Record-Breaking Ransomware Attacks Hit Schools & Colleges in 2023

2023 was a tough year for schools and colleges across the nation. Not only did they face the typical challenges of running educational institutions, but cybercriminals also turned their sights on them, causing havoc through ransomware attacks at an unprecedented scale​​. The numbers tell a grim story: this year marked an all-time high for ransomware strikes targeting the education sector, putting administrators, teachers, and students on edge.

So, what exactly is happening, and how can institutions defend themselves? Let’s walk through the key takeaways and how services like DaZZee’s Fortify IT can help schools stay one step ahead of cyber threats.

Why Are Schools & Colleges Prime Targets?

You might wonder why cybercriminals are so interested in attacking schools. The answer lies in their vulnerabilities. Schools often have tight budgets, making it harder to keep their technology updated and their defenses strong. Many still rely on outdated systems and software, which are easy prey for hackers. And the valuable personal information these institutions store—everything from student records to financial data—can fetch a high price on the dark web​.

The Impact: More Than Just a Technology Problem

The ransomware attacks on schools in 2023 weren’t just about encrypting data. These incidents caused:

1. Major disruptions to learning: Many schools had to shut down for days or weeks, leaving students without access to classes or assignments.
2. Financial losses: Institutions were forced to pay hefty ransoms or rebuild their systems from scratch—both costly options.
3. Data breaches: In some cases, sensitive student and staff information was leaked online, creating long-term identity theft risks.

Educational institutions are learning the hard way that cybersecurity isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a business continuity issue.

How Schools Can Fight Back with DaZZee’s Fortify IT

Preventing these attacks requires a proactive approach to cybersecurity. This is where DaZZee’s Fortify IT services come in. With a focus on small businesses and local governments, our solutions also align perfectly with the unique needs of educational institutions. Here’s how we help protect schools and colleges:

• 24/7 Security Monitoring: Our Security Operations Center (SOC) is always on guard, ensuring no threat goes unnoticed​.
• Zero-Trust Cybersecurity Framework: We protect beyond traditional antivirus tools, giving you a multi-layered defense that detects even the most sophisticated attacks.
• Dark Web Monitoring: Schools often don’t realize their data is already being sold online until it’s too late. Our monitoring tools alert you the moment compromised information appears on the dark web​.
• Microsoft 365 Security Audits: Since schools rely heavily on cloud platforms, regular auditing and hardening of tools like Microsoft Teams and Outlook can prevent email compromise.

Why This Matters

For many schools, the question isn’t if they’ll be targeted, but when. With each attack, the stakes get higher—not just in terms of financial losses but in lost time, trust, and opportunities for students. That’s why partnering with experts who understand cybersecurity and education, like DaZZee, is no longer optional; it’s essential.

Be Proactive: A Better School Year Starts with Stronger Security

The future of education depends on reliable, uninterrupted technology. With ransomware attacks showing no signs of slowing down, schools need more than good intentions—they need a solid plan. DaZZee’s Fortify IT services offer the tools and expertise needed to keep cybercriminals at bay and ensure students can focus on learning without disruptions.

Don’t leave your school’s safety to chance. Book a consultation today and secure your technology before the next attack happens.