In recent years, there has been an intensified focus on cybersecurity within the K-12 educational sector, driven by local, state, and federal agencies. Notably, between 2023 and 2024, several pivotal reports have been released, offering strategic guidance tailored to the K-12 environment:
- “Protecting our Future: Partnering to Safeguard K-12 Organizations from Cybersecurity Threats” by the US Department of Homeland Security and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (January 2023)
- “K12 Digital Infrastructure: Defensible and Resilient” by the US Department of Education (August 2023)
- “K12 SIX Essential Cybersecurity Protections: 2022-2023/2023-2024” by K12 SIX (Annually)
- “Cybersecurity Guidance for K-12 Technology Acquisitions” by CISA (August 2023)
These documents converge on a set of best practices and core principles for the K-12 cybersecurity landscape. While the recommendations are essential, translating them into practice within diverse organizational cultures and political climates presents challenges.
Our session will outline effective strategies for implementing these recommendations and securing executive-level support to enhance cybersecurity postures. We will share insights from the West Irondequoit Central School District’s journey from policy to practice.
