Cybersecurity in K12 Education

For this episode of Safer Ed, special guests Frankie Jackson and Jeff Angle join us to discuss K12 Cybersecurity. 

 

The conversation begins by defining some cybersecurity challenges and threats to school data and information technology structures. From typical fishing cybersecurity attacks to the kind of vulnerable data, this conversation provides a great baseline for cybersecurity in K20. 

Jeff and Frankie provide insight into the diversification of cyber attacks, the factors and points of failure across K12, and the risk associated with unprotected data. 

Creating K12 Cybersecurity Success

In the second part of the episode, the trio discusses the effects of distance learning on cybersecurity and frameworks for cybersecurity success. As Jeff points out, the financial loss accumulated during the pandemic cybersecurity attacks was nearly 10X greater than in pre-pandemic learning.

A major key discussed in this conversation is the development of a culture and practice of cybersecurity. The challenges of establishing great cybersecurity hygiene are resources, funding, training, and leadership. 

The Loss of Trust in K12 Cybersecurity Breaches

As Frankie, Jeff, and James discuss throughout the conversation, there is an incomparable loss of trust due to a cybersecurity breach. Parents are invested not only in protecting their students but in protecting their investment in their schools. The importance of proper cybersecurity is communal trust in schools.

Advice for all CTOs

Overall, this conversation sets a great groundwork for school districts to assess, bolster, and create scaffolding for cybersecurity. To close out the show, Frankie and Jeff give some necessary advice to all K12 CTOs. 

Frankie’s advice for all CTOs

1. Adopt a framework
2. Creates assessment
3. Hire a 3rd party to evaluate your program

Jeff’s advice for all CTOs

1. Educate staff and students on single points of failure for cybersecurity breaches.
2. Don’t forget the physical component- protect your computers.

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