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.

Fact Sheet

Cyber Safety Considerations for K-12 Schools and School Districts

Department of Education

This fact sheet includes information on the most common online threats students face and describes how school and school district administrators can prepare and respond to online threats.

Guidance

Cyber Safety Series: Phishing

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, August 2020

In this video, we’re covering Phishing, which is the process of scammers tricking you into giving them your personal information.

Webinar

Helping Youth Navigate Dangers in the Digital Age

Department of Justice, 2022

This webinar provides information on how to help youth mitigate what they see on the internet and build resiliency against extremist hate groups, as well as various tools and resources to help youth identify misinformation. It also covers how to empower caregivers to identify and report potential hate groups and hate crimes.