In early 2025 alone, global attacks against schools surged, exposing the growing vulnerability of learning institutions worldwide. But the risks aren’t only digital. Schools are grappling with growing physical safety challenges from unauthorized access to vaping and behavioral incidents that affect student well-being. Keeping students safe now means protecting both the digital and physical spaces where learning happens.
Recent data illustrate just how urgent this need has become:
- According to Check Point Research the Education sector experienced a 73% year-over-year increase in weekly attacks globally.
- In Canada, from late 2024 to early 2025, at least 80 K–12 schools and universities were successfully attacked and + 64% of Canadian educational services (over 250 employees) experienced a cybersecurity incident
- The Sophos Report shows that nearly 80% of K-12 institutions worldwide were hit by ransomware in 2024.
- The PowerSchool breach exposed the records of ~62 million students and ~9.5 million educators via a third-party support portal compromised by a staff password, shining a harsh light on vendor risk in ed-tech.
- A student health survey revealed that revealed that 79% of vaping teens notice negative effects such as low focus, poor grades, or reduced participation.
Building a cybersecurity Shield for Learning
With technology now driving everything from remote learning to smart campus operations, protecting digital infrastructure has never been more critical. Across Canada, technology partners such as Cloud Managed Networks, and organisations like Cisco, Fortinet, Arctic Wolf, among others, are leading the way in building a new kind of shield, one that safeguards the future of learning through smarter, more resilient network and physical security.
The cybersecurity shield is a living system that safeguards everything from student data and connected classrooms to the networks that power modern learning, and it evolves as schools do. It blends the unseen layers of digital defense with the visible safeguards of campus safety, forming a single, resilient ecosystem of protection. Behind the scenes, technologies like next-generation firewalls, endpoint and threat detection (EDR, MDR, XDR), zero-trust access, and continuous network monitoring work together to keep learning environments secure and uninterrupted.
A recent case study at the Wellington Catholic District School Board shows how a strong cybersecurity posture can dramatically reduce breach risk. Because of its robust defenses and proactive monitoring, the IT team detected and contained a serious cyber incursion within minutes, preventing a potential breach and proving the value of its approach almost immediately. The result: faster detection, better visibility, and more time to focus on supporting learning.
Supporting Safer, Stronger School Networks Across Canada
Cloud Managed Networks (CMN) has established itself as a trusted IT leader within the Canadian education space. It supports a growing number of school boards nationwide, helping to ensure their networks remain robust and able to support board growth, while strengthening their cybersecurity and physical security environments. CMN plays a vital role in modernizing and securing K–12 digital infrastructure and facilities.
Beyond traditional network management, Cloud Managed Networks takes a holistic approach to school safety, combining advanced cybersecurity frameworks with cloud-based physical security solutions to ensure students and staff are protected both online and on campus.
“Through our partnership with Verkada, we’re able to deliver an integrated suite of intelligent, cloud-based technologies – from video surveillance and access control, to air quality sensors, alarms, and mailroom monitoring systems. These solutions give IT teams centralized visibility and control, allowing them to respond faster and manage risk more effectively. By merging digital and physical protection, we’re helping educational institutions create safer, smarter, and more connected campuses across Canada,” said, David Frankland, Managing Partner, Cloud Managed Networks.
Strengthening Safety Through Smarter Technology
The impact of this partnership is evident at the Windsor–Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB), where A student survey revealed that many avoided using washrooms during the school day because vaping had become a concern. Cloud Managed Networks (CMN) helped the board explore options and ultimately pilot Verkada vape detectors, paired with cameras placed in hallways outside washroom doors.
This gave principals visibility when incidents occurred, without invading student privacy. The results came quickly. Eight of nine high schools reported a noticeable reduction in vaping incidents. Parents were drawn into the conversation and were provided with resources to support them at home.
“We knew we had challenges with student vaping, but the goal wasn’t to chase kids down; it was to change behavior. That’s what made the vape sensors so powerful. Parents became part of the conversation, and we gained greater confidence in how we protect and support our students.” Tom Renaud, Retired Senior IT Manager, Windsor–Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB)
Tony Anscombe, Chief Security Evangelist at ESET: “Cybersecurity in education is challenging, limited budgets, lack of resources, diverse types of user groups and a demanding environment make the process to deliver a secure environment complex. Due to the lack of budget and tight resources, many small and medium-sized educational institutions take advantage of single licensing deals that include everything from word processing and operating systems through to cybersecurity, all from a single vendor. This removes the option for a best-of-breed approach and the ability to build diversity and layers into their cybersecurity posture.
The education sector holds significant volumes of sensitive personal data, which is often held within cloud apps from third-party providers. Due to the nature and value of this data, the sector should be adopting advanced cybersecurity solutions such as endpoint detection and response, and with limited resources, using a managed solution – managed detection and response. But with the limited financial resources available, most education environments are restricted to a more traditional approach that leaves them and the sensitive data at risk.”
“Educational institutions today operate with the same connectivity and complexity as any major enterprise, but have a fraction of the resources to manage risk. Students and administrators find themselves in an increasingly tech-first environment, with cloud-based learning platforms, camera systems, and smart locks as regular features in most schools, which means a single perimeter defence is no longer enough. Schools need a layered, defence-in-depth approach that blends physical and cyber security practices.
Strong identity controls like multi-factor authentication, zero trust access principles, and continuous monitoring help protect digital systems, while modern physical safeguards such as smart locks and integrated camera analytics add an extra layer of safety. When schools align these controls and build a culture of awareness among staff and students, they are far better positioned to prevent disruptions and respond quickly to incidents. This balanced approach ensures that both the digital and physical sides of the school environment work together to keep students, educators, and their data more secure,” said Tyler Moffitt, Senior Security Analyst, OpenText Cybersecurity.
A Connected, Secure Future for Education
The next generation of schools is being built on trust. “Trust” that networks will stay protected, and campuses will stay safe. By weaving cybersecurity and physical safety into a single, cloud-enabled ecosystem, educators can focus on what truly matters: learning. Smart cameras, sensors, and access systems now work hand in hand with advanced network defenses to provide real-time visibility and proactive protection.
Vicky Bagwalla, Managing Partner, Cloud Managed Networks adds: “In just the past five years, the learning environment has evolved dramatically. Teachers now rely on a growing range of cloud-based tools to enhance lessons and manage assignments, while students engage with technology at nearly every step of their education. It’s a whole new game. Yet, despite this enthusiasm for innovation, both educators and students often overlook one crucial area: security. That’s where we come in. Together with partners like Cisco, Verkada and Arctic Wolf, we ensure that everything not only runs smoothly but stays secure and resilient against rising threats.”
This integrated approach ensures that students, teachers, and staff can focus on learning and growth in an environment that is smarter, safer, and fully connected for the future. Learn more about how technology partners are shaping the next generation of safety and innovation in K–12 education.
Yazmin Pascual is an experienced content writer specializing in B2B SaaS, cybersecurity, and eCommerce. She blends strategy and storytelling to transform complex ideas into content that is approachable and engaging. Outside of writing, she’s often exploring digital trends, shaping campaign ideas, or finding inspiration in great design and storytelling. Ypascual07@gmail.com
