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.

Video

Cyber Safety Series: Ransomware

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, February 2021

Ransomware attacks continue to be one of the most common cyber attacks. Here are some tips to avoid ransomware and keep your information secure.

Report

Cyber Actors Target K-12 Distance Learning Education to Cause Disruptions and Steal Data

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, December 2020

This Joint Cybersecurity Advisory from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center assesses cyber threats, risk, vulnerabilities, and malicious cyber activity targeting K-12 educational institutions, leading to ransomware attacks, the theft of data, and the disruption of distance learning services. The advisory also outlines best practices to mitigate these threats.

Guidance

Ransomware Reference Materials for K-12

Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice

This webpage includes resources designed to help individuals and K-12 educational institutions remain secure from ransomware.