Cybersecurity Month at CITE

As we celebrate Cybersecurity Month, CITE is committed to assisting you and Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in adopting better cybersecurity practices. Discover the various resources and strategies CITE has implemented to safeguard its members. 

Advocacy & Member Resources 

Over the past several years, bad actors have increasingly monitored public meeting agendas to search for topics related to cybersecurity. These can indicate weaknesses in a district's cyber posture that must be addressed formally with a local board. In 2024, CITE supported AB 2715 (Boerner), a bill recently signed by the Governor that allows these discussions to be held in closed session. Any discussion related to incidents or evaluation of cyber protections will now be able to be kept off public agendas. 

CITE helps members keep track of new and existing legislation surrounding cybersecurity through various forums, such as blog posts, social media, and our Online Communities. CITE's Online Communities feature a variety of cybersecurity resources in the Knowledge Center. As members share their insights and resources and CITE adds new materials, the collection continues to expand. 

In the latest (in)CITE podcast episode, we talked with Erick Steelman, CITE Board Member and Chief Technology and Innovation Officer for El Monte Union High School District, about an incident at his LEA. We’ve also had representatives from the Multi-State Information Sharing & Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) and David Thurston, CITE Board President-Elect and CTO of San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, join in past episodes to discuss best practices and various topics. 

Services & Programs 

CITE’s Privacy Services program provides resources to boost LEAs' cybersecurity posture across California. It helps LEAs protect sensitive student data by securing privacy agreements and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws. By supporting LEAs and vendors, the program keeps student data safe, mitigating risks, and proactively addressing cyber threats for a secure learning environment. 

CITE partners with several vendors to bring cybersecurity resources at a discounted or best-possible rate to LEAs, giving them access to key information that helps keep data secure and protected. These programs include: 

• Through the CITE and Microsoft Strategic Alliance (CAMSA) program, Microsoft 365 A5 licensing delivers an all-inclusive set of security features. This cost-efficient solution aids schools in protecting student information, handling compliance requirements, and promptly addressing threats to create a secure environment for both students and staff. 

• Google Workspace for Education aids LEAs by overseeing security configurations, offering best practices, and safeguarding sensitive information. This allows LEAs to establish a secure and efficient digital learning environment, protecting students and staff from potential cyber threats. 

• Forsyte's Guardian 365, designed for education, boosts cybersecurity for California LEAs with continuous managed security services. It offers 24/7 support, proactive threat detection, incident response, and expert advice, enabling schools to quickly address cyber threats, safeguard sensitive data, and ensure a secure digital environment for students and staff. 

• Digital Insight by Lightspeed Systems delivers detailed data analytics and management solutions. It grants an all-encompassing view of edtech application use and compliance, assisting LEAs in managing and securing their digital spaces efficiently. By utilizing these tools, school districts can protect sensitive student data proactively and ensure a safe digital learning environment. 

Education 

Participants in CITE’s education programs often anticipate their classes, but Cybersecurity is the one they fear most beforehand and appreciate most afterward. There's always more to cover to keep schools safe from cyber-attacks. In the Technology Management Advancement Program (TMAP), managers learn CIS controls and incident recovery protocols. In the CTO Mentor Program (CTOM), students develop an incident response plan and focus on external communication. They also partake in a detailed table-top exercise to manage an evolving cybersecurity attack in a school setting. Instructors continuously update content as attacks become more sophisticated. 

Looking Ahead 

Cybersecurity remains a top priority for schools and IT professionals alike. At CITE, we are committed to providing the latest tools, resources, and best practices to help you stay ahead of emerging threats. We continue to update our cybersecurity resources, ensuring that members are equipped with the knowledge and strategies they need to protect valuable data and maintain secure learning environments. Stay connected with CITE for ongoing updates and support in safeguarding your digital infrastructure.