Cyber Security for the Digital District

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month -- Protect Your District with These Tools!

Cyber Security for the Digital District Leadership Initiative helps K-12 technology leaders and policy makers assess and improve their network and information security. A trusted IT system helps technology contribute to their school’s primary goal of teaching and learning.

Understanding the Issues

Technology is only part of the cyber security solution. When staff, policy-makers, and other stakeholders believe that the IT system is contributing value to teaching and learning goals, they accept the inconveniences required to follow secure practices. With a proper security plan, the IT staff has the resources and skills to make it work, and policy makers and stakeholders are convinced of its importance and provide funds for it.
        
        Why is K-12 Different?

        K-12 Leadership Roles Around Cyber Security

        Ten Common Security Questions Asked by School Administrators

        Eight Assessment Question as Superintendent Should Ask a CTO 

        Four Reasons to Pay Attention to K12 Security

Tools and Resources

CoSN has developed tools to help school technology leaders determine your current status, identify areas of weakness and set goals.  Use these tools to validate current practice, and to reduce risk. The planning process helps you develop and implement a cost-effective action plan to strengthen security and handle crises. Finally, we provide guidance for communicating the importance of security to the school community.

CoSN released updated tools that include the Self-Assessment Checklist, the Security Rubric and the Planning Template. 

        Self-Assessment Checklist (Free)

        Cyber Security Planning Protocol (Free)

        Cyber Security Rubric Grid and Security Planning Template  
        (For CoSN Members only)

The following tools are available for everyone from third party organizations or companies:

            iKeepSafe Generation Safe 
             (Portions of this product are available free to CoSN Members) 

            K-12 Risk Methodology

            NCSA Fact Sheet

CoSN provides many of these resources for free. Join CoSN to take advantage of all of the Cyber Security Initiative resources.