Cybersecurity

Subtopics

Data Breaches

Phishing

Ransomware

Minimize exposure to cyberattacks and build secure and resilient K-12 cyber systems.

Cyberattacks and online threats are an increasingly significant and widespread problem for K-12 schools and school districts. Educational institutions can be a lucrative and vulnerable target for malicious cyber actors because they maintain sensitive student and staff data and personal information, utilize multiple forms of technologies to facilitate learning, and often lack resources to put in place comprehensive cybersecurity programs. Students are also spending more time online than ever before, using technology to complete homework, communicate with peers, and engage with teachers and school staff.

K-12 cyber threats can include unauthorized disclosures or data breaches, ransomware attacks, phishing attempts, and denial-of-service attacks. These incidents can have significant impacts on schools, making critical systems inaccessible, exposing sensitive personal information, putting confidential school plans and data at risk, and disrupting school operations. Cyberattacks can also result in high financial costs for school districts and the loss of learning for students.

Strategies to Consider

There are several strategies schools and districts can implement to strengthen their cybersecurity posture and protect against current and future digital threats. Some of these measures include:

Practice and provide training on good cyber hygiene. This includes recognizing and reporting phishing attempts, using strong passwords, turning on multifactor authentication, and keeping software updated.
Establish and exercise a cyber incident response plan outlining what should be done before, during, and after a cyber incident.
Implement well-informed processes when new technologies are adopted within the school environment.
Stay informed on the cyber risk environment and connect with K-12 cyber partners who can help provide strategic and cost-efficient cybersecurity actions.
Invest in the most impactful security measures and build towards a more mature cybersecurity program for the future.

Featured Resources

These resources are a starting point for learning more about cybersecurity. Use these resources to help prevent, protect against, and respond to cyber threats and attacks.

Additionally, SchoolSafety.gov regularly publishes issue briefs that provide a high-level overview of a specific school safety topic as well as a sampling of aligned strategies, resources, programs, and tools. Download and explore cybersecurity-related issue briefs below.

Report

Partnering to Safeguard K-12 Organizations from Cybersecurity Threats

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, January 2023

This report provides recommendations and resources to help K-12 schools and school districts address systemic cybersecurity risk. It also provides insight into the current threat landscape specific to the K-12 community and offers simple steps school leaders can take to strengthen their cybersecurity efforts.

Guidance

Cyber Resources Hub

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

This webpage offers a range of cybersecurity assessments that evaluate operational resilience, cybersecurity practices, organizational management of external dependencies, and other key elements of a robust and resilient cyber framework.

Guidance

Planning Considerations for Cyber Incidents: Guidance for Emergency Managers

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2023

This guide is intended to help emergency management personnel collaboratively prepare for a cyber incident and support the development of a cyber incident response plan or annex.

Fact Sheet

Top 10 Cybersecurity Tips for Teachers

Department of Education, 2024

This infographic provides simple tips for increasing cybersecurity readiness, cyber-awareness, and strategies to help teachers and school administrators recognize and prevent cyber threats and protect student and staff privacy.

Filter Resources

All Cybersecurity Resources

Access additional resources below to learn more about K-12 cybersecurity and related best practices. Use the filters to sort resources based on subtopic and/or preparedness action.

Guidance

Heads Up: Stop. Think. Connect.

Other Federal Agency, 2023

This resource provides information and tips to help youth reduce the risks associated with being online.

Training Program

Being Tech Smart: A Plug and Play Activity for Youth

Department of Health and Human Services, 2023

This classroom activity is designed to supplement programming for middle and high school students by encouraging them to think twice about their use of digital technology.

Video

We Can Secure Our World

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, 2024

This public service announcement (PSA) shares four easy ways adults and children can stay safe online. The PSA is part of Secure Our World, a cybersecurity public awareness campaign that educates and empowers individuals to take proactive steps in safeguarding their digital lives.