Editor's Note: This is a new blogy by Joseph Earley, a Montgomery, West Virginia, native, who served 20 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a First Sergeant. His Army career included leadership roles in armored combat units, specialized assignments in Military Intelligence, and Armored Combat Operations, as well as Military Training Cadre at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Post-military Joe transitioned into  cybersecurity, earning international cyber and project management certifications including CISSP, CGRC, and PMP. Joe holds a B.S. in Occupational Training & Development from the University of Louisville and a M.S. in Information Security from Marshall University.  Currently, Joe works as a cybersecurity strategy and risk management professional and operates his consulting firm, Pinnacle Cybersecurity Solutions. The blog plans to be published twice monthly.

 

On January 18, 2025, the Harrison County Board of Education in West Virginia experienced a cybersecurity breach that disrupted operations and exposed critical vulnerabilities. While specific details remain undisclosed, this incident highlights the urgent need for cybersecurity training, modern safeguards, and a shift in mindset toward resilience and Zero Trust. 

 

Cybersecurity Training & the Human Factor 

 

Many cyber incidents stem from human error—whether through phishing attacks, weak passwords, or misconfigurations. Without proper training, employees and students become the weakest link in cybersecurity. Schools must implement ongoing cybersecurity training that 

teaches staff and students how to recognize cyber threats, handle sensitive data, and respond effectively to incidents. 

 

Assume Breach: A New Mindset 

 

Traditional cybersecurity relies heavily on perimeter defenses—firewalls, antivirus software, and access controls. However, modern threats demand a different approach: Assume Breach. 

 

Instead of asking, "How do we keep attackers out?" organizations should ask, "What do we do when they get in?"

 

An "Assume Breach" mindset encourages continuous monitoring, rapid detection, and well-practiced incident response plans. Had the Harrison County Board of Education implemented this approach, they might have detected and mitigated the attack sooner. 

 

Zero Trust: Never Trust, Always Verify 

 

The Zero Trust security model is a key defense strategy against cyberattacks. Unlike traditional security models that assume users inside the network are trustworthy, Zero Trust requires verification at every access point. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA), least-privilege access controls, and network segmentation can greatly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.

 

Cybersecurity Assessments: Finding the Gaps 

 

Educational institutions must regularly assess their cybersecurity posture to identify weaknesses before cybercriminals do. A comprehensive cybersecurity assessment includes penetration testing, risk analysis, and vulnerability scans. By proactively identifying gaps, school districts 

can fix vulnerabilities before they are exploited.

 

Building Cyber Resilience 

 

Cyber resilience goes beyond prevention—it focuses on how quickly and effectively an organization can recover from an attack. Schools must invest in incident response plans, data backups, and disaster recovery strategies. By preparing for worst-case scenarios, they can 

minimize downtime and protect sensitive student and staff data. 

 

Conclusion: Prioritizing Cybersecurity in Education 

 

The Harrison County Board of Education cyberattack serves as a wake-up call for educational institutions everywhere. Schools cannot afford to be complacent. By investing in training, adopting an Assume Breach mindset, implementing Zero Trust, conducting regular cybersecurity assessments, and strengthening resilience, they can better protect themselves from future cyber threats. Cybersecurity in education is not just an IT issue—it’s a fundamental responsibility to ensure a safe learning environment for students and staff.