Security & Privacy


PowerSchool to Buy SchoolMessenger, Integrate with its Cloud SIS

Cloud-based K–12 software provider PowerSchool has signed an agreement to acquire SchoolMessenger from its parent company, West Technology Group, for $300 million and plans to integrate SchoolMessenger’s features with the PowerSchool Student Information Cloud platform, according to a news release.

FCC Chair Proposes $200 Million Pilot for Data Security in Schools and Libraries

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel formally announced a proposal that would create a $200 million, three-year pilot program to help pay for data and information security services in K–12 schools and in libraries.

Zero-Day Exploits Dominate Malware from Web Traffic in Q1

In the first quarter of 2023, a massive 93% of detected malware from encrypted web traffic and 70% of malware from unencrypted web traffic came from zero day malware, according to a new report. And 51 new ransomware variants were detected.

Tech Tactics in Education

Data and Information Security Take the Spotlight at the Tech Tactics in Education Conference

The agenda for the 2023 Tech Tactics in Education conference has been revealed. The inaugural event will offer five tracks — two for K–12, two for higher education, and one for both — spotlighting data and IT security in the "new now."

Data from 60K Incidents in Spring 2023 Shows Usage Trends for School Incident Reporting

A new School Safety Trends: 2023 Spring Term report from incident response technology provider Centegix illustrates how schools are using the company’s mobile panic button solution on campuses nationwide.

images shows the new Google Admin console for Education users

Google's New Edu Features Boost Accessibility, Differentiation, Collaboration, and Security

Google for Education has unveiled a host of new features and integrations at ISTELive 23 happening this week in Philadelphia, all aimed at amplifying teacher impact and improving student outcomes, the company said on its blog.

Snapshot: IoT Malware Jumps 700%

ABI Research released a startling statistic: Malware targeting IoT devices climbed 700% during the pandemic.

Funds For Learning Invites E-rate Applicants to Participate in Annual Survey by June 30

E-rate compliance services provider Funds For Learning is holding its 13th annual survey for E-rate applicants through June 30, 2023, and is seeking participation from K–12 school IT and cybersecurity leaders.

Delcom Group Auvik Partner on Automated Network Management Solution for Schools

Auvik, a provider of cloud-based network management software, has announced new partnership with K–12 IT consulting firm Delcom Group to make Auvik’s automated monitoring solutions accessible to school districts, according to a news release.

The Need for Powerful Identity and Access Management Throughout Districts

Districts seeking to optimize their IT, and specifically, their cybersecurity efforts, must focus on deploying common sense tools and operational resilience plans that will help defend against cyber attacks as well as respond in the wake of a successful hack.