New Bill Tackles K-12 Cybersecurity Challenges

Schools are a favorite target of cybercriminals. And since 2016, there have been more than 1,200 cyber incidents affecting K-12 public schools in all 50 states, according to the K12 Security Information Exchange. A recent study by the K12 Cybersecurity Resource Center found 408 publicly disclosed cyber incidents in U.S. schools in 2020: 18 percent more than in 2019.

 

In response to these unprecedented attacks, President Joe Biden has signed into law legislation aimed at helping the federal government better identify K-12 cybersecurity risks and suggest appropriate solutions for school districts to adopt.

 

Part of this process tasks to U.S. Department of Homeland Security to conduct a study on specific K-12 cybersecurity risks—including challenges around remote learning—and analyze the most effective ways to communicate cybersecurity recommendations and tools for school districts.

 

Read more about the law at Nextgov and Edweek.