Information Technology

Information, news and features for the education sector IT professionals


abstract network

Extreme Networks Expands Slate of E-Rate Eligible Solutions

Cloud networking company Extreme Networks has announced an expansion of federal broadband E-Rate eligible solutions for K–12 schools and public libraries.

Side by side screenshots show a fake KeePass website that a malicious ad takes visitors to, and the real KeePass website

Ransomware Targeting K–12 Rose 92% in 2023, Malwarebytes Reports

New research from Malwarebytes ThreatDown analysts shows that 2023 was the "worst year on record" for education, with a 105% jump in known ransomware attacks targeting the sector and a 92% rise in ransomware targeting K–12 education specifically — with nearly half of those targeting U.S. school districts.

'Too Small and Too Slow': FCC Cybersecurity Pilot Proposal Draws Criticism

A week remains for K–12 stakeholders to submit comments on the Federal Communications Commission’s proposed 3-year, $200 million Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, and so far, most comments submitted have expressed significant concerns that it is too "too small and too slow" to help public schools defend against emerging cyber threats.

Districts, SHLB Coalition Applaud FCC Approval of E-rate Funds for Wi-Fi on School Buses

Beginning in funding year 2024, K–12 school districts may use E-rate funding for school bus-based Wi-Fi, connecting students on long bus rides — and, in some districts, connecting students in homes with no internet service — just as the Emergency Connectivity Fund expires.

Screenshot of security research identifying API vulnerabilities in Edulog school bus tracking platform

Vulnerabilities in Edulog Portal Revealed Bus Location Data, Parent Logins for 6M Students

Security researchers said this week that API vulnerabilities in the Edulog school bus tracking platform made the names and geolocation data of 6 million student riders available to anyone, and while the vulnerability has been fixed, schools that post their Edulog sign-up code on their websites are still at risk.

IT Spending to Top $5 Trillion in 2024

IT spending worldwide will grow by 8%, reaching $5.1 trillion in 2024. According to a new report from market research firm Gartner, AI is a contributing factor in that growth, but the impacts of generative AI won't be felt until the following year.

Centegix Debuts Safety Platform Uniting Its Emergency Response Tech Solutions

Incident response technology vendor Centegix has launched a new integrated, cloud-based Safety Platform that unites its various school safety solutions and connects with emergency responder partners, the company said in a news release.

a bar graph shows how E-rate applicants are using funds for connectivity in schools and libraries

Annual E-rate Survey Shows Majority of Schools, Libraries Want Cybersecurity Services Added

An overwhelming majority of E-rate applicants want the FCC to include cybersecurity services in the program, according to the 14th annual E-rate Trends Report released today by Funds For Learning.

MHEC Agreement Gives Schools, State Agencies Lower-Cost Access to SAS Viya's AI-Powered Analytics Platform

The Midwestern Higher Education Compact has partnered with AI and data analytics provider SAS to allow state education agencies, K–12 districts, and higher ed institutions across 47 states to access SAS’ Viya unified analytics platform at a significant discount, the organizations announced today at Educause.

Overall Malware Down Slightly in the Quarter, as Double-Extortion Attacks Increase

Overall Malware Down Slightly in the Quarter, as Double-Extortion Attacks Increase

Malware in general declined in the second quarter of 2023, according to a new report, even as double-extortion ransomware grew substantially.