Over the past year, more than 20 school districts across Long Island have experienced cyberattacks, compromising the personal data of over 10,000 students. These incidents range from minor breaches, such as students accessing classmates' grades, to significant third-party intrusions affecting districts like Great Neck, Smithtown, Brentwood, and Hewlett-Woodmere. Experts highlight that schools, especially those with limited budgets, are increasingly targeted due to the valuable personal and financial information they store. Human error, including falling victim to phishing emails and malware, has been identified as a significant factor in these breaches.(New York Post)
The consequences of these cyberattacks extend beyond immediate data loss. Disruptions have affected various school operations, including afterschool programs, lunch services, and statewide testing. For students, the ramifications can be long-term, potentially impacting their credit scores and future financial opportunities, such as obtaining loans or credit cards. Despite increased state funding for education, cybersecurity experts warn that many districts still lack the necessary resources and training to adequately protect against such threats.(New York Post)
In response to the growing threat, some districts have begun implementing measures to bolster their cybersecurity defenses. This includes comprehensive staff training and system updates to mitigate vulnerabilities. However, experts emphasize that without sustained investment and a proactive approach to cybersecurity, schools will remain attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking to exploit sensitive student data.(New York Post)
Source: https://nypost.com/2025/05/12/us-news/long-island-school-districts-breached-by-cyber-crooks-records/
