The new school year had barely begun for some K–12 districts before cybercriminals struck.

In early September, several ransomware attacks against schools made headlines. The attacks halted online learning or forced officials to postpone the first day of classes — costly setbacks that compound ongoing challenges with remote learning.

Security experts are reporting an increase in the frequency of cyber incidents such as ransomware attacks, which have plagued not only schools but also businesses and cities. Across the nation, since stay-at-home restrictions went into effect, instances of cybercrime have spiked by 75 percent.

Against that backdrop, this year’s theme for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month has particular relevance for K–12 schools: Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.