Why Australian Schools Are Facing a Cybersecurity Crisis — And What To Do About It

Australia’s education sector is facing an escalating cybersecurity crisis. In recent years, schools have rapidly adopted digital technologies from online learning platforms and cloud-based systems to networked classroom devices. While this transformation enhances the learning experience, it also exposes schools to increasing levels of cyber risk.

Cybercriminals are taking notice. From phishing scams targeting teachers to ransomware attacks that shut down entire school systems, the threats are real and growing. Unfortunately, many school IT departments are under-resourced and underprepared, leaving critical data and systems exposed.

This article outlines the core reasons why schools are being targeted, and more importantly, provides practical steps that CIOs, CTOs, and IT professionals in the Australian education sector can take to protect their institutions today.

The Real-World Threats You Can’t Ignore

A ransomware attack on a public school in New South Wales last year resulted in a complete system shutdown for nearly two weeks. Not only was access to school records, assignments, and internal communications blocked, but the breach also exposed sensitive data about students and staff. The attackers demanded payment in cryptocurrency to restore access.

This isn’t an isolated case. Across the country, schools are experiencing daily threats, including phishing emails designed to steal login credentials, malware-infected attachments sent to unsuspecting staff, and compromised Wi-Fi networks.

These attacks result in loss of instructional time, data breaches, damage to reputation, and high costs associated with recovery. They also undermine trust among parents, students, and educators.

Why Are Schools So Vulnerable?

Schools face several challenges that make them easy targets for cybercriminals:

• Limited IT Staffing:

Many schools operate with minimal IT staff who are responsible for everything from device management to software support. This leaves little time or capacity for threat monitoring and incident response.

• Expanding Digital Footprint:

The adoption of laptops, tablets, smartboards, and other devices increases the number of potential entry points for attackers.

• Inadequate Security Controls:

Few schools have advanced security systems in place, such as endpoint detection and response (EDR) or managed threat detection.

• Low Cyber Awareness:

Teachers and administrative staff often lack the training needed to recognize cyber threats, and students are rarely taught cyber hygiene.

• Third-Party Risks:

Schools increasingly rely on third-party platforms for learning management, communications, and testing, which introduce vulnerabilities.

What Can School IT Leaders Actually Do?

Despite budget limitations, there are cost-effective, actionable steps schools can take to significantly reduce cyber risk.

Here’s how IT leaders can start building cyber resilience today:

1.      Start With a Risk Assessment

You can’t protect what you don’t understand. Conducting a cyber risk assessment helps schools identify their most valuable assets, existing vulnerabilities, and potential threats.

Use frameworks such as ISO 27001 or Essential 8 from the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) or engage a cybersecurity provider like Accucom to facilitate this process.

2.      Deploy a Managed Detection & Response (MDR) Service

Monitor user activity by implementing monitoring tools to detect suspicious activity and potential security breaches

Closely related to Security Incident and Event Management (SIEM) solutions, MDR provides round-the-clock threat monitoring, detection, and response - delivered by a team of security analysts. Schools gain enterprise-grade protection without the cost or complexity of building an internal Security Operations Centre (SOC).

Accucom’s partnership with Arctic Wolf ensures Australian schools receive timely alerts, actionable intelligence, and expert incident support tailored for education environments.

3.      Apply a Layered Defense Strategy

Instead of relying on a single tool, schools should implement multiple defensive layers:

• Identity: Use MFA, implement strong password policies and disable unused accounts.
• Access: Apply the principle of least privilege, granting users only the access they need to perform their tasks
• Implement a robust cybersecurity policy:Develop and enforce a comprehensive cybersecurity policy that outlines security protocols and procedures
• Endpoint Protection: Deploy antivirus and EDR solutions to monitor activity on all school-issued devices.
• Network Security: Segment networks (e.g., student, admin, guest, IoT) and protect your network perimeter with a firewall.
• Email Filtering: Block malicious attachments and spoofed email domains.
• Backups: Run immutable, encrypted and automated backups and test data restoration regularly.
• Secure mobile devices:Implement Mobile Device Management (MDM) such as Intune for all school owned devices.
• Secure the software supply chain:Be mindful of the security of software and applications used by your organization

4.      Train Your People

Human error remains one of the biggest cybersecurity risks. Schools should deliver ongoing cyber awareness training to staff and students. Focus on recognizing phishing, securing devices, and understanding the importance of updates and strong passwords.

Personalised programs and regular testing regimes that reinforce concepts are important to reduce the largest threat vector in your organisation.

5.      Develop and Test Your Recovery Plan

Create a detailed plan to respond to security incidents and minimise their impact. Regularly simulate cyber incidents and recovery scenarios. This helps school IT teams ensure backup systems work, responsibilities are clear, and downtime is minimized during an actual event.

Why Partnering Makes Sense for Schools

Cybersecurity is a complex and evolving field. For schools without internal resources to monitor threats 24/7, a managed security approach is essential. Accucom’s education-focused cybersecurity services offer schools:

• Proactive threat detection
• Incident response support
• Policy compliance
• Affordable subscription pricing
• Local expertise and support
  
  These services help bridge the gap between limited budgets and growing digital threats.

 Free Resource: Strengthen Your School’s Cyber Resilience

To support school IT leaders, Accucom has released a free eBook titled *Strengthening School Cyber Resilience in 2025*. This resource includes:

• A breakdown of the top cyber risks schools face
• Practical strategies for improving defenses
• A checklist for IT planning and investment
  
  [Download the eBook]
  [Read the July Newsletter]
  [Book a Free Security Assessment]

Cyberattacks are not theoretical, they are actively disrupting schools across Australia. Every day of delay increases the risk of data loss, financial impact, and operational downtime. But with the right framework and support, every school can strengthen its defences, protect its community, and ensure uninterrupted learning.

Now is the time to act.

Why Accucom

We are a trusted IT solutions provider helping Australian schools, aged care providers, and businesses strengthen their digital environments through tailored, cost-effective technology services.

With a deep understanding of the education sector, we deliver end-to-end solutions including cybersecurity, cloud, managed services, Microsoft services, and strategic IT consulting. Our partnerships with industry leaders like Arctic Wolf allow us to bring enterprise-grade security within reach of every school with local support, flexible pricing, and proven outcomes.