Summer may be a break from bell schedules and daily instruction, but for district leaders and IT teams, it’s become a critical time to focus on something equally important: protecting the digital backbone of K–12 education.
I’ve seen firsthand how vulnerable schools can be when digital systems are left exposed and how much planning it takes to stay ahead of those threats. In New Bedford, Massachusetts, where I currently serve as assistant superintendent of technology and learning, our team has spent the past year conducting system audits, updating protocols, modernizing devices and raising staff awareness about digital safety.
The work, which has just begun, has been guided in large part by the expertise and steady leadership of Luis Vultao, our district’s senior network specialist. His technical vision and commitment to system reliability have anchored our cybersecurity strategy, reminding all of us that behind every safe system is a skilled person keeping it running.
Districts everywhere are making cybersecurity a top priority, especially during the summer months when implementation is least disruptive. Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern; it’s a leadership responsibility. And summer is the season to lead.
Rising threat to K12 systems
Cyberattacks on schools have increased dramatically. Education now ranks among the top five most targeted sectors for ransomware and phishing attacks. Many of these threats arise from exploiting simple vulnerabilities, such as reusing passwords, using outdated devices or a lack of user awareness.
Districts are particularly susceptible because they manage enormous amounts of personal data across decentralized systems, often with limited IT staffing. Most school networks support thousands of daily users, ranging from administrators and teachers to students and vendors, each accessing various platforms that may not share security protocols. Without proper controls, even one compromised account can lead to significant breaches.
For most districts, the stakes are high. A single breach can result in downtime, stolen data, public trust issues and costly remediation.
This isn’t theoretical, it’s happening across the country with alarming frequency. That’s why the quiet summer months offer the perfect window to evaluate, plan and secure systems before the full return of students and staff in the fall.
School cybersecurity priorities for the summer
One of the most effective steps districts can take is implementing multi-factor authentication, or MFA, which ensures that even if a password is compromised, a second step, such as a mobile prompt or physical key, is required to complete the login.
Districts often begin this rollout with high-access users such as central office administrators or school leaders, then expand it in waves to all staff. The key to successful adoption lies in clear communication, demonstrations and providing practical support. Even a simple walkthrough during a leadership meeting can reduce resistance and boost understanding.
Another foundational priority is strengthening identity and access management. Schools tend to accumulate layers of access over time, educators take on new roles, systems change, but access remains unchecked. Summer is an ideal time to review and update user permissions in alignment with current responsibilities.
IT teams can also ensure deactivation processes are in place so that departing employees lose access immediately. Whether through identity and access management platforms or manual audits, reducing over-permissioned accounts can drastically lower risk.
Beyond permissions, infrastructure upgrades are often necessary to support cybersecurity goals. Many schools are still relying on outdated or unsupported hardware. These devices not only lag in performance but also often lack modern security protocols, leaving them vulnerable to attack.
Conducting an audit of devices and software versions helps identify where upgrades are most urgent. Even incremental updates—such as replacing out-of-support operating systems or improving endpoint protection—can make a significant difference in securing the learning environment.
As school cybersecurity threats become more sophisticated, many districts are partnering with external providers for 24/7 network monitoring. This approach provides schools with constant visibility into their systems, even when the in-house IT team is unavailable.
These services can detect unusual login behavior, attempted intrusions and suspicious activity in real time. For districts with limited internal staffing, outsourcing monitoring can serve as both an early warning system and a force multiplier.
In New Bedford, under Vultao’s guidance, we’ve worked closely with outside partners to ensure that threat monitoring continues after hours, and on weekends and holidays, adding an essential layer of protection.
No cybersecurity plan is complete without investing in people. Staff behavior, particularly falling victim to phishing scams or mishandling sensitive information, is a leading cause of school-based data breaches.
That’s why the summer months are perfect for launching cybersecurity training campaigns. The most effective training is short, job-specific and relevant to daily tasks. Whether it’s simulated phishing emails, interactive modules or “lunch and learn” sessions with tech staff, building awareness empowers employees to be a district’s first line of defense.
Summer cybersecurity checklist
Here’s a quick summary of what districts can tackle this summer:
- Conduct a full infrastructure and access audit.
- Implement or expand multi-factor authentication.
- Tighten identity and access management processes and align system access to job roles.
- Replace or upgrade outdated devices and platforms.
- Establish 24/7 monitoring with trusted partners.
- Deliver staff training tailored to risk level and role.
- Develop or refresh your cyber incident response plan.
Leading with purpose, not panic
While school cybersecurity planning can feel overwhelming, the key is to approach it not from a place of fear, but from one of strategy and responsibility. The best district initiatives are rooted in proactive leadership, collaboration across departments and a shared understanding of what’s at stake: student safety, staff trust and uninterrupted learning.
When a district has both visionary leadership and deep technical talent behind the scenes, like what Luis Vultao brings to New Bedford, it creates the foundation for a cybersecurity culture that is both agile and sustainable. It’s not about one person or one fix; it’s about building an ecosystem where tools, people, and protocols align to facilitate safe learning
Cybersecurity might not be the most visible part of school leadership, but it is one of the most vital. As our systems become increasingly interconnected and our reliance on technology grows, the need for secure, intentional digital practices will continue to rise.
The good news? Summer gives us the space to lead this work with clarity and purpose.
Lock it down now so your district can focus on what matters most in the fall: learning.
