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Ep. 93 K-12, Learning How to Protect Against Ransomware
During today’s discussion, you will hear from subject matter experts who talk about what state and local organizations can do to prevent ransomware as well as how to prepare for the new funding opportunities that are targeted at improving defense against cyberattacks.
One of the biggest lessons of this discussion is the existential nature of a ransomware attack. According to Doug Levin from K-12 Security Exchange, in 2021 alone there were 166 cyberattacks in 66 schools. Six of those schools had to temporarily shut down.
The experts indicated three best practices: have a good understanding of your current situation, know what organizations offer free help, and get a grasp on how insurance works.
When you have a complete survey of your system, you will understand where you have gaps and that understanding will give you the ability to evaluate systems that can help. One unexpected consequence of this effort is this survey can help you complete an application for cyber insurance. Jennifer Lotze remarked that a few years ago her insurance policy application had a few questions; today’s is fourteen pages of requirements. Also, do not be surprised if rates have gone up 30% since your last inquiry.
Historically, state governments and schools have been underfunded when it comes to cybersecurity prevention. In an attempt to address this concern, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was passed in 2021. It allocated over one billion dollars to improve state, local, and tribal security between 2022 and 2025.
When it comes to free services, the discussion uncovered many resources. For starters, CISA offers Cyber Resilience Review and Ransomware Readiness Assessment; they are free assessments to know what is going on in your network.
The Department of Education offers a website called “Protecting Student Privacy” as a service from the Privacy Technical Assistance Center that provides up-to-date information on safe practices.
Listen to the discussion to get fantastic tips on prevention, free resources, and suggestions on how to navigate the turbulent waters of cyber insurance.
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By FedInsider
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During today’s discussion, you will hear from subject matter experts who talk about what state and local organizations can do to prevent ransomware as well as how to prepare for the new funding opportunities that are targeted at improving defense against cyberattacks.
One of the biggest lessons of this discussion is the existential nature of a ransomware attack. According to Doug Levin from K-12 Security Exchange, in 2021 alone there were 166 cyberattacks in 66 schools. Six of those schools had to temporarily shut down.
The experts indicated three best practices: have a good understanding of your current situation, know what organizations offer free help, and get a grasp on how insurance works.
When you have a complete survey of your system, you will understand where you have gaps and that understanding will give you the ability to evaluate systems that can help. One unexpected consequence of this effort is this survey can help you complete an application for cyber insurance. Jennifer Lotze remarked that a few years ago her insurance policy application had a few questions; today’s is fourteen pages of requirements. Also, do not be surprised if rates have gone up 30% since your last inquiry.
Historically, state governments and schools have been underfunded when it comes to cybersecurity prevention. In an attempt to address this concern, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was passed in 2021. It allocated over one billion dollars to improve state, local, and tribal security between 2022 and 2025.
When it comes to free services, the discussion uncovered many resources. For starters, CISA offers Cyber Resilience Review and Ransomware Readiness Assessment; they are free assessments to know what is going on in your network.
The Department of Education offers a website called “Protecting Student Privacy” as a service from the Privacy Technical Assistance Center that provides up-to-date information on safe practices.
Listen to the discussion to get fantastic tips on prevention, free resources, and suggestions on how to navigate the turbulent waters of cyber insurance.