Information Technology

Information, news and features for the education sector IT professionals


Education Networks Largely Spared in DDoS Escalation

Dedicated denial of service (DDoS) attacks were up by double digits in the first half of 2021. But somehow schools, colleges and universities, despite being favorite targets for ransomware and various other forms of malware, have been by and large overlooked — even as DDoS becomes a companion tool in ransomware incidents.

Student Device Monitoring a Threat to LGBTQI+ Students, Student Expression —Report

Student device monitoring disproportionately affects kids who cannot afford their own devices and, according to a new report, poses threats to student privacy (such as LGBTQI+ students who might be "outed") and creates a significant chilling effect on student expression.

Kahoot! Completes Acquisition of Clever

Kahoot! has formally completed its acquisition of Clever.

K–12 Cybersecurity Standards Released, Along with Free District Self-Assessment Tool

The nonprofit K12 Security Information Exchange (K12 SIX) has released its highly anticipated cybersecurity standards of practice for K–12 schools and districts, a companion to the K12 SIX Essential Cybersecurity Protections released in August. The group also released a free self-assessment tool for information technology and information security leaders.

Cleveland Metropolitan Rolling Out Broadband to 5,300 Families

Cleveland Metropolitan School District in Ohio is helping to connect families to the internet for remote learning. Initially, the district is expected to push free broadband to about 5,300 families.

Ed Tech Use Continues Growth Beyond the Peak of the Pandemic

Google, Kahoot! And Zoom are the most-used tools of 2020–2021.

Education Sector Sees Massive Surge in Intrusions

A new threat report from data security firm CrowdStrike found that criminals engaging in intrusion into information systems are getting much more efficient at what they do. It also found that intrusions into academic systems are soaring.

Kahoot! Acquisition of Clever Nears Completion

Kahoot!'s acquisition of Clever has received the necessary regulatory approval to move forward. In a recent update, the company said the buyout will be completed "as soon as possible in the beginning of September 2021."

As Tablets Decline, Notebooks Will Drive Growth in Computing Devices

Computing devices are seeing slower-than-expected growth this year, owing largely to shortages caused by the public policy response to the pandemic. Nevertheless, overall growth in 2021 will be positive, according to a new report. However, that growth will continue to slow through 2025, with tablets actually going seeing negative growth. Education is one of the positive drivers.

Traditional PCs Seeing Double-Digit Growth Despite Component Shortages

Despite electronic component shortages caused by the public policy response to the pandemic, traditional PCs (notebooks, desktops and workstations) saw 13.2% year-over-year growth in the second quarter of 2021. However, largely owing to shortages, desktops grew at a higher rate than notebooks.