Biden- Harris administration constructs new plan to strengthen school's cybersecurity

Just released today by the Biden-Harris Administration, there will be new efforts to help support and protect the growing issues of ransomware attacks on our nation's school cybersecurity.

The Cyber infrastructure of our American schools is the main focus, so that schools' cyber foundation stays protected as well as teachers, staff, admin. and students.

A report in 2022 by the U.S Government Accountability Office, 2022 U.S. Government Accountability Office report, states " the loss of learning following a cyberattack ranged from three days to three weeks, and recovery time can take anywhere from two to nine months. Further, the monetary losses to school districts following a cyber incident ranged from $50,000 to $1 million."

Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, along with First Lady Jill Biden, Teachers, administration, school leaders as well as members of the private sector, will come together at the nation's capital to discuss tactics for which to stop these attacks that have run so rampant over the last few years. Teachers, administration, school leaders as well as members of the private sector, will come together at the nation's capital to discuss tactics for which to stop these attacks that have run so rampant over the last few years. ,Teachers, administration, school leaders as well as members of the private sector, will come together at the nation's capital to discuss tactics for which to stop these attacks that have run so rampant over the last few years.

"The United States has experienced an increase in cyberattacks that have targeted the nation’s schools in recent years. In the 2022-23 academic year alone, at least eight K-12 school districts throughout the country were impacted by significant cyberattacks – four of which left schools having to cancel classes or close completely. Not only have these attacks disrupted school operations, but they also have impacted students, their families, teachers, and administrators. Sensitive personal information – including, student grades, medical records, documented home issues, behavioral information, and financial information – of students and employees were stolen and publicly disclosed. Additionally, sensitive information about school security systems was leaked online as a result of these attacks", says the White House.

Some ways they plan to overcome our cyber insecurities for schools k-12 is:

1. Pilot program to provide up to $200 million over three years to strengthen cyber defenses in K-12 schools and libraries

2. The U.S. Department of Education will establish a Government Coordinating Council (GCC) that will coordinate activities, policy, and communications between, and amongst, federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial education leaders to strengthen the cyber defenses and resilience of K-12 schools.
   

3. CISA will conduct training sessions and assessments for schools K-12.

4. K-12 Digital Infrastructure Brief: Defendable & Resilient will be released by the U.S Department of Education & Cybersecurity, which will be the 2nd series.

There will also be several resources provided for free or low cost to school districts from several education technology providers.