This week, I had the privilege of representing UncommonX at the TCEA Conference in Austin, Texas. TCEA is the largest nonprofit educational technology association in the United States, and has been a champion for breaking down barriers in education for more than 44 years.
The event brought together educators, administrators, and IT leaders—each sharing a common concern: how to defend their districts against the growing wave of cyberattacks while navigating challenges related to staffing and resources.
K-12 districts face unique obstacles—from constrained budgets and small IT teams to aging infrastructure. This blog post highlights why exposure management is the key to overcoming those obstacles, particularly now as schools face a surge in post-winter break attacks and a growing skills gap in their IT departments.
January 2025 has already brought a troubling trend: coordinated ransomware attacks targeting K-12 schools across the U.S. These attacks have exploited vulnerabilities that were left unpatched during the holiday closures. As a result, numerous districts have faced disruptions to both online learning platforms and core administrative systems.
Unfortunately, this uptick in attacks coincides with another major problem: a cybersecurity skills gap in school IT departments. Many districts are unable to hire and retain cybersecurity professionals due to budget constraints and a hyper-competitive talent market.
Given the current climate, a shift from reactive to proactive cybersecurity is critical. This is where exposure management comes in. At its core, exposure management helps schools understand three key aspects of their security posture:
Exposure management allows districts to prioritize and address risks before they become major incidents. Think of it like preventative maintenance—regularly inspecting and fortifying the security “walls” around your school’s digital infrastructure, rather than waiting for an attacker to breach them.
Some schools and administrators view exposure management as overly complex or designed for large enterprises. However, it’s actually a scalable, practical approach that focuses on visibility, prioritization, and action—making it accessible even for resource-constrained districts.
Exposure management doesn't require extensive training or large budgets. Schools can take small, impactful steps, such as:
These measures reduce vulnerability to common threats and improve overall defenses.
Partnering with providers like UncommonX can also ease the burden, especially during holiday breaks. Our 24/7 Managed SOC extends your IT team’s capacity by providing ongoing monitoring and threat response.
To support the unique needs of schools, we have created a packaged solution designed to help any sized school district create a more secure networked environment. With this solution, exposure management isn’t a one-time task but an evolving process, helping districts stay ahead of risks. By adopting this approach, schools can build sustainable, proactive cyber defenses tailored to their needs.
Programs like the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) and FCC funding initiatives are designed to provide financial support for projects that strengthen schools' defenses. However, these grants require applicants to conduct a thorough analysis of their cybersecurity landscape, which includes identifying vulnerabilities and creating a strategic plan for risk mitigation.
At UncommonX, we have extensive experience helping schools successfully navigate this process. We've guided districts through the challenges of grant applications, compliance requirements, and solution implementation. For example, one school district faced overwhelming documentation hurdles but overcame them with our support to secure critical FCC pilot funding.
If your district is considering applying for cybersecurity grants but is unsure how to get started, we can help. Our team provides the tools and expertise needed to conduct risk assessments and develop strategic plans that meet funding requirements. Learn more about how we help schools unlock grant opportunities.
With the rise in cyberattacks and the availability of federal funding, there has never been a better time for schools to prioritize cybersecurity. At UncommonX, we’re committed to helping districts build long-term security solutions through exposure management, grant support, and continuous monitoring.
Our commitment extends to assisting schools with grant applications, the creation and execution of strategies to build resiliency, and developing a business case for new solutions. These resources are invaluable for any district seeking to improve its network security and adopt a sound, sustainable approach to long-term cyber resilience.
If your district is ready to take the next step in its cybersecurity journey, contact us today. Together, we can protect your systems, students, and staff from the ever-growing threat landscape.
Let’s talk about your district’s cybersecurity needs. Contact us today.