Cybersecurity Policy Report, CISA Offers K-12 Cybersecurity Help as Schools Prepare for New Year, (Aug 12, 2026)
As K-12 students prepare to return to class, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has unveiled a set of resources to help schools fend off hackers.
“Cyber threats are a significant and growing risk for K-12 schools and districts. These institutions maintain sensitive student and staff data, rely on diverse technologies and systems, have multiple users with varying privileges and levels of access, and often lack resources for robust cybersecurity programs,” CISA noted in a news release.
CISA’s “K-12 Cybersecurity Foundations Resource Package” includes written guides, videos, and other materials “to help K-12 schools and districts prevent, mitigate and respond to prevalent cyber threats,” it said. “Based on current cybersecurity best practices and frameworks, the resource package outlines cost-effective, actionable and customizable steps that K-12 institutions can take to develop and maintain effective cybersecurity programs.”
“School districts do not have equal access to resources to operate best practice cybersecurity programs,” according to an implementation guide included in the resource package.
“School districts have a wide range of expertise and experience, financial budget and technology to deploy cybersecurity programs. Smaller school districts, for example, may need help to identify, implement and manage cybersecurity tools, strategies and programs,” it notes.
“Cyberattacks on K-12 schools and districts jeopardize not only the integrity of our educational mission, but the safety and security of our students and teachers as well,” said CISA Acting Director Nick Andersen.
“These impacts are often felt well beyond the classroom,” Mr. Anderson added. “The K-12 Cybersecurity Foundations Resource Package empowers school communities with practical strategies and supports our school safety mission. CISA is helping the K-12 community proactively defend against cyber threats, minimize disruption and better protect the systems our nation’s children, parents and educators depend on every day.”
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