FCC proposes $200M for K-12 cybersecurity

Key points:

• The FCC is calling attention to the urgent need for more tools–including funding–to combat K-12 cybersecurity risks
• A new proposal would allocate up to $200 million over three years to harden cyber defenses and determine the most effective methods to protect schools and libraries
• See related article: Are ransomware attacks the new snow days?

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel is asking her fellow Commissioners to support a proposal that would take further steps to enhance cybersecurity protections to protect school networks.

In a speech before the School Superintendents Association and the Association of School Business officers, Rosenworcel said she would be sharing with her colleagues a plan to create a pilot program to invest in cybersecurity services for eligible K-12 schools and libraries.

“With the growing number of sophisticated cyberattacks on schools and especially the rise in malicious ransomware attacks that harm our students, now is the time to take action,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “We’re proposing a significant investment of up to $200 million over three years to harden the cyber defenses and determine the most effective methods to protect our schools and libraries. Our pilot program will work in tandem with federal agency partners that have deep expertise in this area.”

While addressing the pressing need for K-12 cybersecurity defenses is essential, some industry experts caution that more is needed to support these measures.

“While the proposal is a promising start, it lacks the necessary groundwork for enduring impact,” said Below is commentary from Doug Thompson, chief education architect at Tanium. Thompson identified three key limitations that may undermine its success without proper support: 

Laura Ascione is the Editorial Director at eSchool Media. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland's prestigious Philip Merrill College of Journalism.

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• Source: https://www.eschoolnews.com/it-leadership/2023/08/04/fcc-proposes-200m-for-k-12-cybersecurity/