Unforeseen Threats Necessitate Enhanced Security in Educational Institutions
Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services, on the Need for More Robust Security in Schools
In an era of evolving threats and unforeseen challenges, ensuring the safety of students, staff, and faculty in K-12 schools is of paramount importance. Security in educational institutions must go beyond traditional measures, adopting a multilayered, multifactor approach that integrates technology, personnel training, and emergency preparedness.
K-12 security professionals can reduce risk by implementing strategies grounded in the core principles of prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Establishing strong partnerships with local law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services—both during simulations and in real-world scenarios—is essential. Collaboration ensures a swift and coordinated response in emergencies, maximizing the effectiveness of preparedness plans.
Whether it’s students remembering not to prop open exterior doors, teachers understanding the appropriate steps to take during emergencies, or school administrators managing communication with parents and first responders—everyone plays a critical role in maintaining a safe school environment.
Source:
Hanson, B. (March 24, 2025). Ballistic-Resistant Solutions for Schools: Trends and Best Practices. Security Magazine.
Hashtags:
#ProtectionServices #SecurityStandards #PublicSafety #MobileSecurity #SecurityThreats
Trusted Sources, Such as the Federal Government, Are Scamming Americans
Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services, on how scammers impersonate trusted agencies:
Scamming is on the rise. Scammers are impersonating trusted government agencies to steal people’s personal information and money. Many Americans are being tricked into granting access to their financial information by fraudsters posing as reputable organizations such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Amazon, and the United States Postal Service (USPS).
These scamming tactics send texts, phone messages, and emails with alarming phrases like “Your account has been locked” or “Due to unusual activity.” These scare tactics exploit victims’ judgment in moments of fear and panic, coercing them into revealing personally identifiable information and granting access to their financial accounts.
Source:
(March 26, 2025). Scammers Impersonated USPS More Than Other Organizations. Security Magazine.
Hashtags:
#ProtectionServices #SecurityStandards #PublicSafety #MobileSecurity #SecurityThreats
Ghost Ransomware Widespread Attacks on Organizations Internet-Facing Devices
Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services on Ghost Ransomware:
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) have issued a joint advisory on Ghost ransomware (also known as Cring).
The advisory, which is primarily aimed at network defenders, provides critical details on Ghost ransomware activities, including:
- Indicators of compromise (IOCs)
- Tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)
- Detection methods
The data used to compile the advisory comes from FBI investigations into Ghost ransomware incidents. It highlights how Ghost actors are launching widespread attacks by targeting organizations that use outdated software and firmware on internet-facing devices. These threat actors often exploit publicly available code linked to Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) to gain access to vulnerable systems.
The advisory urges network defenders to carefully assess the risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them. CISA also recommends reviewing the advisory and implementing its suggested mitigations. For additional guidance on ransomware protection, detection, and response, refer to the #StopRansomware initiative and the associated guide. More information on CISA’s Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals (CPGs), including recommended baseline protections, is available on their website.
Source:
Alger, J. (February 21, 2025). CISA and FBI Issue Warning for Ghost Ransomware Activity. Security Magazine.
Hashtags: #protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats
