The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) is pleased to continue to support the work of current and aspiring superintendents and district leadership teams in leading all aspects of digital learning transformations.
The recently released CoSN 2024 State of EdTech Leadership Report identified cybersecurity as one of the five “key findings” regarding challenges facing school districts today. Since October is designated as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we are pleased to share a variety of free CoSN resources to assist school leaders in addressing the challenges around cybersecurity in school district settings.
1. CoSN’s NIST Cybersecurity Framework Resources Alignment for K-12
CoSN’s Cybersecurity Committee has incorporated the cybersecurity standards produced by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) into CoSN’s NIST Cybersecurity Framework Resource Alignment for K-12. This resource provides school leaders with information and strategies to strengthen their cyber initiatives and protect their districts against ever-changing digital threats. You are invited to review the five standards and their application within a K-12 environment.
2. Building A Learning Continuity Plan
School districts need to map out a strategy for dealing with disasters that can occur and interrupt multiple aspects of school functionality, including cyber-attacks, before those disruptions occur. “Building your Learning Continuity Plan or Business Continuity Plan” focuses on the information technology components needed to support a district’s overall disaster recovery plan.
More from DA: New cybersecurity support is on its way to K12
3. CoSN K-12 Community Vendor Assessment Tool
Specially developed for 12 districts and education service groups, the CoSN K-12 Community Vendor Assessment Tool (K-12CVAT) is provided to assist school leaders in measuring the risks associated with purchases from vendors. Before committing to a purchase, school leaders are advised to ask the vendor to complete a K-12CVAT assessment to confirm that the vendor has the necessary information, data and cybersecurity polices needed to protect a school system’s information and their stakeholders’ personally identifiable information.
4. CoSN/AASA EmpowerED Superintendents edLeader Panel Series
CoSN, AASA, and edWeb.net co-host an online edLeader Panel broadcast series, sponsored by ClassLink, to help superintendents, district and school leaders and teachers connect and collaborate. Participants can join the live event or view recordings and podcast versions starting a day or two after the live broadcast.
The Oct. 14 edLeader Panel broadcast is titled “Cybersecurity in School District Settings: A District Leadership Approach”. Three leading-edge superintendents share the policies and practices they implement to successfully manage cybersecurity in their school settings. They will also discuss how school leaders can adapt to the ever-evolving changes in cybersecurity, including such things as AI. You are invited to learn more and register for free.
If you missed the Sept. 9 broadcast on Leading Education Technology Innovations: Current Challenges and Solutions, you can still sign up for free to view the recording or listen to the podcast.
CoSN Membership: If you, your school or district would like more information about joining CoSN or getting more involved with CoSN, please contact [email protected].
