At Avant, we are pleased to announce our latest initiative to enhance our commitment to cybersecurity excellence. We have officially signed the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Secure by Design Pledge. This significant step underscores our dedication to continued implementation of robust cybersecurity measures and promoting secure design principles throughout our operations.
By signing the CISA Secure by Design Pledge, Avant Assessment pledges to prioritize cybersecurity and integrate it into every aspect of our product lifecycle. This initiative aims to enhance resilience against cybersecurity threats and foster a safer digital environment for all our stakeholders, including educators, administrators, and students.
Educational Data at Risk
Educational institutions are increasingly prime targets for cyber threats. With a wealth of sensitive personal information and a growing reliance on technology for learning, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in schools cannot be overstated. From protecting student data to ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of education, cybersecurity is essential for creating a safe and resilient educational environment.
Schools store a variety of sensitive personal information about students, parents, and staff, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and medical records. Financial data related to tuition payments, fundraising activities, and payroll details are also at risk. The exposure of such data can lead to identity theft and financial fraud, causing significant harm to individuals and institutions alike.
In January 2023, CISA released Protecting Our Future: Partnering to Safeguard K–12 organizations from Cybersecurity Threats. According to the report, incidents between 2018–2021 have risen from 400 in 2018 to over 1,300.
These attacks can have major consequences on the ability of institutions to operate and can come with damaging financial impacts. IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2020 found that the average cost of a data breach for educational institutions was $3.89 million. Ransomware attacks, in particular, have become more prevalent and can cost a single district more than half a million dollars.
Cyber attacks can also significantly disrupt the educational process. For instance, one Maryland school system experienced a ransomware attack in 2020 that led to a week-long closure of all schools, affecting tens of thousands of students and staff. With the increasing reliance on digital platforms for remote learning, the potential for such disruptions has only grown.
Many educators and administrative staff lack adequate training in cybersecurity best practices. According to a survey by the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), only 12% of school IT leaders felt their staff was well-trained in cybersecurity. In 2024, their annual survey of school IT leaders revealed that cybersecurity is the top professional learning priority for 85% of schools. Implementing comprehensive training programs for staff and students is crucial to reducing the risk of cyber incidents.
It is imperative for educational institutions to be prepared for cyber threats and even more important that these institutions are working with partners and vendors that maintain a proactive approach to cybersecurity and the safety of personal information.
Educational Initiatives and Resources
In conjunction with this pledge, we are excited to announce a series of webinars and blog posts aimed at educating our audiences on cybersecurity best practices and the significance of the Secure by Design approach. Our first webinar in the series, School Cybersecurity: Key Basics Explained was held on July 11, 2024. Register to watch the recording. These resources are designed to empower our community with the knowledge to navigate today’s digital landscape securely.
Stay Informed
To stay up to date on Avant’s initiatives, including upcoming webinars and blog posts on cybersecurity and the Secure by Design approach, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, or Threads or sign up for our mailing list.
