…As education becomes increasingly digital, hackers are focusing their efforts on schools more than before—are we ready?
By Allen OLAYIWOLA
Many children experience stress from school—exams, social pressures, and large amounts of homework. However, there is now an increasing danger that isn’t found in the classroom but hides quietly behind digital devices: online crime.
With Ghana’s schools becoming more technologically advanced, featuring the use of smart boards, online platforms, virtual education, and digital documentation, the need for cybersecurity within the education field has never been greater.
What reasons might hackers have for focusing on educational institutions?
At first glance, schools might not appear to be attractive targets for hackers. However, within every school network lies a treasure trove of data: student names, addresses, academic records, medical information, custody documents, financial aid details, payroll systems, and internal email communications.
In essence, schools possess a wealth of data but often lack sufficient security. Many institutions around the world—and even in Ghana—have already experienced ransomware attacks and data leaks, some of which have caused significant disruptions to entire academic periods. Cybercriminals are aware that schools are underfunded, inadequately protected, and face considerable pressure, making them easy targets.
A vulnerable point in an expanding online environment
A major challenge is that numerous Ghanaian schools function with restricted financial resources. When school leaders have to decide between improving computer facilities or supporting teacher pay, cybersecurity frequently gets neglected. Moreover, even in adequately funded private institutions or international schools, the level of security awareness might remain insufficient.
Systems might use old antivirus programs, weak passwords, or inadequate access restrictions. Cybersecurity is frequently viewed as “an IT matter” instead of a key concern. Additionally, as more schools handle their IT finances independently, there’s a growing chance that choices are made without sufficient security expertise or professional guidance. This creates opportunities for errors—errors that could lead to significant financial losses for the institutions.
The emergence of internal risks
It’s not only mysterious hackers from other countries creating disruption. Concerningly, numerous school security incidents originate from within. Dissatisfied employees or tech-savvy students have taken advantage of vulnerable systems to release confidential information, alter grades, or carry out internal ransomware attacks. These “insider” risks are more challenging to identify since they understand the inner workings of the systems. Usually, they stealthily access important files or login details—and by the time someone realizes, it’s already too late.
What can be done?
The main difficulty lies in time constraints. Educators, school principals, and administrators already have demanding schedules. Incorporating “cybersecurity training” into their responsibilities may seem challenging. However, neglecting it is no longer a viable choice. Security awareness serves as the most effective initial line of defense. Even a few trained individuals among the staff—such as IT leads, administrators, or headteachers—can significantly impact overall security.
Schools should begin by:
- Conducting basic cybersecurity workshops (without jargon).
- Establishing clear protocolsRegarding password rules, software upgrades, and unusual behavior.
- Creating response plansin the event of a data breach or malware attack.
- Exploring affordable security solutions, such as endpoint security and cloud storage solutions.
IT assistance doesn’t necessarily have to be provided by internal specialists. Educational institutions can collaborate with nearby IT professionals or state-supported initiatives to gain advice on optimal methods and cost-effective options.
Cybersecurity as a subject?
In the long run, Ghana needs to think about incorporating fundamental cybersecurity practices into school syllabi—similar to civic education or ICT. If students learn from a young age how to identify fraud, develop secure passwords, and grasp the concept of digital footprints, they will become more secure and informed digital citizens. Picture a generation of young Ghanaians who can safeguard themselves—and their future workplaces—from online dangers. This is an investment that pays off.
The author is an experienced cloud architect and systems administrator, known for guiding technical teams in developing creative platforms. As CTO of eSolutions Consulting, he has led significant initiatives such as the Office 365 implementation for Ghana’s government and the setup of infrastructure for the Ghana Revenue Authority.
Known for his effective application of new technologies, Allen has guided his team to several Microsoft Partner of the Year honors, reinforcing his position as a vital leader in technology-based business change. If you’re interested in learning how these approaches can benefit your organization, get in touch to talk about customized solutions for your growth path. You can contact him through[email protected] and or 054012303
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
