by AKANI CHAUKE
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – AFRICA is marking the International Day to Protect Education from Attack amid a surge in cyber attacks on the sector.
The day is commemorated on September 9.
While the focus has traditionally been on the physical risks to schools in conflict zones, the bigger battle ground in 2025 is digital.
The education sector has become the number one target for cyber criminals worldwide.
According to Check Point Research (CPR), schools and universities faced an average of 4 356 cyberattacks per organisation every week in 2025. This is a 41-percent year-on-year increase.
While all regions are targeted, Africa has seen a 56-percent surge to 4 463 attacks in 2025.
Lorna Hardie, Regional Director: Africa at Check Point Software Technologies, noted the modern classroom had shifted into a digital schoolyard built on platforms like Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom and Zoom.
She said these tools were designed to drive collaboration and innovation but are also prime targets for cyber attacks, especially those using artificial intelligence (AI).
“Without stronger ‘digital fences’, schools and universities are exposed to risks that directly threaten students, educators and even national innovation,” Hardie said.
Experts note the impact of cyber attacks on the education sector extends far beyond system outages. School closures and examination disruption caused by ransomware have forced universities offline for weeks.
In 2023, ransomware attacks cost educational institutions much more than expected with median payments reaching US$6,6 million for lower education and $4,4 million for higher education institutions, according to a Sophos report.
On the 2025 edition of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, Check Point said it was time to recognise that cyber security was now fundamental to safeguarding education.
Hardie said protecting the education sector required a prevention-first approach, with AI-powered defences, stronger digital perimeters and awareness across every level.
“Only then can we ensure that digital classrooms remain safe havens for growth and innovation,” she concluded.
– CAJ News