In France, one in two educational institutions has already been the target of a phishing attempt or a cyber attack. Yet, the majority of security incidents still stem from everyday behaviors: shared passwords, opening attachments without verification, or posting personal information on an educational platform.
Vulnerabilities are not only found in systems but also in habits. The vigilance of supervising adults and the gradual learning of good digital reflexes by younger individuals become crucial to limit risks and protect both school and personal data.
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Why digital security has become a major issue at school and at home
The risks associated with digital technology no longer spare French educational institutions or families. Cyber attacks are intensifying, accompanied by data theft, phishing attempts, intrusions into ENT, and educational messaging systems. According to a report from the Ministry of National Education, alerts regarding these incidents surged by over 30% in 2023. The rise of collaborative tools and the increasing presence on social networks expose students, teachers, and parents to new dangers, often poorly understood or underestimated.
Now, cybersecurity is part of daily life: classrooms, administrative offices, family living rooms. Awareness campaigns led by ANSSI or shared through PHAROS are not enough to stop the attacks. The Cactus Operation, which destabilized several institutions, has proven this: it is time to make cyber-resilience a true shared reflex.
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At every level of the education system, the question of managing access and passwords, choosing secure tools like Caen webmail, and being vigilant against fake profiles and misleading messages is essential. Families are also concerned. The role of parents, their ability to convey good practices and remain attentive to their children’s digital lives, is crucial in building a culture of security, which is still too rare in France.
Good reflexes to share with young people for safe navigation on the Internet
Developing true digital hygiene among students begins as soon as they take their first steps online. Simple, repeated actions quickly become automatic. Experience shows that it is not about imposing but about transmitting, explaining, and concretely demonstrating what works, whether in class, at home, or among peers.
Here are essential practices to integrate as soon as one ventures online:
- Choose strong and different passwords for each service used, and rely on password managers suitable for the school environment.
- Systematically verify the sender before clicking on a link or opening an attachment, to avoid falling into the trap of phishing.
- Set privacy settings on social networks to limit the circulation of personal information.
The family cyber guide developed by the Ministry of Education encourages making these reflexes true habits. In several academies, such as Versailles, cybersecurity referents emphasize: the vigilance of everyone—youth, parents, teachers—is the most reliable defense against attacks.
Training, empowering, supporting
Acquiring solid digital skills requires time and support. Ongoing training for teachers, access to reliable resources, and concrete support for families are among the levers already in place. Initiatives from Campus Cyber, workshops on Open Source Intelligence (OSINT): these are all opportunities to discover cybersecurity professions and build, starting today, a generation of informed and responsible users.
In the face of accelerating threats, digital security is no longer just a matter for experts. It is a collective reflex to cultivate at every moment, so that school and home remain safe havens, not hunting grounds for cybercriminals.