CISA releases cybersecurity resource package for K-12 schools and districts

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has released a K-12 Cybersecurity Foundations Resource Package to help schools and districts prevent, mitigate and respond to cyber threats.

CISA said the package is designed for K-12 systems that hold sensitive student and staff data, use a mix of technologies and have many users with different access levels. The agency said those factors, along with limited resources, can leave schools exposed to attacks that disrupt learning, compromise privacy and strain operations.

The package is intended to give schools a practical starting point for building cybersecurity programs. CISA said the materials are based on current cybersecurity best practices and frameworks and are meant to offer cost-effective, actionable and customizable steps for maintaining those programs.

The package includes a Getting Started Guide, a more detailed Implementation Guide, a six-part video series and quick reference materials. CISA said the guides organize essential cybersecurity practices around eight key objectives, though the agency did not list those objectives in the release.

CISA said the guidance was developed in response to K-12 needs and was informed by school stakeholders and cybersecurity experts. The agency also said the package aligns with other cybersecurity publications and supports Executive Order 14239, Achieving Efficiency through State and Local Preparedness, by giving state and local educational agencies tools to make risk-informed decisions that fit their communities.

CISA Acting Director Nicholas Anderson said cyberattacks on K-12 schools and districts jeopardize the educational mission and the safety and security of students and teachers. He said the package gives school communities practical strategies to defend against cyber threats, minimize disruption and better protect systems used by children, parents and educators.

CISA Acting Executive Assistant Director for Infrastructure Security Scott Breor said K-12 cybersecurity should be recognized as a fundamental pillar of school safety and security. He described the package as a roadmap for increasing cyber awareness, evaluating defenses and strengthening cyber resilience.

CISA said the materials are available through its School Safety and Cybersecurity for K-12 Education pages. The agency pointed readers to those pages for more information.

Sources

• CISA News release: CISA unveils new cybersecurity resources for K-12 schools and districts

Editorial note: This article was prepared with AI assistance and includes source attribution for reader review.