7 Must-Do Tech Safety Checks Before Your School Reopens 

As schools gear up to welcome students back, ensuring a secure technological environment is vital. With the growing use of digital tools in education, from smart classrooms to online learning platforms, Digital safety for students has become a top priority. Schools must perform thorough tech safety checks to protect students, teachers, and sensitive data. Here are seven essential checks to prioritize before your school reopens. 

1. Update All Software and Systems 

Outdated software is a major vulnerability for cyberattacks. Before reopening, ensure that all school devices, including computers, tablets, and digital boards, run the latest operating systems and software versions. This includes learning management systems, administrative tools, and classroom apps. Regular updates provide critical security patches to safeguard against threats. 

• Action Steps – Task your IT team with checking for updates across all devices. Enable automatic updates to prevent future gaps. Confirm that antivirus and anti-malware programs are up-to-date and active on every device. 

• Why It Matters – Cybersecurity for schools is critical, as unpatched software is a leading cause of data breaches in Indian educational institutions, according to a 2023 government report. Updated systems reduce these risks significantly. 

2. Strengthen Network Security 

School Wi-Fi networks handle numerous devices daily, from student tablets to staff laptops. An unsecured network can expose sensitive data, such as student records or teacher information, to hackers risking digital safety of students. Prioritize a thorough network security review before the academic year begins. 

• Action Steps – Change default router passwords, enable WPA3 encryption (or WPA2 if unavailable), and segment networks to separate student, staff, and guest access. Install firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor suspicious activity. 

• Why It Matters – Robust network security, a key aspect of cybersecurity for schools, ensures safe access to online learning tools and prevents disruptions from cyberattacks, which are rising in schools. 

3. Test and Secure Online Learning Platforms 

With digital learning platforms like Google Classroom or locally developed apps gaining popularity in India, schools must ensure these systems are secure and reliable. Platforms must handle high user loads without compromising data privacy. 

• Action Steps – Perform stress tests to simulate peak usage. Implement secure authentication methods like two-factor authentication (2FA) for teachers and students. Verify compliance with India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP Act) 2023. 

• Why It Matters – A 2024 survey by an Indian EdTech consortium found that 55% of schools faced platform outages or security issues. Testing enhances cybersecurity for schools, ensuring uninterrupted learning and data protection. 

4. Train Teachers and Students on Cybersecurity Practices 

Human error is a significant cause of security breaches. Phishing emails, weak passwords, and unsafe browsing habits can undermine even the best systems. Before reopening, prioritize cybersecurity training tailored to the school context. 

• Action Steps – Conduct workshops to teach teachers and students how to spot phishing attempts, create strong passwords, and avoid sharing sensitive information online. Provide guidelines on safe use of school devices and networks, emphasizing local threats like fake scholarship scams. 

• Why It Matters – Cybersecurity for schools relies heavily on user awareness. Educating the school community reduces risks, as 65% of breaches in Indian institutions in 2024 were linked to human error, per a cybersecurity report. 

5. Audit and Protect Student Data 

Student data, including personal details and academic records, is a prime target for cybercriminals. Before reopening, audit how this data is stored, accessed, and shared to ensure compliance with Indian regulations. 

• Action Steps – Encrypt data both in transit and at rest. Limit access to authorized personnel only. Review third-party vendors, such as cloud providers, for compliance with the DPDP Act. Use secure backups to prevent data loss. 

• Why It Matters – Data breaches can lead to identity theft and legal issues. A robust audit strengthens cybersecurity for schools, building trust with parents and ensuring compliance with Indian privacy laws. 

6. Maintain Classroom Technology 

Smartboards, projectors, and other classroom tech are integral to modern Indian schools but can pose risks if not maintained. Faulty devices can disrupt lessons and create safety hazards. 

• Action Steps – Inspect hardware for physical damage, outdated firmware, or connectivity issues. Repair or replace malfunctioning equipment. Ensure devices are securely installed to prevent accidents in crowded classrooms. 

• Why It Matters – Well-maintained technology supports effective teaching and prevents costly replacements. Regular checks also reduce risks like electrical faults, common in schools with aging infrastructure. 

7. Engage Cybersecurity Professionals 

Cybersecurity for schools can be complex, especially for institutions with limited IT resources. Partnering with cybersecurity professionals or agencies specializing in education provides expert solutions tailored to schools. 

• Action Steps – Hire a reputable cybersecurity firm to conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing. Implement their recommendations for advanced threat detection and ongoing monitoring. Ensure compliance with Indian regulations like the DPDP Act and IT Act 2000. 

• Why It Matters – Experts enhance cybersecurity for schools by identifying hidden risks and strengthening defenses. A 2024 study by an Indian cybersecurity agency noted that schools working with professionals reduced breach recovery time by 50%. 

Conclusion 

As schools reopen, technology is central to delivering quality education. By prioritizing these seven tech safety checks, updating software, securing networks, testing platforms, training users, auditing data, maintaining hardware, and engaging cybersecurity professionals, schools can ensure digital safety for students and provide a safe and efficient digital environment. Investing in cybersecurity for schools ensures a protected learning space, fostering trust, and enabling a successful academic year.