家課題 Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity

K-12 schools are a top target for cyberattacks and need layered defenses.

Cybersecurity is the top concern of K-12 IT leaders

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Education is the most-targeted industry for attacks

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The cost of a K-12 data breach in 2023

$ 1 M

Bad actors are targeting school networks and student data. Your defenses need to be stronger than ever.

Cyber threats are rising

Cybersecurity has become one of the most pressing challenges for K-12 schools. The rapid adoption of technology, increased cyberattacks targeting schools, and the sensitive nature of student and staff data have created a perfect storm for IT teams. From ransomware to phishing, districts face escalating threats that put learning continuity and safety at risk.

Yet, limited resources and understaffed IT teams make managing cybersecurity an uphill battle. Schools need solutions that proactively protect their networks, devices, and data—without adding unnecessary complexity to their workloads.

The consequences are rising, too:

Disrupted learning. Ransomware or other attacks can shut down digital learning and critical school operations.
Data breaches. Compromised student or staff data can lead to identity theft and long-term trust issues.
Financial losses. Recovery from a cyberattack can cost schools thousands (or millions!) in remediation, fines, or lost funding.
Damaged reputation. Being the target of a cyberattack can undermine trust from parents, staff, and the community.
Increased vulnerability. A single successful attack can expose weaknesses, making schools a target for future threats.

"I use Lightspeed Filter and Digital Insight in tandem as one of our technical control tools as part of our larger district cybersecurity and compliance strategy. From a data security and privacy perspective, this solution gives me a full picture of device activity and visibility into applications, services, and websites being used so I can act when necessary to block malicious sites."

アンソニー・パドノス

Director of Technology, Osseo Area Schools

ライトスピードがどのように役立つか

Lightspeed provides a critical layer in your cybersecurity defenses, blocking risky sites and apps before they lead to an exploit.

Zero Trust

Lightspeed’s Zero Trust approach delivers robust, K-12-specific cybersecurity while maintaining an adaptable learning environment. On-device filtering ensures consistent protection across all networks, safeguarding students and staff both on and off campus. With precise filtering powered by industry protection lists and SmartPlay technology, educators can confidently integrate safe, relevant content into the classroom.

This layered security complements existing firewalls and identity systems, offering districts comprehensive protection. Features like the Lightspeed Parent Portal provide transparency and empower parents, ensuring safety without sacrificing the flexibility needed for modern education.

Risky Sites

Lightspeed Filter serves as a critical first line of defense in protecting schools from cybersecurity threats. By blocking access to risky websites, phishing schemes, and malicious domains, it reduces the likelihood of successful attacks like ransomware or malware infiltration. With real-time updates from industry-leading protection lists and Lightspeed’s own categorization database, schools can stay ahead of emerging threats while ensuring a safe online environment for students and staff.

This proactive approach not only safeguards sensitive data but also minimizes disruptions to learning caused by cyber incidents. By filtering harmful content before it reaches users, Lightspeed Filter empowers IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than constantly reacting to threats. It’s a simple yet powerful way to enhance cybersecurity while keeping education uninterrupted.

Unknown Sites

Blocking unknown URLs is a key cybersecurity benefit that helps schools stay ahead of evolving threats. Unknown URLs—those not yet categorized—can harbor hidden dangers, such as phishing attempts, malicious downloads, or inappropriate content. By proactively blocking access to these sites, Lightspeed Filter minimizes exposure to threats before they can infiltrate school networks, ensuring a safer digital environment for students and staff.

This precautionary approach protects against the unpredictable nature of the internet, where new domains are created daily, often with malicious intent. By blocking unknowns, schools reduce the risk of breaches and ensure compliance with cybersecurity policies, all while maintaining the focus on safe, uninterrupted learning. Lightspeed Filter provides IT teams with the confidence that their networks remain secure, even against the threats they can’t yet see.

Rogue Apps

Blocking rogue apps is an essential cybersecurity defense for K-12 schools, addressing the growing threat of unauthorized or unvetted applications. These apps can bypass IT oversight, introducing vulnerabilities such as data breaches, malware, and non-compliance with student privacy regulations. Lightspeed’s solutions empower districts to identify and block rogue apps, ensuring that only approved and secure tools are used within their networks.

By eliminating access to rogue apps, schools reduce their exposure to cyber threats while maintaining a safe and controlled digital environment. This proactive approach not only protects sensitive student and staff data but also streamlines app management, allowing IT teams to focus on vetted tools that enhance education. Lightspeed’s robust app monitoring and blocking capabilities safeguard learning while minimizing risks.

Filter Bypass

Filter bypass poses a significant cybersecurity threat for K-12 schools, as students and malicious actors alike can exploit vulnerabilities to access inappropriate or harmful content, evade monitoring, or introduce malware into the network. Bypassing safeguards not only exposes sensitive student and staff data to risks but also compromises the integrity of the learning environment. Schools need a robust, adaptive filtering solution to prevent bypass attempts, ensuring consistent protection across devices, users, and locations.

Lightspeed Systems addresses filter bypass with advanced, on-device filtering technology that secures internet activity, whether students are on campus, at home, or connected to external networks. By combining real-time categorization and SSL decryption with customizable policies, Lightspeed provides a comprehensive solution to prevent unauthorized access and block bypass methods. This ensures schools maintain cybersecurity standards and focus on fostering safe, secure learning environments.

Trusted Partner

Lightspeed Systems has been a trusted partner for K-12 schools for over 25 years, offering innovative solutions tailored to the unique challenges of education. With a commitment to student safety and data privacy, Lightspeed adheres to the highest security standards, ensuring that schools can rely on us to protect their networks, devices, and sensitive information. Our technologies are purpose-built for education, combining advanced cybersecurity measures with seamless functionality that supports learning without compromise.

What sets Lightspeed apart is our dedication to transparency and compliance. We work closely with districts to meet and exceed data privacy regulations, providing tools that simplify compliance with state and federal laws. Additionally, our solutions are backed by industry-leading certifications, proactive monitoring, and 24/7 support, making us a cybersecurity partner schools can count on. With Lightspeed, schools gain not just a vendor but a trusted ally in creating safe, secure learning environments.

Stay ahead of threats with key industry integrations.

"With cybersecurity threats and data breaches on the rise, districts need to evaluate their current compliance practices to help safeguard their students’ data."