FAIRFAX, Va., February 02, 2023–(BUSINESS WIRE)–K12 SIX applauds the release of “Protecting Our Future: Partnering to Safeguard K-12 Organizations from Cybersecurity Threats” by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The report, mandated by the K-12 Cybersecurity Act of 2021, clearly and concisely communicates the unique cybersecurity challenge the U.S. K-12 education sector is facing and recommends common sense steps that education leaders—including superintendents, school board members, and state policymakers—can take to bring about needed change.
K12 SIX has cataloged more than 1,300 K-12 cyber incidents since 2016, resulting in school closures, student and educator data breaches, and the theft of millions of dollars. Due to a lack of federal and state public reporting requirements, this figure—as alarming as it is—understates the magnitude of the challenge facing school districts. The unfortunate reality is that most school systems lack the personnel, resources, and expertise to adequately defend their school communities from evolving cybersecurity threats.
As the CISA report recommends, school district leaders should take immediate action…
