As education moves increasingly into the digital realm, a growing cybersecurity threat faces the U.S. K-12 sector. “Schools of all types and sizes, from coast to coast, have experienced significant cyber incidents,” says Doug Levin, a longtime policy leader in the edtech sector. “Too many K-12 organizations have not adequately prepared for cyber incidents,” he says.
Levin, who helped write the first national education technology plan way back in 1996 and is also a past Executive Director of State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA), created the K-12 Cyber Incident Map, the most comprehensive database of publicly-disclosed cybersecurity incidents in K-12 education. The map (see image above and here) serves as the basis for the ‘State of K-12 Cybersecurity Year in Review’ annual report series.
Now, Levin has brought his work helping schools confront cybersecurity issues together under the K12 Security Information eXchange (or “K12 SIX“), and the time is right for the organization’s growth.
“Momentum and enthusiasm for K12 SIX and its mission has been extraordinary – and I’d strongly encourage any K-12 community members to consider joining in our efforts,” says Levin, speaking as the organization’s National Director.
K12 SIX is the only national non-profit organization solely dedicated to protecting the U.S. K12 community—including school districts, charter schools, private schools, and regional and state education agencies—from emerging cybersecurity threats.
The organization operates as an enhanced information sharing and analysis center (ISAC) for the K-12 education sector, facilitating the sharing of actionable threat intelligence with its membership. In addition, K12 SIX offers its members security training, access to virtual CISO services, leadership opportunities, and much more.
On September 20, 2022, K12 SIX will hold a webinar, How Can Schools Assure K-12 Vendors Embrace their Cybersecurity Responsibilities?
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