Cybersecurity

Subtopics

Data Breaches

Phishing

Ransomware

Defend against cybersecurity threats to your school.

Across America, kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) educational institutions are experiencing a significant increase in cyberattacks, especially during the transition to remote and virtual learning as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Malicious cyber actors are targeting school computer systems, slowing access, and rendering the systems inaccessible to basic functions.

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.

Training Program

Cybersecurity Considerations for K-12 Schools and School Districts

Department of Education, March 2022

This training course is designed to help K-12 schools and districts understand cybersecurity considerations needed to inform school emergency operations plans (EOPs) and safety, security, emergency management, and preparedness programs. It covers the types of evolving cyber threats facing school and school district networks and systems; the before, during, and after aspects of preparing for, responding to, and recovering from cyber threats; and how cybersecurity can be integrated into new and existing EOPs.

Fact Sheet

Protecting Sensitive and Personal Information from Ransomware-Caused Data Breaches

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, August 2021

This fact sheet provides information for organizations to use in preventing and responding to ransomware-caused data breaches.

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.