Cybersecurity

Subtopics

Data Breaches

Phishing

Ransomware

Defend against cybersecurity threats to your school.

All educational institutions are at risk of falling victim to a cyberattack, and in recent years, K-12 schools have been an increasingly frequent target. These attacks can impact a school’s ability to carry out its educational obligations, protect sensitive student and staff data, and provide a safe and secure learning environment for our nation’s youth.

Our Nation’s 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. Our growing dependence on technology systems - coupled with emerging, evolving, and increasingly deceptive cyber threats – demands enhanced awareness and vigilance when it comes to our online world. It is important for schools, parents, and students to stay safe online by taking proactive steps to defend against risks and strengthen cyber safety and security both at home and within schools.

Use the filter below to sort resources available based upon stages of preparedness and subtopic.

Featured Resources

These resources are a starting point for learning about cybersecurity. Use these resources to help implement cybersecurity best practices. Members of the school community can also download this SchoolSafety.gov infographic to learn more about simple steps they can take to reduce their cybersecurity risk posture, this SchoolSafety.gov infographic to access a sampling of cybersecurity resources, and this SchoolSafety.gov infographic to learn more about online safety and related resources.

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.

Webpage

StopRansomware.gov

Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice

This website is a one-stop hub for ransomware resources for individuals, businesses, and other organizations to help private and public organizations mitigate their ransomware risk.

Filter Resources

All Cybersecurity Resources

The federal government identified additional resources that highlight strategies for school safety. Use these resources to learn more about cybersecurity.

New

Webpage

Protecting Kids Online

Other Federal Agency

This webpage offers information and resources on how to talk to children about being online, and how to help them make good decisions and stay safe.

New

Webpage

Internet Safety

Third Party

This webpage provides a compilation of videos and resources that offer a variety of tools for learning and teaching how to safely use the Internet.

Program

How to be a Good Digital Parent Toolkit

Third Party, 2020

This program is designed to teach parents and other caregivers to confidently navigate the web with their kids. It consists of a comprehensive toolkit that parents and caregivers can use to host an event at schools or community spaces, and includes one kit focused on elementary kids (aged 6-11) and one focused on teens (aged 12+).