Back-to-School Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Business During the Busy Season

As families gear up for another school year, the familiar rush of back-to-school preparations creates the perfect storm for cybercriminals. Cybercriminals are opportunistic, and the back-to-school rush provides a perfect camouflage for their malicious activities. Between new school supplies, tuition payments, and a flurry of online communications, it’s easy for even the most cautious individuals to let their guard down. But fear not, with a little awareness and proactive measures, you can protect your business, your employees, and even your families from becoming victims.

Why Back-to-School Season Attracts Cybercriminals

The back-to-school period creates an ideal environment for cybercriminals to exploit. Parents and business owners are juggling multiple responsibilities, often checking emails quickly between meetings or while managing family logistics. This divided attention makes people more likely to click on suspicious links or provide sensitive information without proper verification.

Additionally, the increased volume of legitimate school-related communications makes it easier for malicious emails to blend in with authentic messages from schools, educational technology providers, and other legitimate sources.

✅ Back-to-School Cybersecurity Tips

• Verify School-Related Links and Payments: The digital world is rife with imitations. Always double-check that any emails or links related to school fees, supplies, or online portals are legitimate. A common tactic is to create convincing but fake websites to steal your credentials or payment information. When in doubt, go directly to the school’s official website instead of clicking on a link in an email. This simple step can save you a world of trouble.
• Watch for Phishing Scams: This time of year, fake "school notices" or "urgent account updates" become particularly prevalent. Cybercriminals are masters of disguise, crafting emails that look incredibly authentic. Train your team to pause before clicking on any links or opening attachments, especially if the email seems a little off or creates a sense of urgency. A moment of scrutiny can prevent a major breach.
• Use Strong, Unique Passwords: This tip is a cybersecurity evergreen, but it bears repeating, especially with the influx of new online accounts for school-related activities. Encourage the use of password managers to generate and store strong, unique passwords. This prevents password reuse across personal and business accounts, significantly reducing your attack surface. One compromised personal account shouldn't lead to a business breach.
• Update Devices Regularly: From laptops and tablets to smartphones, any device used for school – whether by an employee or their child – should have the latest updates and security patches applied. Software updates often include critical security fixes that protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities. Neglecting these updates is like leaving your digital front door unlocked.
• Separate Work and Personal Use: In today’s hybrid work environment, the lines between personal and professional can blur. Remind your staff (and their kids!) to avoid mixing personal school-related activity with business devices whenever possible. This helps to contain potential threats and minimizes the risk of introducing malware from personal browsing onto your business network.

🚨 Watch for Common Back-to-School Scams

Be particularly alert for these trending threats:

• Fake school supply vendor emails with malicious attachments
• Fraudulent education software licensing offers
• Phishing attempts disguised as school fundraising campaigns
• Fake scholarship or education grant opportunities targeting business owners

The back-to-school season doesn't have to mean increased vulnerability for your business. By maintaining awareness of seasonal threats, establishing clear policies, and fostering a security-conscious culture, Canadian businesses can successfully navigate this busy period while keeping their digital assets protected.

Remember, cybersecurity is not just about technology, it's about people and processes. During times of increased personal distraction, the human element becomes even more critical to your overall security posture.

As you support your employees through their back-to-school transitions, you're not just being understanding you're making a smart business decision that contributes to your long-term cybersecurity resilience.