CISA Unveils New Cybersecurity Resources for K-12 Schools and Districts
WASHINGTON - The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) today released the K-12 Cybersecurity Foundations Resource Package, a comprehensive collection of guides, videos and supplemental materials to help K‑12 schools and districts prevent, mitigate and respond to prevalent cyber threats. Based on current cybersecurity best practices and frameworks, the resource package outlines cost-effective, actionable and customizable steps that K-12 institutions can take to develop and maintain effective cybersecurity programs.
Cyber threats are a significant and growing risk for K-12 schools and districts. These institutions maintain sensitive student and staff data, rely on diverse technologies and systems, have multiple users with varying privileges and levels of access, and often lack resources for robust cybersecurity programs. Cyber incidents can disrupt learning and school operations, compromise student privacy and safety, and expend valuable and limited resources.
The new resource package was developed in direct response to these needs, helping K-12 school and district personnel better understand cyber risks, make informed decisions and implement cybersecurity best practices. The package includes resources tailored for both K-12 leaders and non-technical school staff, as well as school and district cybersecurity and IT professionals.
“Cyberattacks on K-12 schools and districts jeopardize not only the integrity of our educational mission, but the safety and security of our students and teachers as well. These impacts are often felt well beyond the classroom,” said CISA Acting Director Nicholas Anderson. “The K‑12 Cybersecurity Foundations Resource Package empowers school communities with practical strategies and supports our school safety mission. CISA is helping the K-12 community proactively defend against cyber threats, minimize disruption and better protect the systems our nation’s children, parents and educators depend on every day.”
The K-12 Cybersecurity Foundations Resource Package includes a Getting Started Guide and a more detailed Implementation Guide, along with a six-part video series and quick reference materials to help K-12 leaders and personnel understand key concepts and navigate the package’s various components. The guides outline essential cybersecurity practices organized around eight key objectives:
- Protecting login credentials,
- Safeguarding devices and assets,
- Testing backups,
- Strengthening incident response capabilities,
- Improving cybersecurity training,
- Enacting policies to appropriately manage sensitive data,
- Aligning investments with recognized cybersecurity frameworks, and
- Developing long-term, customized plans.
“K-12 cybersecurity has evolved beyond an IT department concern and must now be recognized as a fundamental pillar of school safety and security,” said CISA Acting Executive Assistant Director for Infrastructure Security Scott Breor. “The K-12 Cybersecurity Foundations Resource Package provides a roadmap for schools and districts to increase cyber awareness, evaluate current defenses and strengthen cyber resilience in the face of a growing and evolving threat landscape.”
Informed by K-12 stakeholders and cybersecurity experts, this new guidance aligns with other cybersecurity publications, including:
- CISA’s Protecting Our Future: Partnering to Safeguard K-12 Organizations from Cybersecurity Threats report,
- Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals, and
- National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework.
The K-12 Cybersecurity Foundations Resource Package directly advances Executive Order 14239, Achieving Efficiency through State and Local Preparedness by equipping state and local educational agencies with information and tools to make risk-informed decisions that fit the unique, specific needs of their communities.
CISA’s school safety mission focuses on strengthening the safety, security and resilience of K-12 communities through capacity-building resources and tools. To learn more about CISA’s school safety efforts, visit School Safety. For more K-12 cybersecurity resources, visit Cybersecurity for K-12 Education.
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About CISA
As the nation’s cyber defense agency and national coordinator for critical infrastructure security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency leads the national effort to manage, uncover, and reduce risk to our digital and physical infrastructure Americans rely on every hour of every day.
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