The digital transformation of our education system has brought countless benefits, but it has also opened the door to a new and significant threat: cyber attacks. Schools, entrusted with the sensitive data of students, staff, and parents, are becoming increasingly attractive targets for malicious actors. A recent incident at a Victorian school highlights the severity of this issue and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in the education sector.
The Loyola College Breach: A Wake-Up Call
In late August 2025, Loyola College in Watsonia, Victoria, confirmed it had fallen victim to a significant cyber attack. The perpetrators, a ransomware gang known as ‘Interlock’, claimed responsibility for the breach, stating they had exfiltrated 591 gigabytes of data, encompassing over 430,000 files.
The stolen data, which was subsequently published on the dark web, reportedly included highly sensitive information such as the passports of current and past employees, detailed financial records, tax details, and even court orders. In their darknet post, the hackers described the college as “very poorly protected”, a claim that, while self-serving, underscores the devastating consequences of a successful cyber attack.
Loyola College responded by resetting the passwords of all staff, students, and parents and engaging external cybersecurity experts to investigate the extent of the breach. This incident serves as a critical case study for other educational institutions, many of whom use similar information technology systems, including popular platforms like Office 365 for emails and file storage. The interconnectedness of these systems, while efficient, can also present a single point of failure if not adequately secured.
Why Are Schools a Target?
Educational institutions are a treasure trove of personal and financial data, making them a lucrative target for cybercriminals. This data can be used for financial fraud, identity theft, and a host of other malicious activities. The Interlock group, for instance, is known to be financially motivated and opportunistic in its targeting, employing a “double extortion” model where they not only encrypt a victim’s data but also threaten to leak it if a ransom is not paid.
Enhancing Cybersecurity in Your School
While no single solution can guarantee complete protection, there are several proactive steps that schools can take to significantly improve their cybersecurity posture. It is crucial to move from a reactive to a proactive stance in defending against these threats.
Here are some measures to consider:
- Cybersecurity Training: Regular and ongoing training for all staff and students is essential. A well-informed team is your first line of defence against phishing scams and other social engineering tactics.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implementing MFA across all critical systems, including email and file storage, adds a crucial layer of security that can prevent unauthorised access even if passwords are compromised.
- Penetration Testing and Security Audits: Regularly scheduled penetration tests and security audits, conducted by certified professionals, can help identify and rectify vulnerabilities in your systems before they can be exploited by attackers.
- Incident Response Plan: Having a clear and well-rehearsed incident response plan is vital. This plan should outline the steps to be taken in the event of a breach, from initial detection and containment to communication with stakeholders and recovery.
- Secure Malware Protection: Using modern, secure malware protection on all devices can help detect and block malicious software before it can cause significant damage.
How Vertex Cyber Security Can Help
The incident at Loyola College is a sobering reminder that no organisation is immune to cyber threats. At Vertex Cyber Security, we specialise in providing tailored cybersecurity solutions to help protect your institution from the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. We currently provide cyber protection and advice to many schools and colleges, helping them to secure their digital environments.
Our team of experts can assist you with a comprehensive range of services, from penetration testing, security audits, ISO27001, Essential8 and developing and implementing a robust cybersecurity framework with the right MFA, Cyber Training, Malware protection, Log Monitoring and so forth. We can help you identify your vulnerabilities, strengthen your defences, and ensure you are well-prepared to respond to any potential incidents.
Do not wait until you become the next headline. Contact Vertex Cyber Security today for a confidential discussion about how we can help you safeguard your school, your staff, and your students. Visit our website at https://www.vertexcybersecurity.com.au/ to learn more.