7 Easy Tips to Battle Cybersecurity in K-12 School Districts

Schools have a wealth of data. From personal records, health information, and financials data K-12 school districts manage a lot of information. Because of this, K-12 school districts without proper cybersecurity are at high risk for cybercrime. By implementing proactive cybersecurity strategies and leveraging advanced solutions like those offered by K12itc, schools can mitigate risks and secure their data.

Below are 7 tips from the National Cyber Security Alliance to help students and staff stay safe online.

1. Implement and Use Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) 

EDR focuses on collecting data from the endpoint and examining that data for malicious or anomalous patterns in real time. As the name implies, the idea of an EDR system is to detect an infection and initiate a response. The faster an EDR can do this without human intervention, the more effective it will be. 

2. Don’t Open Emails or Attachments From Unknown Sources and Invest in Advanced Protection

Phishing emails and malicious attachments make Email a primary vector for cyberattacks. This can be one of the most difficult items on the list to manage, as many teachers, staff, and administrators use email on an hourly basis. Training and educating staff, teachers, and students about the dangers of opening emails or attachments from unknown sources is crucial. 

3. Patch Systems Regularly

Regularly downloading and installing security updates is essential for addressing vulnerabilities in operating systems, applications, and network infrastructure. If your IT team is not keeping systems updated on a frequent basis, it’s time to contact K12itc. 

4. Strengthen Your Authentication Methods

Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is now critical and the new normal. MFA provides an additional layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity using multiple methods, such as a push notification sent to their mobile device. Password security is also important. Encouraging administrators, staff, and students to use strong, complex passwords or passphrases is crucial for protecting sensitive accounts and data. 

5. Implement a Backup and Disaster Recovery Solution

In the event of a cybersecurity incident, having a robust backup and disaster recovery solution in place is essential for quickly restoring critical systems and data. K12itc offers comprehensive backup and disaster recovery solutions that automate data backups, provide off-site storage, and enable rapid recovery in the event of a disaster. By regularly testing backup systems and procedures, schools can ensure continuity of operations and minimize downtime in the face of cyberthreats.

6. Practice Good Cyber Hygiene

Encouraging staff to disconnect from the internet when not in use and powering down computers, laptops, and devices at night can help reduce the risk of unauthorized access and cyberattacks. 

7. Develop and Communicate a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan

Preparing for cybersecurity incidents is essential for minimizing their impact and facilitating a swift and effective response. Schools should develop comprehensive incident response plans that outline roles and responsibilities, escalation procedures, and communication protocols in the event of a security breach. The incident response plan should outline clear steps for detecting, analyzing, and containing security incidents, as well as procedures for notifying relevant stakeholders and coordinating response efforts. 

Assessing Cybersecurity Readiness:

As a superintendent or school administrator, evaluating your school district’s cybersecurity readiness is critical for identifying vulnerabilities and prioritizing risk mitigation efforts. But how do you know if your school district’s security is up to par? Conducting a cybersecurity audit or review, such as those offered by K12itc, can provide valuable insights into the current state of your school’s security posture, and highlight areas for improvement.

Key considerations include:

• Security Plan: Does your school district have a comprehensive cybersecurity plan in place, outlining strategies and protocols for protecting against cyberthreats?
• Policy Compliance: Are your security and privacy policies aligned with regulatory requirements and industry best practices, such as FERPA and HIPAA?
• Network Security: Are your network security procedures and tools up-to-date, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and EDR?
• Physical Security: Is your network infrastructure physically secure, with measures in place to prevent unauthorized access to servers, switches, and other critical assets?
• User Education: Have you implemented security awareness training programs to educate staff, teachers, and students about cybersecurity best practices and threats?
• Crisis Preparedness: Are you prepared to respond effectively to a cybersecurity incident, with documented incident response procedures and communication plans in place?

In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity is not just a technology issue but a strategic imperative for K-12 school districts. By partnering with K12itc, schools can access a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity solutions tailored to their unique needs and challenges. From antivirus software, email security, and backup/disaster recovery solutions, K12itc offers the expertise and resources needed to enhance cybersecurity posture and protect against emerging threats. Contact us today to schedule a cybersecurity audit or learn more about our cybersecurity offerings.