The Costs of Phishing Attacks on Schools: Financial, Operational, & Reputational Damage

Phishing attacks have become a serious cybersecurity threat to educational institutions. Schools, colleges, and universities are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals looking to exploit vulnerabilities in their networks.

These attacks are not only disruptive but can also result in significant financial losses, operational setbacks, and reputational damage. In this blog, we explore the cost of phishing attacks on schools and how institutions can mitigate these risks. 

The Rising Cost of Phishing Attacks in Education 

According to many cybersecurity reports, the education sector is among the top industries targeted by phishing attacks. Schools store valuable personal data, including Social Security numbers, financial records, and sensitive student information, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. 

1. Financial Costs 

The financial impact of phishing attacks on schools can be severe, encompassing: 

• Direct Financial Losses: Schools may be tricked into fraudulent wire transfers or paying fake invoices sent by attackers. 

• Ransomware Payments: Many phishing attempts lead to ransomware attacks, where schools must pay large sums of money to regain access to their data. 

• Incident Response & Recovery Costs: Investigating and remediating a phishing attack requires hiring cybersecurity experts, restoring systems, and implementing stronger security measures. 

• Regulatory Fines & Legal Fees: Schools that fail to protect student data may face fines due to non-compliance with regulations such as FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). 

According to a report by the research group Comparitech, in 2022, cyberattacks cost schools and colleges an estimated $9.45 billion in downtime alone.  

Then, recovery can cost schools $300,000, while insurance premiums can soar 300%. 

2. Operational Disruptions 

Phishing attacks can cripple school operations, causing: 

• Loss of Access to Critical Systems: When attackers compromise email accounts or learning management systems, teachers and students may lose access to educational tools. 

• School Closures & Class Disruptions: Ransomware attacks linked to phishing emails have led to temporary school shutdowns, delaying academic progress. 

• IT Downtime: IT teams must dedicate hours or days to restoring affected systems, diverting resources from other essential technology support tasks. 

According to a 2022 U.S. Government Accountability Office report, it can take up to three weeks for classes to get back to normal after an attack; it's taken some districts nine months to recover. 

3. Reputational Damage 

The long-term impact of a phishing attack can harm a school’s reputation: 

• Loss of Trust: Parents, students, and faculty may lose confidence in the institution’s ability to protect sensitive information. 

• Negative Media Coverage: Publicized breaches can damage the school’s image, affecting student enrollment and funding opportunities. 

• Difficulty in Attracting Talent: Cybersecurity vulnerabilities can deter prospective teachers and staff from joining the institution. 

How Schools Can Reduce the Cost of Phishing Attacks 

To minimize the financial and operational impact of phishing attacks, schools should adopt the following cybersecurity measures: 

1. Cybersecurity Awareness Training 

• Educate staff, students, and administrators on recognizing phishing emails and reporting suspicious activity. 
• Conduct regular phishing simulations to assess awareness and preparedness. 

2. Strong Authentication & Access Controls 

• Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to prevent unauthorized access to school networks. 
• Enforce strong password policies and periodic password changes. 

3. Advanced Email Security Measures 

• Use email filtering systems to detect and block phishing emails before they reach inboxes. 
• Implement domain authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to reduce email spoofing. 

4. Incident Response & Data Backup 

• Develop a clear incident response plan to react swiftly to phishing attacks. 
• Regularly back up important data and store copies securely offline to avoid ransomware-related losses. 

5. Investment in Cybersecurity Solutions 

• Employ endpoint security and intrusion detection systems to monitor and prevent cyber threats. 

• Partner with cybersecurity experts to conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability testing. 

Become Cyber Resilient with the Help of Sourcepass GOV  

Invest in proactive cybersecurity measures to help protect students, staff, and resources from devastating attacks.  

Stay ahead of technology trends with Sourcepass GOV. Speak with an expert today to learn more about securing your digital environment and maintaining the trust of your communities.