Back-to-School Scams: Increasing Threats as New School Year Begins

A Surge in Back-to-School Scams: What You Need to Know

As students gear up for a new academic year, emerging data highlights a concerning rise in scams specifically targeting educational institutions and their communities. The insights from DNSFilter reveal alarming trends that stakeholders in education should be vigilant about.

Key Insights from DNSFilter

DNSFilter, a cybersecurity firm specializing in protective DNS solutions, has observed consistent spikes in malicious online traffic as schools reopen each fall. Here's what their latest analysis reveals:

Pervasive Textbook Scams

One particularly concerning trend is the rise of scams focused on textbook financing. Last August, a fraudulent website dedicated to this kind of deception garnered over 3,000 search queries in just 11 days. Although that site has been shut down, the landscape is rife with similar scams designed to exploit students' needs for affordable textbooks. Experts are predicting an upswing in these scams as the school year commences, particularly targeted at college students who may be seeking quick solutions for their textbook requirements.

Impersonation of Educational Institutions

Another tactic taken by scammers involves creating counterfeit websites that impersonate legitimate school platforms. An example cited by DNSFilter included a campaign that launched multiple domains to mimic a school’s content delivery network. The domains were all registered on the same day, suggesting an attempt to appear reputable or affiliated with the institution. Researchers expect a rise in related scams, especially during peak times like the start of the school year and winter break.

Cell Phone Policy Changes Lead to Filter Challenges

In light of recent bans on cellphone usage in educational settings across several states, DNSFilter has analyzed the implications for internet filtering. With students more likely to use school devices for personal activities that might typically occur on their phones, they may attempt to bypass school-imposed internet filters to access games, social media channels, and other blocked content. Notably, the data suggests a significant year-over-year uptick in filter avoidance attempts, with increases of 15% in Texas, 57% in New York, and an alarming 70% in Florida. These statistics underline the need for enhanced security measures during transitional periods when students and faculty are given new logins and devices.

Protecting Against Rising Threats

With the onset of a new school year, it’s crucial for educational institutions to bolster their cybersecurity protocols. DNSFilter emphasizes that protective DNS can effectively filter out malicious domains before any connections are established. This proactive measure aims to intercept threats like phishing and malware, ultimately safeguarding the educational environment.

Ken Carnesi, CEO and co-founder of DNSFilter, underscores the necessity for vigilance among schools and their communities. He suggests that stakeholders must remain alert to the increasing likelihood of scams during what is intended to be an exciting time for students and faculty. "It's our goal to make it as difficult as possible for scammers to succeed," Carnesi asserts.

Conclusion

As the school year gains momentum, both students and institutions are urged to familiarize themselves with these potential scams and take preventive measures seriously. Awareness and proactive security steps can serve as the first line of defense against malicious actors motivated by the changing academic calendar.