The ROI of Cybersecurity in K-12

Investing in strong cybersecurity is a necessity in today’s digital landscape, where schools are prime targets for bad actors. Fortunately, the right security measures can secure your organization and yield a high return on investment (ROI). 

The typical measure of ROI in schools involves balancing student outcome data against costs. When it comes to cybersecurity, though, schools cannot fully anticipate the severity of a security breach. That’s why a solid school cybersecurity system is priceless.   

Strong security measures help schools ensure operational efficiency, save costs, and maintain a safe learning environment. Below, we explore how effective cybersecurity boosts ROI in both the short and long term. 

What does it mean to invest in education cybersecurity? 

Cybersecurity in education isn’t just about installing firewalls—it’s about choosing products with verified security measures, working with compliant vendors, and embracing cloud-based hosting for added security benefits. Schools should also apply for cybersecurity grants and build a culture of digital safety.  

When K-12 leaders take a proactive approach to protecting student and staff data—now and in the future—they can thwart bad actors and limit damages in the case of a cybersecurity threat.  

 How to safeguard your school cybersecurity 

• Evaluate Your Cybersecurity Systems: Conduct periodic evaluations of current cybersecurity measures and identify potential vulnerabilities.  
• Perform Ongoing Training: Provide training for staff and students on best practices for online safety and recognizing potential threats.  
• Implement Multi-factor Authentication: Enhance access security by requiring multiple forms of verification for users.  
• Ensure Data Encryption: Ensure that sensitive information is encrypted both in transit and at rest to protect against unauthorized access.  
• Partner with Reputable Providers: Collaborate with companies that prioritize cybersecurity and have a proven track record in protecting K-12 user data.  
• Future-proof: Secure and resilient EdTech infrastructure will be more adaptable to future innovations and expansions in technology use. 

 Top 7 reasons to boost your K-12 cybersecurity 

When it comes to education cybersecurity, it’s easy to see why K-12 institutions are big targets for bad actors. Schools often have limited cybersecurity resources, yet they manage sensitive personal data and work with numerous vendors.  

The exact reason why schools are vulnerable is the exact reason why they need to be protected: education is a field that connects entire communities. At the same time, schools can also leave entire communities open to compromised data, breaches, system downtime, and more. K-12 cybersecurity is crucial, and it pays off in many ways.  

1. Education cybersecurity can prevent financial loss 

Investing in cybersecurity reduces the risk of these breaches, ransomware attacks, or data theft that could result in significant financial penalties, legal costs, and reputational damage. This protection can safeguard their budgets for other academic needs. 

2. Solid cybersecurity protects student and staff data 

According to the U.S. Dept. of Education, the value of a single student record on the black market is $250 to $350. By investing in cybersecurity, schools can protect these valuable student records (including grades, health records, and personal information), ensure that students and staff feel secure, and avoid reputational harm. 

3. Compliance with legal requirements boosts education cybersecurity 

With laws like FERPA and COPPA governing data privacy, schools must stay compliant to avoid hefty fines. By investing in cybersecurity, schools can meet current regulations but also prepare for more stringent regulations in the future.  

 4. Reduced downtime and increased operational efficiency 

Cyberattacks disrupt school operations, but strong cybersecurity investments can minimize this downtime. Simply put, strong school cybersecurity leads to fewer disruptions and more time for teachers to focus on student learning.  

5. Fostering a culture of digital security and education 

Cybersecurity isn’t just about tech—it’s about people. By training students, staff, and teachers how to stay safe online with a human firewall, schools can prevent accidental breaches. Over time, students develop strong cyber habits that support a data-safe culture across the school.  

6. Cost savings on cyber insurance 

Schools with strong cybersecurity measures often qualify for reduced costs for cyber insurance, while insurance companies may continue raising premiums for less secure schools. By investing in these systems now, schools can enjoy long-term savings as insurance companies increasingly reward secure environments. 

7. Protection against emerging threats

Cybersecurity is an evolving field, and threats will continue to emerge. By investing in education cybersecurity today, schools can equip themselves to handle new types of attacks that emerge as technology develops. 

How AI helps security and education 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role in enhancing security in education. From detecting potential threats to ensuring data privacy, AI enables schools to better protect their systems.  

In schools, secure AI can create personalized learning experiences by adjusting lessons for each student and giving feedback based on their progress. It also helps make education more accessible to students with disabilities and can provide tutoring through chatbots, like PowerBuddy. This makes learning efficient and fair for all students. 

There are many consideration factors when it comes to evaluating AI tools for their cybersecurity. It’s vital to start an evaluation specifically for cybersecurity in education based on safety, accuracy, bias prevention, and sustainability.  

The importance of cybersecurity in education

By investing in cybersecurity, K-12 institutions protect themselves against current threats and also position themselves for long-term safety and operational success in the future. With robust systems as the foundation to their important work, K-12 schools and districts can remain focused on what really matters.  

How PowerSchool can help 

At PowerSchool, ensuring a strong ROI on your education cybersecurity system is our mission. With nearly three decades of experience, we connect the education community with secure, streamlined technology that protects over 18,000 K-12 organizations. Our commitment to secure-by-design principles, robust cloud security, and 24/7 monitoring ensures your school’s data is safe. 

Partner with PowerSchool today and access award-winning professional services and support to ensure your school’s success in the 21st century digital classroom. Explore our security measures and infrastructure to see how our solutions can work for you.