Why Colleges Must Prioritize FERPA Compliance Now

At CyberStreams, we’ve seen firsthand how costly and damaging a data breach can be for higher education institutions. With student data increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, FERPA compliance is no longer optional, it’s urgent.

According to the 2025 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, data breaches in higher education rose by 68% in 2024, with FERPA violations costing colleges up to $250,000 in fines. The culprits? Often it’s unsecured systems, outdated controls, and staff who haven’t been trained to recognize modern cyber threats.

Real-World Risk: A Near Breach in Seattle

We recently helped a college in Seattle that experienced a near-miss. A phishing email made it past filters and duped an employee into exposing sensitive student records. Thankfully, the breach was intercepted before it escalated.

CyberStreams stepped in quickly, securing their network, implementing FERPA-compliant controls, and training their staff to detect phishing and other threats. The college avoided regulatory penalties and reputational damage, and now operates with much greater confidence.

What Your College Can Do Right Now

FERPA violations aren't just about fines, they also affect your institution’s credibility and student trust.

Here are three key actions every college should take today:

1. Audit Systems Regularly

Vulnerabilities can go unnoticed until it's too late. Our Cyber Fit Assessment identifies the weak spots in your current infrastructure and helps you plan a roadmap to FERPA compliance.

2. Train Staff Continuously

People are your first line of defense. Our 2-minute phishing drills and micro-trainings are proven to reduce click rates by up to 85%, and they fit seamlessly into busy schedules.

3. Secure Student Data with Encryption

From cloud storage to email systems, your data must be encrypted and access-controlled. CyberStreams can help you roll out FERPA-compliant tools quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion: Don’t Wait for a Wake-Up Call

Higher education is a top target for cyberattacks, and most schools are not prepared. With the rising threat landscape and increasing scrutiny from regulators, FERPA compliance must be a strategic priority.

The time to act is now, not after an incident. Whether you’ve already had a close call or are just starting your compliance journey, CyberStreams is here to help you protect your students and your institution.

📞 Schedule your free Cyber Fit Assessment today, because compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines. It’s about securing the future of your college.