Strategies for Developing a Cyber Resilient School Culture

As the 2023/24 school year draws to a close, many districts are taking stock of the surge in cyber attacks that targeted educational institutions throughout the year. Cultivating a cyber resilient school culture is not just advisable; it's imperative.

According to the May 2023 CoSN State of EdTech Leadership report, cybersecurity remains respondents’ top priority for the fifth year in a row. However, 66 percent of school districts do not have a full-time cybersecurity position, and more than one in five have no funding for cybersecurity defense.

This blog post explores practical, affordable strategies for developing that culture, with insights on how UncommonX's commitment to cyber resilience and its MDR (Managed Detection and Response) for Education solution can be integral in this endeavor.

Understanding Cyber Resilience in Education

Cyber resilience refers to an organization's ability to continuously deliver the intended outcomes despite adverse cyber events. For K-12 schools, this means maintaining the confidentiality, integrity and availability of educational data and systems.

While schools await a vote on the $200 million FCC pilot program to bolster cybersecurity funding, K-12 schools are already underfunded by an estimated $150 billion annually in the U.S. At a time when schools are having to do more with less, strengthening policies, behaviors and technologies internally among students, faculty and staff can make a meaningful difference.

Developing a cyber resilient culture involves more than just deploying the right technology. It requires a holistic approach, integrating robust cybersecurity practices into every facet of the school environment, including its people and policies.

Building the Foundation: Policies and Governance

The first step in fostering a cyber resilient culture is establishing clear cybersecurity policies and governance structures. Schools need to define policies that cover acceptable use of technology, data protection guidelines, incident response protocols and regular audits. These policies should be regularly reviewed and updated to adapt to new cybersecurity challenges and regulatory requirements.

Several free resources are available to help schools define these policies. For example, the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Agency(CISA) offers complimentary resources, such as toolkits and tabletop exercises. You can access those here.

Cultivating Awareness and Behavior Change

Awareness is the cornerstone of a cyber resilient culture. Educating students, faculty and staff about cybersecurity risks and best practices is crucial. This can be achieved through regular training sessions, workshops and engaging e-learning modules. Topics might include recognizing phishing attempts, securing personal and professional data, and understanding the importance of software updates. Schoolsafety.gov offers a number of free resources to K-12 schools online.

Behavior change is fostered by making cybersecurity part of the school’s ethos. For example, acknowledging Cybersecurity Awareness Month when students return in the fall, creating visual reminders about secure practices, and integrating cyber hygiene tips into daily announcements can reinforce the importance of cybersecurity.

Leveraging External Partners Effectively

While fostering awareness and setting policies are critical, the technological backbone of cyber resilience cannot be overlooked. Schools should invest in cost-effective cybersecurity solutions that can detect, respond to, and recover from cyber incidents. UncommonX’s MDR for Education solution offers advanced threat detection and response capabilities. It uses a combination of cutting-edge technology and human expertise to monitor school networks 24/7, quickly identifying and mitigating potential threats. This proactive approach not only protects sensitive information but also educates IT staff on evolving cyber threats, enhancing overall resilience.

Creating a Responsive Environment

Developing a responsive environment involves establishing a proactive incident response plan. Schools must have clear procedures in place for responding to cybersecurity incidents. This includes identifying roles and responsibilities, outlining steps for containment and eradication, and communicating with affected parties. Regular drills and simulations can help ensure that the school community is prepared to act swiftly and effectively when a real incident occurs.

This topic was discussed in depth during our recent webinar titled: Practical Strategies for Improving School Cyber Resilience, which highlighted several internal best practices and proactive measures, many of which do not require additional funding.

Benefits of a Cyber Resilient School Culture

Developing a cyber resilient culture in schools is essential for protecting against the increasing threat of cyber attacks. By establishing robust policies, fostering awareness leveraging advanced technology like UncommonX’s MDR for Education, and creating a responsive environment, schools can defend themselves against cyber threats while nurturing an educational atmosphere that is secure and conducive to learning.

UncommonX remains committed to empowering educational institutions with the technology and knowledge to achieve and maintain cyber resilience, ensuring that the educational journey is both enriching and secure. To help, UncommonX recently created an ROI Calculator to help schools build stronger business cases for funding.

To speak with a member of our team, contact us at hello@uncommonx.com today.