Cybersecurity education is paramount for school and school district cybersecurity managers, system administrators, and technical staff, especially in the face of challenging distance and hybrid learning conditions. In an ever-evolving digital landscape fraught with threats, enhancing knowledge and preparedness is essential to fortifying educational institutions against cybersecurity risks. Here are six significant areas to consider:

1. Protection against cyber threats: With the increasing reliance on technology for remote learning, schools and school districts have become attractive targets for cybercriminals. Cybersecurity education equips technical staff with the knowledge and skills to identify and mitigate potential threats, such as phishing attacks, malware, data breaches, and ransomware. It helps them understand the vulnerabilities that exist in digital systems and implement effective security measures to safeguard sensitive information and infrastructure.
2. Data privacy and confidentiality: Schools and districts handle vast amounts of sensitive student and faculty data, including personally identifiable information (PII). Maintaining data privacy and confidentiality is essential to comply with legal requirements and protect the privacy rights of individuals. Cybersecurity education ensures that technical staff understands the importance of data protection and implements appropriate security measures, such as encryption, access controls, and secure data storage.
3. Incident response and management: Despite preventive measures, cybersecurity incidents may still occur. In such situations, a well-prepared and trained technical staff can respond promptly, effectively, and in a coordinated manner. Cybersecurity education enables them to develop incident response plans, identify indicators of compromise, analyze and contain security breaches, restore systems, and minimize the impact of incidents on teaching and learning activities.
4. User awareness and training: Technical staff also play a vital role in educating teachers, students, and other stakeholders about cybersecurity best practices. By understanding the risks and consequences of cyber threats, educators can promote good security habits among students and colleagues. Cybersecurity education enables technical staff to create training programs, develop educational materials, and deliver workshops to raise awareness and empower the school community to adopt safe online practices.
5. System and network protection: Distance and hybrid learning conditions often require the use of various digital tools, platforms, and network infrastructure. Cybersecurity education helps technical staff implement robust security measures at the system and network levels, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, secure remote access, and regular vulnerability assessments. It ensures that technical staff can design, configure, and maintain secure systems that support remote learning without compromising the integrity and availability of educational resources.
6. Compliance with regulations and standards: Educational institutions are subject to various regulations and standards concerning data protection and cybersecurity. For instance, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) in the United States imposes requirements on the privacy and security of student records. Cybersecurity education helps technical staff stay informed about these regulations and standards, ensuring that schools and districts comply with legal obligations and maintain a strong security posture.

Overall, cybersecurity education for school and school district technical staff is essential to protect sensitive data, mitigate risks, respond effectively to incidents, raise user awareness, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. By enhancing their knowledge and skills, these staff members contribute to a safer and more secure digital learning environment.