Getting Started with Cybersecurity
CoSN’s EdTech Leadership Survey consistently identifies cybersecurity as a top priority for school system IT Leaders. School system leaders, including technology leaders, need to protect their networks and information security, analyze their current status, and validate what they are doing well. CoSN provides tools and resources that provide insight into how risk can be further reduced in ways that help technology leaders contribute to their schools' primary goals of teaching and learning. We also offer assistance to district technology leaders who are working to ensure safety for both students and staff.
CoSN Cybersecurity Project Director: Amy McLaughlin, MS, MA, CETL, CISM, CHPS, CDPSE, CISSP, amclaughlin@cosn.org. CoSN staff contact: Jill Brown, MA, Ph.D., Director of Professional Learning, jbrown@cosn.org
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month!
Don't be fooled by "bad actors" and their phony costumes! Take a look at our helpful resources below and take action to protect yourself during October's Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
Cybersecurity Advocacy Efforts
The FCC launches a $200M Cybersecurity Pilot for schools and libraries! Apply now by November 1, 2024, for the three-year program to boost network defenses. "Vulnerabilities are real—and growing," says Chairwoman Rosenworcel. Don't miss your chance and Apply Now. For more information, read the related CoSN Press Release.
We will be continuing to add more information throughout the month, so stay tuned for more updates!
Don Ringelestein, CETL, CISSP, CISM, CAPM, ITILv4, Executive Director of Technology at Yorkville CUSD 115.
Addressing Cybersecurity in K-12 Organizations
The Foundation of effective cybersecurity practices is planning.
Preparation is key to preventing attacks and protecting your organizational systems.
Implementation of your cybersecurity program requires a systematic approach. These resources can streamline the process.
Preparedness is what separates a botched response from a secure one.
K-12CVAT: K-12 Community Vendor Assessment Tool Lite-V4.1
CoSN is excited to share the K-12CVAT, based off the Educause Higher Education Community Vendor Assessment Tool – Lite (HECVAT-Lite), but geared specifically towards K-12 education.
CoSN Cybersecurity Professional Development Opportunities
- Cybersecurity in K-12 Schools Facilitated Online Course
- Creating Cybersecurity and Incident Response Plans: Cybersecurity Online Workshop 101
- Cybersecurity on a Shoestring Budget Online Workshop 201
- Planning & Running Tabletop Incident Response Exercises Cybersecurity Online Workshop 301
- Cybersecurity Insider Threat: Employee - Incident Response Online Workshop #1
- Cybersecurity Insider Threat: Student - Incident Response Online Workshop #2
- Cybersecurity External Threat: System Infiltration - Incident Response Online Workshop #3
- CoSN also offers affordable customized courses and in-house professional development options for schools or districts. We can provide nationally recognized subject matter expert instructors or fully developed courses for you to facilitate with in-house experts in our LMS.
Cybersecurity Blogs
CoSN Applauds White House Cybersecurity Summit for K-12 Schools
View some of the exciting moments captured from the historic White House Cybersecurity Summit for K-12 Schools, including the livestream, K-12 Digital Infrastructure Briefs, and more
Tips for K-12 Technology Directors: Communication Strategies for Social Engineering Awareness
This is the second of a two-part blog. For Blog #1, click the link The Dark Side of AI: How Generative AI Fuels Social Engineering Promoting social engineering awareness doesn’t…
Read MoreThe Dark Side of AI: How Generative AI Fuels Social Engineering
This is the first of a two-part blog. Email Exchange: Boss: “Hey, do you have a second?” You: “Sure, what’s up?” Boss: “Can you send me your cell number? I’ve…
Read MoreEdTech Innovation Committee Identifies Two Major Discussion Topics from the 2023-24 School Year
As the 2023-24 U.S. academic year wraps up, what were some of the successes and challenges faced in your school district? We asked a similar question of CoSN’s EdTech Innovation…
Read MoreCybersecurity Resources
Cybersecurity Toolkit – Authentication Management
Controlling access to organizational systems and resources is an essential element of cybersecurity. The traditional approach to access control has been to assign usernames with complex password requirements, generally a combination of up to eight letters, numbers, and special characters. However, in an era of sophisticated hackers and cybercriminals, this cybersecurity approach is no longer adequate. Download our new Authentication Management Toolkit to improve your security stance.
Disaster Recovery Plan Template
This content is an exclusive benefit for CoSN members. If you’re a member, log in and you’ll get immediate access. If you’re not yet a member, you’ll be interested to…
Read MoreLearning Continuity Planning
Building your Learning Continuity Plan or Business Continuity Plan Why have a Learning Continuity Plan or Business Continuity Plan? It is important to have an identified scope when developing an…
Read MoreIdentifying and Prioritizing Critical System Risks: The Business Impact Analysis
This content is an exclusive benefit for CoSN members. If you’re a member, log in and you’ll get immediate access. If you’re not yet a member, you’ll be interested to…
Read MoreK-12 Cybersecurity Advisory Committee
CoSN’s EdTech Leadership Survey consistently identifies cybersecurity as a top priority for school system IT Leaders. The CoSN Cybersecurity advisory seeks to support school leaders in their efforts to support school system leaders, including technology leaders, to protect their networks and provide information security, analyze their current status, and validate what they are doing well. Members of the committee share their knowledge and expertise in a number of ways including contributing to ongoing conversations and creation of CoSN resources as well as identifying districts who might serve as exemplars for their work. The group meets monthly for a one-hour meeting with some occasional time for subgroup discussions or input asynchronously. The committee meets remotely once a month for an hour.
Extend Your Learning
CoSN offers ongoing professional development opportunities focused on Cybersecurity for you and your team. These opportunities are open to all, CoSN members enjoy exclusive discounts.
- Cybersecurity Online Courses
- Workshops
- Tabletop Exercises
- Webinars
- Podcasts
Thanks to Our Initiative Sponsors
Thanks to Our Strategic Partner
