K12 SIX Statement on the Release of CISA’s Congressionally Mandated K-12 Cybersecurity Report

Statement from Doug Levin, National Director of K12 Security Information eXchange (K12 SIX), on the release of the Congressionally mandated report, “Protecting Our Future: Partnering to Safeguard K-12 Organizations from Cybersecurity Threats” by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA):

“Given the steady drumbeat of ransomware, targeted scams, and data breach incidents plaguing school systems from coast to coast, CISA’s release of ‘Protecting Our Future: Partnering to Safeguard K-12 Organizations from Cybersecurity Threats’ comes not a moment too soon. This landmark federal report clearly and concisely communicates the cybersecurity challenge the U.S. K-12 education sector is facing and recommends common sense steps that stakeholders—including superintendents, school administrators, school board members, and state policymakers—can take to bring about needed change.

The non-profit threat information sharing community K12 SIX launched in late 2020 in recognition of these growing security challenges. School systems operate in a distinctive technological, political, and regulatory context, and therefore require support from organizations designed specifically for their complex and evolving needs. The K12 SIX team wholeheartedly endorses CISA’s recommendation that K-12 organizations join and participate in our efforts to enhance K-12 cyber awareness and resilience.

Nonetheless, the publication of this report is only one step in a much longer journey. K12 SIX pledges to continue to serve as a leading advocate for defending students, teachers, and school communities from cyber threats, and to work in partnership will all others who share this vital mission. I applaud CISA on the release of this landmark report and look forward to working together to support implementation of these recommendations.”