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Action1 Finds Most Schools Underprepared for Ransomware and AI-Powered Cyberattacks Despite Rising Budgets

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AXON The article discusses Action1's report on cybersecurity in schools, highlighting threats and budget increases. While the report itself is neutral, Action1 is presented as a provider of solutions in this space, and its recognition by Inc. 5000 suggests positive company performance.

Report based on global survey of school IT leaders details rising threats, increased cyber budgets, and uneven adoption of critical security practices

HOUSTON, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Action1, a leading provider of autonomous endpoint management solutions, today announced the release of its Cybersecurity in Education Report 2025-2026, revealing that cyber incidents have become the norm in schools worldwide, with most IT leaders now adopting a more realistic view of their cybersecurity readiness. Despite rising budgets, persistent staffing shortages, and structural barriers continue to leave learning environments exposed to increasingly sophisticated threats, especially AI-driven phishing and ransomware.

Schools face growing cyber threats despite rising security budgets

Now in its second year, the study surveyed more than 350 school IT leaders and administrators worldwide, tracking year-over-year changes and benchmarking cybersecurity maturity across K-12 and higher education institutions. The findings expand on Action1's 2024 research and provide a comprehensive view of how schools are responding to mounting cyber pressures as digital learning and administrative systems become more integral – and more vulnerable – than ever.

"Education systems remain a top target for cyber criminals, and while school leaders are becoming more clear-eyed about the risks, many are still stretched thin," said Mike Walters, President and Co-founder of Action1. "This year's report shows real progress in how schools approach cybersecurity, but persistent structural limitations, including staffing shortages and outdated infrastructure, continue to leave learning environments vulnerable."

Key findings from the report include:

The report highlights a sector that is maturing in its cybersecurity approach but still grappling with long-standing, structural challenges. While schools are adopting more proactive measures and gaining realism about their cyber posture, gaps in staffing, training, and resources continue to expose them to risk.

To review the Action1 Cybersecurity in Education Report 2025-2026, please visit https://www.action1.com/cybersecurity-in-education-report-2025-2026/

About Action1

Action1 is an autonomous endpoint management platform trusted by many Fortune 500 companies. Cloud-native, infinitely scalable, highly secure, and configurable in 5 minutes—it just works and is always free for the first 200 endpoints, with no functional limits. By pioneering autonomous OS and third-party patching with peer-to-peer patch distribution and real-time vulnerability assessment without needing a VPN, it eliminates routine labor, preempts ransomware and security risks, and protects the digital employee experience.

In 2025, Action1 was recognized by Inc. 5000 as the fastest-growing private software company in America. The company is founder-led by Alex Vovk and Mike Walters, American entrepreneurs who previously founded Netwrix, a multi-billion-dollar cybersecurity company.

Follow the company on LinkedIn, Reddit and X.

SOURCE Action1 Corporation