all software regularly to patch potential vulnerabilities.
- Be prepared for a worst-case scenario. Cyberattacks often damage devices and corrupt systems. Data recovery and restoring affected devices are expensive. If attackers steal sensitive data or demand a ransom, the fallout will escalate fast. The educational institution — or tutor — may face claims of personal liability. Therefore, consider a cyberattack insurance policy. A comprehensive solution should include active assistance in the event of a breach. Also, sign up for security monitoring. A timely security alert about an exposed password for sale on the dark web may give you some time to act.
- Use a VPN (virtual private network) for all communications. It encrypts the digital traffic between your device and the internet. It keeps the session secure and prevents attackers from getting in. Encryption is particularly important if you or your students use public WiFi, such as at a library. Use a VPN even when you use a secure platform to add an extra layer of security.
- Hackers can crack eight-digit passwords in less than a minute. Use a password manager to help you create strong passwords quickly.
- Always protect meeting rooms with a strong, unique password. Do not share session links on public platforms.
- Guard admissions to the meeting rooms. Enable the platform’s waiting room. That allows you to check participants before they enter the session.
- Raise awareness of the importance of online safety during sessions. Teach students to be mindful of phishing emails. Emphasize the need to be cautious when clicking links. Remind students that each plays a role in a safer digital environment for the group.
Educators are the Primary Guardians of Student Privacy
It can be discouraging to dedicate limited time and resources to online safety. However, the threat is real and pressing. Educators are literally the “adults in the room.” They must take responsibility for their students’ and their own online safety. Those who protect the digital learning environment are the ones shaping the future of education.
