Security & Privacy


WatchGuard Adds New Unified Threat Management Appliances

Data security firm WatchGuard Technologies has launched four new mid-range models in its Firebox line of unified threat management appliances.

Ransomware on Target for 150% Increase This Year

More bad news on the data security front. Ransomware and fileless malware are both seeing large surges this year.

Education Networks Largely Spared in DDoS Escalation

Dedicated denial of service (DDoS) attacks were up by double digits in the first half of 2021. But somehow schools, colleges and universities, despite being favorite targets for ransomware and various other forms of malware, have been by and large overlooked — even as DDoS becomes a companion tool in ransomware incidents.

Student Device Monitoring a Threat to LGBTQI+ Students, Student Expression —Report

Student device monitoring disproportionately affects kids who cannot afford their own devices and, according to a new report, poses threats to student privacy (such as LGBTQI+ students who might be "outed") and creates a significant chilling effect on student expression.

K–12 Cybersecurity Standards Released, Along with Free District Self-Assessment Tool

The nonprofit K12 Security Information Exchange (K12 SIX) has released its highly anticipated cybersecurity standards of practice for K–12 schools and districts, a companion to the K12 SIX Essential Cybersecurity Protections released in August. The group also released a free self-assessment tool for information technology and information security leaders.

Education Sector Sees Massive Surge in Intrusions

A new threat report from data security firm CrowdStrike found that criminals engaging in intrusion into information systems are getting much more efficient at what they do. It also found that intrusions into academic systems are soaring.

Education Targeted by 'ChaChi' Remote Access Trojan

A previously unnamed remote access Trojan, or RAT, that had until recently been targeting local governments in France, has set its sights on the education sector in the United States. It’s being deployed by PYSA/Mespinoza ransomware operators, according to new research.

Internet Security Report: Fileless Malware on the Rise, Defenses Failing

Seventy-five percent of malware is going undetected by “traditional malware solutions,” according to a new report. And 74% of threats detected in the last quarter were zero-day malware, an all-time high, according to the researchers.

Malware via Removable Devices Nearly Doubles

Malware being delivered via removable media, such as USB drives, nearly doubled last year, according to a new report.

K–12 Expanding Services in Response to Pandemic

In the last year, to help its community of students, families, teachers and staff through the pandemic, K-12 districts began offering new services. Those included contract tracing, remote counseling and more.

Whitepapers