Why Secure HR File Management Must Be Your Next Priority
Ransomware attacks against schools, colleges, and universities are rising rapidly. In the first half of 2025 alone, education saw a 23 percent increase in attacks compared to the same period in 2024, with 130 confirmed or suspected incidents. The average ransom demand now exceeds $556,000 per case, according to a Comparitech analysis cited by Higher Ed Dive.
These numbers highlight a growing threat to education systems already stretched thin on resources. But what many school leaders may not realize is this: HR file systems are one of the most vulnerable and valuable targets in these attacks.
Why HR Filing Systems in Education Are Prime Targets
Many schools delay breach disclosure for months, leaving sensitive staff data exposed. In 2023, educational institutions waited an average of 148 days before reporting a data breach, allowing cybercriminals months to misuse personal information before victims received any notification.
When HR files are not correctly secured, the risk of identity theft, payroll fraud, and phishing increases significantly. In schools, human resources departments manage some of the most sensitive information in the organization, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Medical records and health benefits
- Tax documents and payroll data
- Performance evaluations
- Disciplinary records and investigation files
Without robust access controls, encryption, audit trails, and retention policies, these documents become high-value targets during a cyberattack.
Federal experts have flagged this as a critical area of concern. The U.S. Department of Education and CISA recommend that schools migrate sensitive data to secure cloud platforms and implement strong access management protocols to reduce risk and improve compliance.
The REMS Technical Assistance Center also notes that student and staff records are among the most commonly targeted data types in school cyber incidents. Their guidance stresses data encryption, segmented access, and real-time breach detection to protect operations and ensure privacy.
Additionally, the 2025 CoSN National Student Data Privacy Report calls for stronger infrastructure safeguards, encouraging schools to implement role-based access, formal data governance policies, and close collaboration between IT, HR, and administrative teams. These steps are essential for maintaining compliance and trust.
DynaFile Helps Schools Stay Ahead of Cyber Risks
DynaFile is a secure, cloud-based document management solution built for HR teams in education. Whether you manage personnel and student records for a K–12 district, university campus, or teaching hospital, DynaFile helps your team eliminate paper, reduce risk, and stay compliant with confidence.
With DynaFile, your team can:
- Convert paper files to digital in seconds with scan-to-cloud automation.
- Use barcode cover sheets to route documents to the correct folders instantly.
- Control file access with role-based permissions and encrypted storage.
- Monitor all activity through detailed audit trails and version history.
- Set alerts for expiring certifications, contracts, or policy acknowledgments.
- Integrate with DocuSign, Adobe Acrobat Sign, and PandaDoc for secure e-signatures and automated onboarding workflows.
- Deliver secure cloud storage that helps schools meet FERPA compliance standards and eliminate paper filing for hybrid teams.
DynaFile’s secure cloud storage, robust access controls, detailed audit trails, encryption, and retention tools help support compliance standards with FERPA, HIPAA, HITECH, SOC 2, and internal HR policy requirements.
What Your School’s HR Team Should Do Right Now
- Audit how sensitive HR documents are currently stored, accessed, and monitored.
- Choose a system designed for HR compliance in education, not just generic file sharing.
- Schedule a personalized demo to see how DynaFile can streamline your workflows while protecting your data.
The Bottom Line
Ransomware attacks in education are increasing, and HR records are at particularly high risk. Secure document management is no longer an option; it is essential to protect your staff and students’ privacy, reputation, and compliance footprint. DynaFile’s tailored solutions make it easier for HR teams to deliver audit‑ready transparency with cloud‑first security.
Frequently Asked Questions About HR File Security in Education
Q: What types of HR documents are most at risk during a ransomware attack in schools?
A: HR departments manage highly sensitive records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, tax documents, performance reviews, and disciplinary files. Without strong access controls, encryption, and audit trails, these files are prime targets for cybercriminals during an attack.
Q: How does DynaFile support FERPA compliance standards and safeguard staff records in schools?
A: DynaFile helps schools meet FERPA standards by providing secure cloud storage, role-based access controls, detailed audit trails, and document encryption. These tools ensure that only authorized users can view or manage sensitive HR files, keeping staff information protected and your institution compliant.
Q: Why should school HR teams replace paper filing systems with a digital solution?
A: Paper-based systems are more complicated to secure, slower to audit, and more vulnerable in the event of a cyberattack or disaster. A cloud-based solution like DynaFile allows HR teams to organize, access, and protect records from anywhere while improving compliance, efficiency, and data security.
Ready to get proactive about securing HR documents for your school?
Schedule a demo today and learn how you can protect sensitive records, simplify audits, eliminate paper, and transform your HR workflows.
