As schools become more dependent on technology, ransomware attacks against schools are increasing. To help schools worldwide proactively prepare for and respond to cyberattacks, IBM announced the first eight recipients of the 2022 IBM Education Security Preparedness Grants, totaling $5 million in in-kind services. Each grant will sponsor IBM Service Corps volunteers to address the selected school districts’ cybersecurity resiliency.
As the FBI, DHS CISA, and MS-ISCA anticipate an increase in cyberattacks against schools during the 2022, 2023 academic year, schools are bracing for potential attacks and the significant costs that follow. With cybercriminals continuing to view schools as compelling targets, IBM’s 2022 Cost of a Data Breach Report* revealed that the cost of a data breach averages $3.86 million for education institutions. While the report found that 49% of data breaches the industry experienced were caused by a malicious attack, nearly 30% occurred due to human error, emphasizing the need for proper cybersecurity training and education in schools.
The IBM Education Security Preparedness Grants program, now in its second year, received more than 120 applications from schools across the U.S. and will award six school districts with grants. This year the program is also expanding overseas with grant recipients in Ireland and UAE being announced today, and with recipients in Costa Rica and Brazil to be announced at a later date.
The 2022 IBM Education Security Preparedness Grant recipients are:
- Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence – UAE
- City of Dublin Educational Training Board – Ireland
- Cupertino Union School District – Sunnyvale, CA
- Rossville Cons. School District – Rossville, IN
- East China School District – East China, MI
- Newburgh Enlarged City School District – Newburgh, NY
- Goffstown School District – Goffstown, NH
- Prince William County Public Schools – Manassas, VA
“Cost of breaches are often crippling for organizations but they can also have lasting and devastating effects on educational institutions. A pillar of the National vision, the UAE has put education at the heart and center of its knowledge-driven economy for the post-oil era which is why it is our duty to safeguard its ambition to develop a first-rate education system. By awarding this grant, IBM commits to preparing the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence against cyber threats as we hope to expand our program in the future to protect the most critical asset of this nation’s development”, said Wael Abdoush, General Manager & Technology Leader, IBM Gulf, Levant & Pakistan
The grant applications that IBM received shed light on the schools’ levels of cybersecurity awareness, preparedness, and training, confirming that there is always a growing need for improved security education and skills across industries and around the world.
Key findings from applications included:
- Targets of Cyberattacks – One in four applicants has experienced a cybersecurity breach or ransomware attack, indicating that cybercriminals are taking advantage of the sectors’ security constraints.
- Absence of Readiness – The majority of school districts say they do not have a cybersecurity plan in place and have not received any cybersecurity training, increasing the security risk posed by human error.
- Lack of Resources – Just 20% of districts has personnel dedicated to cybersecurity.
Now in its second year, this program has already benefited schools across the country. Barrett Puschus, Director of Information Technology at Brevard Public Schools, and one of the six recipients of the 2021 Education Security Preparedness grant said “Before this grant, we were completely lacking in confidence in our cybersecurity. The IBM team came in and showed us how to create a cybersecurity strategy and plan for emergencies based on our needs. We feel optimistic about our cybersecurity posture today thanks to IBM’s help. The IBM team was populated with top-tier experts and our team benefited greatly from all their knowledge and experience. If you have data and systems worth protecting, as all schools do, this program is extremely worthwhile.”
IBM Service Corps volunteers are expected to be working with the schools to help them proactively prepare for and respond to cyber threats. Depending on each school’s needs, the engagements may include the creation of incident response plans, ransomware playbooks, updating technology, cybersecurity training for school communities, and more.
“We’re excited to be launching this program for the second year in a row as part of IBM’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives to help schools strengthen their security postures in response to the growing threats in the education space,” said Patrice Key-Rhone, Global Director of Employee Giving & Volunteerism at IBM. “At IBM we’re committed to supporting schools around the globe via our education and volunteer programs in order to help create equitable impact.”
