CoSN-Informed Report Offers Roadmap to Improve Schools’ Online Security
Washington, D.C. (November –, 2023) – Using data from the CoSN 2023 State of EdTech Leadership Survey, the Center for Internet Security, Inc. (CIS) and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) have released, for a second year, insights and analysis of the cybersecurity landscape in our nation’s K-12 public schools.
The 2023 CIS MS-ISAC K-12 Cybersecurity Report is an innovative tool for K-12 leaders, as well as IT leaders and cybersecurity practitioners, that provides valuable insights to guide decision-making processes related to cyber risks and directing IT professionals towards enhanced cybersecurity measures for their districts.
Top Concerns:
- 81% of districts say their top concern is insufficient funding.
- 59% report concern over the increasing sophistication of threats.
- 58% say they are concerned about the lack of documented cybersecurity processes.
Top Recommendations:
- Join the no-cost MS-ISAC and K-12 Working Group.
- Participate in the Nationwide Cybersecurity Review (NCSR) to assess cyber maturity.
- Implement CIS Critical Security Controls.
“The 2023 CIS MS-ISAC K-12 Cybersecurity Report offers a detailed roadmap for K-12 schools, outlining specific measures that can be taken to enhance online safety and security. It provides actionable guidelines designed to protect the digital environment for students, their families, teachers and staff,” said Keith R. Krueger, CEO of CoSN. “By following these steps, schools can strengthen their cybersecurity defenses, mitigate risks and ensure a safer online experience. This proactive approach not only addresses current cyber threats but also prepares the educational community for emerging challenges in the digital landscape.”
“In the landscape of K-12 education, school leaders and IT professionals grapple with budget constraints, increasing ransomware threats and a scarcity of cyber resources,” said Karen Sorady, CIS Vice President of MS-ISAC Strategy and Plans. “This report highlights those critical concerns, while also offering no-cost and low-cost solutions and specific actions that schools can take to secure a safer online environment for their students, families, teachers and staff.”
The data in the report is derived from over 4,600 K-12 public education institutions during the 2022-2023 school year. In addition to CoSN’s State of EdTech Leadership Survey, this includes information from the 2022 Nationwide Cybersecurity Review (NCSR), and direct data from the CIS Security Operations Center (SOC) and the CIS Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) Team.
For additional tools and resources related to cybersecurity in K-12 schools, visit https://www.cosn.org/edtech-topics/cybersecurity/.
The full 2023 CIS MS-ISAC K-12 Cybersecurity Report is available here.
About CoSN
CoSN is the premier professional association designed to meet the needs of K-12 EdTech leaders, their teams and other district leaders. CoSN provides thought leadership resources, community, best practices and advocacy tools to help edtech leaders succeed in the digital transformation. CoSN represents over 13 million students and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education. CoSN.org
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