New School Year Brings Rise in Scams Targeting Students
As the academic year begins, protective DNS firm DNSFilter has uncovered a worrying trend of increased malicious activities aimed at educational institutions. Data indicates that scams targeting students, faculty, and staff spike every time school starts back, making vigilance essential in these times.
Types of Common Scams
DNSFilter's research highlights alarming patterns that educational institutions must be aware of:
Targeted Textbook Scams
One notable example includes a textbook financing scam that generated over 3,000 search queries in just 11 days last August. Although that particular domain has been taken down, similar fraudulent textbook offers are expected to emerge with the onset of the new school year, primarily directing their efforts toward college students eager to save on required materials.
Impersonating School Sites
Scammers have also been found impersonating legitimate school content delivery networks (CDN) using multiple domains registered on the same day. This tactic is aimed at appearing as if these domains were officially sanctioned by the school, thus misleading unsuspecting users. Increased scam traffic to school-related sites is observed during critical periods such as the start of the academic year and winter breaks, which should alert institutions to enhance their security measures during these times.
Effects of Cell Phone Bans
With many states implementing cell phone bans in partnership with educational institutions, there’s growing concern regarding efforts to bypass these restrictions. DNSFilter’s research indicates that students may resort to school devices for purposes typically associated with personal devices. Actions like attempting to access blocked gaming or social media sites can lead to an increase in filter-bypass attempts. This year-over-year growth in traffic aimed at DNSFilter resolvers has been especially significant in states that have enacted bans, with Texas showing a 15% rise, New York a 57% increase, and Florida a substantial 70% surge in such attempts.
Addressing Security Risks
As the school year starts, students and faculty are introduced to new logins and devices, creating avenues for potential security threats. This environment emphasizes the necessity of protective DNS solutions that can effectively filter out malicious websites before any connections are made, preventing threats like phishing, malware, and bypass attempts from infiltrating the system.
Expert Insights
Ken Carnesi, CEO and co-founder of DNSFilter, emphasizes the importance of vigilance during these excited yet vulnerable times. He expresses, "At a time that should be full of excitement, our data shows that schools and those they serve must be extra vigilant to avoid getting scammed by criminal opportunists. It's our goal to make it as difficult as possible for scammers to succeed." This highlights the ongoing necessity for educational institutions to remain proactive in protecting their communities from cyber threats.
About DNSFilter
DNSFilter stands at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation by protecting users at every click. Through the use of AI-driven content filtering and threat protection capabilities, they can effectively block potential dangers days before competitors even notice them. Their solution promises security for employees no matter where they are working, aiding in productivity while minimizing compliance risks and safeguarding corporate reputation on public networks. Unlike traditional solutions that may take days to implement, DNSFilter’s service can be deployed in just minutes, earning the trust of over 43,000 organizations worldwide. Discover how DNSFilter can be your ultimate defense in both corporate and hybrid network environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of scams are increasing as the school year starts?
Scams targeting textbook sales, impersonation of school sites, and attempts to bypass school security filters are among the most prevalent.
How can schools protect themselves from these scams?
Implementing protective DNS solutions to filter out malicious domains can significantly help in preventing scams and attacks.
Are there specific states more affected by these scams?
Yes, states with recent cell phone bans, such as Texas, New York, and Florida, have seen notable increases in scam-related activities.
What is the role of DNSFilter in cybersecurity?
DNSFilter provides AI-driven threat protection and content filtering, securing user interactions and minimizing potential risks.
What should students do if they encounter a scam?
Students should report any suspicious activities to their educational institution and refrain from engaging with potential scams.
