AI and Cybersecurity in School Systems: Regaining Control in an Artificial Intelligence Era
In today's digital age, schools are facing an unprecedented risk due to the increasing embedding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in various tools and jobs. This rapid AI adoption, while beneficial for education and preparing students for the future workforce, also brings increased cybersecurity risks.
To address these challenges, schools need to find ways to enable AI use while mitigating risks. One solution that has gained attention is Itopia's SecureClass, a platform designed to help schools secure data from AI-driven threats and maintain control over their systems.
SecureClass, with its massive database of over 8 billion endpoints, is adept at monitoring suspicious activities. It allows schools to control what data can be shared with AI tools, ensuring data privacy and compliance with regulations.
The platform's advanced AI threat detection and automated policy enforcement capabilities were highlighted during a Tech & Learning webinar on April 8, 2025. The event emphasised the need for schools to take charge of their cybersecurity strategy, and SecureClass was presented as a tool that can help them do just that.
Key approaches include blocking risky AI tools, protecting sensitive student data, enforcing real-time security policies, and using AI-driven autonomous defenses. By implementing these measures, schools can balance the benefits of AI technologies with robust cybersecurity, maintaining data control and compliance in a complex digital learning landscape.
SecureClass is particularly effective in blocking suspicious URLs in real time, and it proactively unblocks them as threats diminish. This feature ensures continuous protection for schools, regardless of the location or device type.
The threat landscape is evolving, with bad actors increasingly using AI for malicious purposes. Schools cannot simply block AI due to its importance in preparing students for the future workforce. Instead, they need tools and strategies to defend against these advanced threats.
Chromebooks, despite a common belief of inherent security, pose increased risks as their use increases. Ensuring that cybersecurity protection works for all devices is critical. With SecureClass, schools can rest assured that their K–12 devices are protected, providing a secure environment for digital learning.
In the last 90 days, SecureClass has blocked over 18 million websites for suspicious activity around malware and phishing. This demonstrates the platform's effectiveness in safeguarding educational environments from emerging AI-driven cyber threats.
Continuous review and adaptation of cybersecurity strategies are necessary due to AI-driven risks. Schools must stay vigilant and adapt to new threats as they emerge. With Itopia's SecureClass, schools can be one step ahead in their cybersecurity efforts, ensuring a safe and secure digital learning environment for all.
[1] Tech & Learning Webinar: Taking Charge of Your Cybersecurity Strategy, April 8, 2025. [2] Itopia's SecureClass: A Comprehensive Solution for K–12 Cybersecurity. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.itopia.com/secureclass/
- Schools, in the current digital era, are leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for better education and workforce preparation, but the increased AI adoption also introduces cybersecurity risks.
- Itopia's SecureClass, a widely recognized platform, aims to help schools secure data from AI-driven threats and maintain control over their systems.
- During a Tech & Learning webinar on April 8, 2025, the SecureClass platform's effectiveness was highlighted, stressing the need for schools to take charge of their cybersecurity strategy.
- Key approaches of SecureClass include blocking risky AI tools, protecting sensitive student data, enforcing real-time security policies, using AI-driven autonomous defenses, and blocking suspicious URLs in real time.
- In the past 90 days, SecureClass has blocked over 18 million websites for suspicious activity around malware and phishing, demonstrating its effectiveness in safeguarding educational environments from emerging AI-driven cyber threats.
