According to a June 2022 study, ransomware attacks affected nearly one million students in 2021 alone, costing schools over $3 billion in downtime. Many institutions that were hit spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to restore devices, recover data and improve their systems to prevent future attacks.
While it's impossible to avoid cyberattacks completely, schools can make wise investments to protect their infrastructure and valuable student data. These solutions can be costly, but grants and other funding options allow cash-strapped schools to improve their security posture.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) leads the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce cyber and physical infrastructure risks. Through CISA, schools can apply for funding through SAFECOM grants that can be used to invest in tools to develop and maintain cybersecurity risk management.
Many school leaders are already aware of funding for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) and Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS). Still, they may not realize that this money can be used for cybersecurity measures.
Cybersecurity solutions, such as antivirus tools and data recovery software, are a great starting point for schools looking to protect their technology and data from cybercriminals. However, these solutions alone may not be enough to close security gaps.
Investing in professional and managed services is crucial to building resiliency against cyberattacks. Here are some recommendations:
Bluum's Funding Advisory team can support you in applying for and using funding to invest in cybersecurity solutions and services at no cost. Our premium cyber readiness bundle is a simple, easy-to-use solution that can be purchased using SAFECOM grant funding. We also offer consultation, research, strategic planning and support to help you find tools to protect your network, devices and data from cyber threats.