As students return to school, a Turn to Tara investigation shows there is growing concern about the rise in cyberattacks, particularly in the education sector.

Check Point Research, a top cyber intelligence firm, reports that education is now the most heavily impacted industry, experiencing an average of 2,000 attempted attacks per week—a 114% increase from two years ago.

The research also highlights numerous phishing attacks and instances of hackers sending malicious PDFs disguised as school board and PTA meeting invitations. Safety precautions include covering webcams, being cautious with remote class links, and educating children about phishing.

School leaders are advised to invest in robust antivirus software and provide regular cybersecurity training for students and teachers.

Here are some simple ways to stay safe online:

For Students:

For Parents:

For School Leaders:

If you have a back-to-school concern that you'd like Tara to address, click here.