Why Web Security is Important in Education Sector
                     Why Web Security 
is Important 
in Education Sector
Introduction
• Today, there is no single industry that is completely secured 
against cyberattacks. The cybercriminals in the past and even 
today have been trying to penetrate into the networks of the 
education industry using malicious practices. 
• The education sector has been witnessing the number of 
students rising every year, resulting in more connected devices. 
• This increased number of connected devices has exposed 
education to a large number of vulnerable cyber threats. Like any 
other sector, the education sector has also important data assets 
that need to be properly secured.
How Educational Institutes are 
Targeted
• Phishing Scams: 
In a phishing scam, an email is designed to fool the user to fall into 
the baits of virtually-created and trusted websites for gaining 
access credentials. A common method used to target this sector
• Ransomware and Malware: 
Here, the attackers hold user files for ransom. Ransomware and 
malware are injected into the systems of the educational institutes 
by a legitimate-looking file or an attachment
Which Data is At Risk?
• The financial information about the students and staff present in 
the educational institute
• Educational institutes have information about their stakeholders 
including- students, teaching staff along with other crucial 
information needed for smoother operations
• The educational data comprising of research work, lecture 
schedules along with the grading system for evaluations and 
assessments.
Challenges Faced
• Lack of Centralized IT System
In an educational institute, there is no centralized IT system. There are department-
level local networks based on individual requirements. A decentralized IT architecture 
makes it difficult to implement the same security policies pan organization
• Rise of BYOD Culture
The BYOD culture allows the students to carry their own devices for storing data rather 
than going for a central repository. Students don't have anti-malware software installed 
on them, leading to students opting for a pirated version of the needed software. 
• Internal Threats
Sometimes, the login credentials of a faculty, admin staff or students can be 
compromised by an insider resulting in loss of sensitive information
Overcoming Challenges
• Once the threats and their channels have been identified, the 
following countermeasures can be deployed for safeguarding 
their crucial information
i. identifying the top assets in the organization
ii. creating a detailed analysis of potential risks and vulnerabilities
iii. implementing a strong access control system based on the 
student's authentication role for preventing unauthorized 
access on the network
iv. creating strict cybersecurity policies and enhancing the levels 
of awareness
How VTMScan Helps
• ESDS VTMScan is a 1-click vulnerability, 
threat and malware scanner for the 
user websites and web applications
• It checks for vulnerabilities like- OWASP 
Top-10 Vulnerabilities, Cross-Site 
Scripting (XSS), LFI-RFI Detection, etc. 
• Performs open port scanning for 
security threats & checks Mail Server IP
• Provides a detailed report to the user 
regarding the vulnerabilities present on 
his website and web applications
Know more @ 
https://esds.co.in/security/vtmsca
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Concluding Remarks
Like any other industry, the education industry has also been under the 
cybersecurity scanner for years now. What’s important for this industry 
is that they provide a centralized system across their infrastructure and 
provide authentication-based role access to the actors (users) present in 
the network.
VISIT ESDS @
https://esds.co.in/ [email protected] 1800 209 3006