Vinson and K12 SlX Partner to Create Free K–12 Cybersecurity Survey Tool

Cybersecurity and managed technology services company Vinson has collaborated with K–12 cybersecurity organization K12 SIX to release a free online survey tool for districts and schools to assess their cybersecurity preparations.

The tool enables educators, administrators, and staff to gather data and insights on critical areas such as network protection, safeguarding devices, protecting identities, practicing continuous improvement, and communication, according to a news announcement. The survey is aligned with the K12 SIX Essential Cybersecurity Protections, a set of baseline cybersecurity standards for defending against the most common cyber threats facing school districts, as identified by K12 SIX, the FBI, CISA, and school insurance carriers.

A pdf report of the completed survey can be printed to help identify areas of concern or focus.

"We are excited to partner with K12 SIX to make our Vinson Protect online survey tool accessible to schools across the country," said John LaPlante, president of Vinson, in a statement. "Ensuring the cyber safety and well-being of students and staff is paramount, and we believe that this collaboration will enable educators to proactively address cybersecurity concerns and enhance overall school cybersecurity preparedness."

"By integrating our Essential Cybersecurity Protections into Vinson Protect's online survey tool, we are furthering our mission to strengthen cybersecurity and safety in K-12 education," commented Doug Levin, national director of K12 SIX. "This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing schools with practical solutions that promote a safe and secure learning environment."

For more information, visit the Vinson site.

About the Author

Kate Lucariello is a former newspaper editor, EAST Lab high school teacher and college English teacher.

Featured

  • stylized human profiles, tablets, and floating icons

    From Feedback to Flexibility: 5 AI Tools Teachers Should Try

    As a fifth-grade teacher and AI School Champion in the St. Vrain Valley School District, I've seen firsthand how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education. Here are five AI-enabled tools I've found especially powerful in my classroom and professional practice.

  • computer monitor with a bold AI search bar on the screen

    Google Rolls Out AI Mode in Search

    About a year after introducing AI Overviews for its flagship search offering, Google has announced broad availability of AI Mode in Search.

  • portable Wi-Fi hotspot rests on a stack of books and a laptop in a library

    Senate Votes to Rescind E-Rate Program Funding Loaner WiFi Hotspots for Schools and Libraries

    The Senate has passed a joint resolution to overturn "Addressing the Homework Gap Through the E-Rate Program," a July 2024 expansion to the FCC's E-Rate program that allowed schools and libraries to utilize E-Rate resources to loan out WiFi hotspots to students, school staff, and library patrons.

  • silhouetted student stands before the White House, surrounded by abstract digital graphics of brains, circuits, and AI elements

    White House Sets Sights on AI Education

    A new executive order from President Donald Trump aims to advance America's position in artificial intelligence technology by incorporating AI into education and providing AI training for educators.