No school district wants to believe that their sensitive student data is at risk of a cyber-attack. Some believe their school isn’t a target because it’s small or rural - but hackers target the least prepared. Student data, payroll data, and other sensitive information fetches a high price on the Dark Web; and many schools are willing to pay high ransoms in BitCoin because they were unprepared for a cyber-attack. In response, a variety of new laws have been passed to hold directors and officers accountable for cyber risk – responding to a public outcry for leaders to take responsibility for ensuring the safety of personal data.
In 2018, NSBA in conjunction with BoardDocs, surveyed K-12 education professionals on their cyber-risk knowledge. Over 480 individuals responded and the results were somber - school boards generally spend little time ensuring their districts’ cybersecurity programs are effective and student data is safe. Many board members seemed unaware that cyber risk is even part of their fiduciary obligation. Meanwhile, others inadvertently increase their school districts’ cyber risk by relying on unsecured methods of communication.
This doesn’t have to be your district’s reality. Join us for this briefing – designed specifically for school board leaders and superintendents – to discuss the findings of the report and some specific steps your district can take to improve cyber-risk readiness. Our speakers will share their take on the findings and how the school board community should respond.
Speakers: Dottie Schindlinger, VP of Thought Leadership, Diligent