Cybercrime is on the rise across the country and, increasingly, public schools are the target of sophisticated attacks that capture sensitive data, violate privacy, dismantle operations and extort funds from school districts and county offices of education. Ransomware attacks have grown in recent years and schools have increasingly been identified as soft targets lacking the capacity to ward off hackers. In addition, greater reliance on technology to deliver instruction and services since the COVID-19 pandemic has left schools increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. There is much boards of education can do at the local level to help guard against and mitigate the severity of cyberattacks. This list of tips and resources is intended to guide you in the right direction.
CSBA resources:
Cybersecurity on the CSBA blog
Blog posts covering cybersecurity laws, tips, best practices and more.
California Schools Magazine Article on Cybersecurity
CSBA's 2023 Spring Magazine covering best practices for preventing and preparing for cyberattacks in K-12 schools.
CSBA Cybersecurity guidance, questions and resources for school governance
New CSBA resource on cybersecurity for governance teams.
Additional resources:
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) for K-12
Tips for a more secure IT environment from the California Department of Education including free and low-cost IT security improvements
Critical Infrastructure Protection:Education Should Take Additional Steps to Help Protect K-12 Schools from Cyber Threat from the U.S.Government Accountability Office
Cyber Actors Target K-12 Distance Learning Education to Cause Disruptions and Steal Data
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Cyber Crime Unit
California Cybersecurity Integration Center (CAL-CSIC)
National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCSA)
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Center for Internet Security (CIS)
Corporation for Education Network Initiatives In California (CENIC)
Webinars and workshops
Cyber Safety Workshop - how to keep youth safe online. SRO Bates, Folsom PD, Detective Hirota, Sacramento Sheriff's Office, Special Agent Thomas, Homeland Security, and MFT, Kelly Richardson shared valuable information that included:
- Internet addiction and screen time
- Digital platforms popular with kids
- Real life scenarios happening in our area
- How to live with social media safely
Affiliates and Partners for Infrastructure
Campus security (physical)
Evolv provides a secure and seamless screening experience, making it possible for venues of all kinds to keep visitors safe from concealed weapons, public health threats and intruders.
Golden State Technology Solutions
A-to-Z Hardware, Software, and IT Consulting Solutions for California Public Schools.