Schools are prime targets for cyberattacks, and with Canada’s Bill C-27 set to introduce stricter data protection laws, administrators must take a proactive approach to protecting student information.

A recent webinar featuring Jim Laplante, Co-founder of The Process Pros and Paul Cleary, CEO of Horn IT Solutions, provided key insights into the emerging data privacy landscape and how schools can prepare. Here’s a summary of the key highlights in this webinar with a link to the recorded webinar. 

Why Schools Can Be Prime Targets for Cyberattacks

Schools store highly sensitive data, including student medical records, demographic details, as well as academic information. Cybercriminals see this data as valuable. 

Access to this data can be easily obtained by bad actors due to:

Legacy IT systems
Many schools use outdated software that lacks modern security controls. 

Flat networks
Poor network segmentation can mean that once a hacker gets in, they can access everything. 

Multiple entry points
Schools often rely on personal devices, school-issued laptops, and cloud apps, all of which introduce vulnerabilities if they are not maintained properly. 

Human error
Over 85% of breaches occur due to phishing scams and weak passwords. 

Ransomware attacks
Schools are willing to pay ransoms to recover lost student records and avoid reputational damage.

With attacks increasing and data privacy laws evolving, schools need to rethink their approach to cybersecurity and data governance.

Understanding Bill C-27: Canada’s New Privacy Legislation

Bill C-27 will replace Canada’s PIPEDA law and introduce stronger protections. The new laws bring Canada’s privacy standards closer to the EU’s GDPR.

Here’s what school administrators need to prepare for once Bill C-27 is fully passed:

✔️Privacy Impact Assessments Will Be Required

• Schools will need to vet and assess all third-party apps before using them to ensure that student data is protected.
• Schools typically use 100-200 apps. This means that every single one must be reviewed. This task alone can be an especially daunting task for a busy school.

✔️ Increased Accountability

• Schools must appoint a Privacy Officer to oversee compliance.
• Privacy policies must be clearly posted on school websites. Depending on the type of software implemented at the school, the privacy policies will need updating on a regular basis.

✔️Mandatory Data Breach Reporting

• Schools must report breaches immediately and keep records for five years.
• Failure to comply could result in significant fines.

✔️New Data Rights for Students & Parents

• Right to be forgotten – Former students can request data deletion.
• Right to data portability – Students must be able to transfer their records to another institution.
• Right to know – Parents can request a report on what data the school holds on their children at the school.

The Quebec privacy model provides a preview of these changes, meaning it’s only a matter of time before all provinces must comply.

Actionable Steps for School Administrators

To stay ahead of evolving regulations and threats, schools must take these proactive steps today. Here’s how:

#1: Strengthen Cybersecurity Protections

• Implement Two-Factor Authentication on all school accounts.
• Enforce strict access controls—staff should only have access to what they need.
• Upgrade and keep legacy systems updated to prevent vulnerabilities.
• Segment school networks to limit damage in case of a breach.

#2: Implement a Data Governance Plan

• Maintain an inventory of all software used and ensure vendors comply with privacy laws.
• Review third-party apps and cloud services through Privacy Impact Assessments.
• Adopt data retention policies—delete old student records when they are no longer needed.

#3: Improve Staff & Student Awareness

• Conduct regular cybersecurity training for teachers and staff.
• Teach students about phishing scams and responsible data sharing.
• Include cybersecurity policies in teacher training programs.

#4: Prepare for Privacy Law Compliance

• Assign a Privacy Officer or a dedicated IT team to oversee compliance.
• Make sure privacy policies are accessible and updated annually.
• Test incident response plans: schools should know how to react if a breach occurs.

Step 5: Address the Risks of AI & Emerging Technologies

• Schools using AI-based admissions or learning tools must ensure transparency.
• AI models should not train on student data without explicit consent from parents.
• Inform parents when using AI in decision-making processes.

Small School with Limited IT Budget?

For smaller schools with limited IT resources, cybersecurity and privacy compliance can feel overwhelming. 

Here’s how to manage it effectively:

💡 Start with low-cost, high-impact measures: Enable 2FA, enforce strong passwords, and educate staff. 

💡 Leverage external expertise: Partner with Managed IT Providers like Horn IT Solutions for affordable cybersecurity services. 

💡 Use free cybersecurity frameworks: The NIST framework offers free best practices for securing school data.  Also consider the following: What the New NIST Cybersecurity Framework Means for Your Business.

💡 Prioritize risk-based decision-making: Focus on high-risk areas first, like student information systems and cloud storage.

While the scope of the task may seem overwhelming, administrators can implement changes gradually rather than all at once. However, it is essential to take initial steps to secure students and ensure regulatory compliance.

Proactive Data Protection is Essential

With cyber threats increasing and privacy laws becoming stricter, school administrators must take ownership of data protection. Compliance with Bill C-27 and emerging privacy laws will become a critical issue for schools. By implementing strong cybersecurity controls, conducting Privacy Impact Assessments, and training staff, schools can build a secure digital learning environment.

🔒 Cybersecurity and privacy are no longer just IT issues. Data privacy and cybersecurity are critical to the success and reputation of your school. 

Watch the webinar in its entirety here: 

 

Need help improving your school’s cybersecurity and privacy policies? 

Contact Horn IT Solutions and TheProcessPros for expert guidance on compliance, risk management, and data security best practices.