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K–12 Cybersecurity Standards Released, Along with Free District Self-Assessment Tool

The nonprofit K12 Security Information Exchange (K12 SIX) has released its highly anticipated cybersecurity standards of practice for K–12 schools and districts, a companion to the K12 SIX Essential Cybersecurity Protections released in August. The group also released a free self-assessment tool for information technology and information security leaders.

The standards of practice document, K12 SIX Cybersecurity Standards: 2021-2022 School Year, establishes a four-tiered rubric for at-risk, baseline, good and better practices for data security in schools in the areas of network traffic sanitation, safeguarding devices, identity/data protection for staff and students and regular maintenance. The guide also includes help with determining whether protections have been implemented properly; information on expected impacts; guidance on costs, complexity and IT time requirements; and alignment with the NIST Cyber Security Framework 1.1.

The free self-assessment tool can be accessed here. The standards of practice are available with registration at k12six.org/protective-measures-series. Additional details about the initiative can be found in a K12 SIX webinar here.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


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