Zero Breach Zone

Welcome to episode 10 of Zero Breach Zone! Join us for our continued FETC 2025 coverage featuring Dr. Joe Phillips, CTO of Fulton County Schools. In this insightful conversation recorded live at the conference, Dr. Phillips draws from his unique background in both education and military service to address the complex challenges facing large school districts. Beyond introducing his innovative PLANT AI model, he shares a compelling perspective on how Moore's Law has given way to an era where technological disruption is actually accelerating the pace of disruption itself. His deep understanding of AI's transformative potential, coupled with his measured approach to implementation, showcases why he's become a leading voice in educational AI awareness. As the host of the newly launched 'Safe and Innovative Schools' podcast, Dr. Phillips brings a fresh perspective on balancing innovation with security in modern educational environments.

Key Takeaways 

• The distinctive challenges of implementing innovation in large school districts 
• Critical considerations for K-12 cybersecurity and data privacy 
• Understanding and implementing the PLANT AI model for education 
• How technological disruption is accelerating beyond Moore's Law predictions
• Strategies for developing structured technology approval processes 
• How AI can address resource limitations in education 
• Benefits of a layered approach to school safety 'Swiss Cheese Appraoch'
• The importance of responsible AI awareness in education 
• Evolution of data privacy agreements in the AI era
• The critical role of educational leaders in guiding AI integration 
• Military insights applied to educational technology 
• Practical implementation of innovative security measures

Resources Mentioned

• FETC Conference 2025 Resources 
• PLANT AI Model by Joe Phillips 
• 'Safe and Innovative Schools' Podcast by Joe Phillips 
• K-12 Cybersecurity Framework 
• Data Privacy Agreement Insights for App approvals - FERPA/ COBA 
• Parting Tool: Microsoft Co-Pilot for use in K-12

#FETC2025 #EdTech #Cybersecurity #Education #SchoolSafety #AI #TechDisruption #AIAwareness

Welcome to episode 9 of Zero Breach Zone! Put on your spurs and join us for our first episode in our special FETC 2025 series! Hosts Andy & Phil kick off our conference coverage with master storyteller Dr. Sheryl R. Abshire, a 40+ year education technology pioneer whose deep understanding of policy and government has shaped educational technology across the nation. Her compelling narratives and unique perspectives come from a remarkable journey that spans from implementing the first Apple II computers to leading cybersecurity initiatives as CTO of Calcasieu Parish School System. Through years of advocating at state and federal levels, Dr. Abshire has developed an unparalleled understanding of educational technology policy and its real-world impact on schools. Her diverse experience - including classroom teaching, school administration, successful grant writing, and technology leadership - combined with her gift for storytelling, provides invaluable insights into how passionate educators can shape the future of technology in schools. As co-author of "The Savvy Ed Tech Leader" and one of the original pioneers of the E-Rate program's first year, Dr. Abshire demonstrates how dedication to lifelong learning and proactive leadership can transform educational technology.

Key Takeaways:

• Tracing the evolution of educational technology from Apple II computers to AI integration

• How E-Rate's first year implementation transformed internet access in schools and what E-Rate is up against today 

• The importance of understanding how technology has been integrated across all curriculum areas

• Critical cybersecurity considerations for modern educational institutions

• Insights from serving as both educator and technology leader

• The continuing importance of professional development and certification (ISTE, CCRE)

• Practical wisdom for aspiring education technology leaders fr her book The Savvy Ed Tech Leader

• The role of mentorship in developing future EdTech leaders

• The recent PowerSchool Breach and its implications 

• Balancing innovation with security in today's educational environment

Resources Mentioned:

• "The Savvy Ed Tech Leader" by Dr. Sheryl R. Abshire and co-authors

• FETC Conference 2025 Resources

• E-Rate Program Documentation

• Cybersecurity Rubric Evaluation Framework

• ISTE Certification Program

• The Cybersecurity Rubric

#FETC2025 #EdTech #Cybersecurity #Education #SavvyEdTechLeader

Welcome to episode 8 of Zero Breach Zone!  🚨 Special Early Release Episode: Join hosts Phil Hintz and Andy Lombardo as they kick off the New Year and break down critical EdTech security news around the PowerSchool data breach and preview what's heating up at the upcoming Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC)!

In this packed episode, Phil and Andy explore the critical importance of administrative rights management and layered security approaches in modern cybersecurity practices. They tackle the recent PowerSchool data breach, offering valuable insights into incident response and the crucial role of vendor accountability in protecting sensitive student data.

The conversation expands to cover the evolving landscape of educational cybersecurity, including vital frameworks and the essential role of organizations like CISA. Plus, get a sneak peek at what's coming up at the FETC conference and hear about ClassLink's latest cybersecurity initiatives.

Key Takeaways:
• Why separating administrative rights is crucial for maintaining security integrity
• How layered security approaches create more robust protection for educational institutions
• Deep dive into the PowerSchool data breach and its implications for K-12 education
• The importance of effective incident response strategies in educational settings
• Understanding vendor accountability in protecting sensitive educational data
• How cybersecurity frameworks and rubrics are shaping educational security practices
• Updates on ClassLink's cybersecurity initiatives and their impact on education
• Preview of upcoming FETC conference highlights and educational technology trends
• Parting Tool: TCM Security Free Courses 'practical help desk course' 'programming fundamentals' 'soft skills for the job market'

Resources Mentioned:
- CISA (Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency)
- Cybersecurity Rubric for Education
- PowerSchool Incident Response Resources
- FETC Conference Information
- ClassLink Security Documentation

Connect with the Hosts:
Phil Hintz & Andy Lombardo

Follow Zero Breach Zone on social media for more cybersecurity insights and updates!

#cybersecurity #edtech #k12education #datasecurity #incidentresponse #educationtech

Welcome to Episode 7 of the Zero Breach Zone ! Join hosts Phil Hintz and Andy Lombardo as they sit down with Frankie Jackson, a cybersecurity expert and former CTO of Cypress Fairbanks ISD, to explore the intersection of education and cybersecurity. From NASA to one of Texas's largest school districts, Frankie shares her journey and insights on developing comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks for educational institutions.

As a thought leader in K-12 cybersecurity, Frankie Jackson continues advocating for increased diversity in technology, co-authoring The Savvy Ed Tech Leader alongside Sheryl Abshire, Diane Doersch, and Donna Williamson – a comprehensive roadmap helping technology practitioners advance their careers and shape the future of educational technology. This episode is highly engaging and essential listening for K-12 cybersecurity pros and the like!

Key Takeaways:
• Frankie Jackson transitioned from NASA to K-12 education for a better work-life balance but found her true passion
• Her work in Cypress Fairbanks ISD, one of the largest school districts in Texas
• The Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) and the focus on data privacy in education
• Behind the scenes of he Cybersecurity Coalition and why it was formed to improve cybersecurity practices in education
• The NIST Cybersecurity Framework and how it was adapted for educational institutions
• Frankie explains why collaboration among strategic partners is crucial for effective cybersecurity solutions
• The creation of the cybersecurity rubric, which helps school districts assess their cybersecurity maturity
• Why training for cybersecurity rubric evaluators is essential for effective implementation
• Phil asks if cybersecurity insurance rates can decrease with improved cybersecurity practices
• Frankie Jackson envisions a standardized framework for cybersecurity in education
• Parting Tool: Savvy Ed Tech Leader Self Assessment

Resources Mentioned:
- Trusted Learning Environment (TLE)
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework
- Cybersecurity Coalition
- Cybersecurity Rubric
- The Savvy Ed Tech Leader book

Connect with Frankie Jackson

Follow Zero Breach Zone: Andy Lombardo & Phil Hintz

#cybersecurity #edtech #k12 #education #datasecurity

As we round out the year 2024, we wanted to reintroduce you to our hosts Andy Lombardo & Phil Hintz and remind you why the Zero Breach Zone is a vital resource for K-12 cybersecurity.

Welcome to the debut episode of Zero Breach Zone! In this episode, hosts Andy Lombardo and Phil Hintz introduce the podcast, focused on the critical importance of cybersecurity in K-12 education. Drawing from their backgrounds in education and technology, they share their personal experiences with cyber attacks and discuss why striving for a “zero breach zone” is essential, even though complete security isn’t always achievable.

Key topics include insider threats, student data privacy, and the growing need for cybersecurity insurance in schools. Andy and Phil also highlight BlueMirror, a free SIEM tool for Microsoft 365, which provides alerts and guidance on suspicious activity.

Takeaways:

• Striving for a "zero breach zone" is critical, even though perfect security is unattainable.
• Insider attacks and protecting student data privacy are unique challenges in K-12 education.
• Cybersecurity insurance is becoming essential for school districts.
• Introducing our recurring segment, The Parting Tool: This episode features BlueMira, a free tool that helps detect and respond to suspicious activity within Microsoft 365 environments.  

Tune in for an insightful discussion on the importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding our schools!

This podcast is brought to you by CyberNut—the go-to security solution for schools, built with IT Directors to protect against online threats, data breaches, and phishing. Learn more: https://www.cybernut.com/

Welcome to Episode 6 of the Zero Breach Zone! In this episode, hosts Phil Hintz and Andy Lombardo welcome Jason Yaw Osei, Tech Director of Technology and Cybersecurity at Campbell ISD in Texas, for a fun and engaging discussion about cybersecurity in education and innovative training approaches.

Yaw's infectious energy and passion for all things tech shine through in this episode packed with laughs, tech talk, and cybersecurity insights. From geeking out about AI innovations to trading cybersecurity war stories, the conversation flows effortlessly between serious security discussions and playful tech banter. Whether you're a cybersecurity pro or just love hearing passionate people talk tech, this episode delivers entertainment and education in equal measure. 

Key Takeaways

• Breaking Down Innovation Barriers: Yaw discusses his thoughtful approach to introducing new security practices in communities that often view change with skepticism, showing how building trust and understanding can transform resistance into enthusiasm
• Digital Identity as Personal Security: Yaw breaks down complex cybersecurity concepts using brilliant home security analogies - from treating passwords like house keys to viewing data breaches like leaving your front door wide open. His memorable comparisons help make digital security feel as natural and necessary as locking your doors at night
• Innovative Training Through CyberNut: Discussion of how gamification is revolutionizing cybersecurity training, making it more engaging and effective for educational staff in his district
• Future of EdTech Security: Analysis of emerging trends in educational cybersecurity, including the integration of AI and automation in school settings.
• CyberNut - the security awareness training platform built exclusively for schools 
• Parting Tool: AboutMy.email: lets you send us a questionable email and we'll analyze it and tell you about its authentication, size, structure and how well it complies with best practices set by Yahoo & Google 

Welcome to Episode 5 of Zero Breach Zone! In this episode, hosts Phil and Andy speak to the core of what this podcast is all about: making cybersecurity accessible and actionable for the entire education technology community. They share key insights from their recent cybersecurity and education technology conference experience at RTM. Phil and Andy dive into their recent cybersecurity concerns with playful banter, with Andy emphasizing his passion for Multi-Factor Authentication as a critical security foundation. They explore AI's expanding influence in education, from classroom applications to administrative tools, while sharing their upcoming speaking engagements at COSN, TETC, and other education technology conferences in the coming months.

Key Takeaways:

• In-person conferences remain invaluable for building professional relationships and sharing solutions
• Organizations must master basic security hygiene before adopting advanced technologies
• AI tools are transforming both educational practices and cybersecurity approaches
• Multi-factor authentication continues to be a cornerstone of digital security
• Community-driven tools and peer networking can significantly enhance cybersecurity efforts
• Parting Tool: Maester, a Microsoft Security test Automation framework

  Tune in to join a community dedicated to protecting our educational institutions and learning the tools and strategies that make it possible.

Welcome to Episode 4 of the Zero Breach Zone! In this episode, we sit down with Oliver Page, CEO and founder of CyberNut, for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship and cybersecurity in education. Oliver shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur, including his experience founding NutKase, a successful K-12 device case manufacturer that protected over 3 million student devices. Through both success and failure, he shares valuable lessons that led him to his current venture. As the founder of CyberNut, he discusses how his company is revolutionizing cybersecurity training in educational institutions with innovative, user-friendly solutions.

Oliver explores the critical need for comprehensive cybersecurity education and how CyberNut is meeting this challenge through fast, efficient training programs and authentic phishing simulations. The discussion highlights how their unique approach caters to both faculty/staff and student needs, setting them apart in the educational cybersecurity space.

Welcome to Episode 3 of Zero Breach Zone! In this episode, hosts Phil and Andy set the stage for what this podcast is all about: making cybersecurity accessible and actionable for the entire education technology community. Starting with the recent AT&T data breach as a springboard, our hosts demonstrate how cybersecurity vulnerabilities affect everyone - from major corporations to local school districts. Through this lens, they dive into the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) and its crucial role in education technology. Drawing from their extensive experience, Phil and Andy break down complex security concepts into actionable insights, exploring incident response planning and multi-factor authentication. The conversation highlights valuable training resources like Try Hack Me for offensive security and Let's Defend for defensive strategies, showcasing their commitment to building a stronger education technology community through practical, accessible guidance.

Key Takeaways:

• The AT&T breach demonstrates how cybersecurity impacts every organizational level
• CoSN provides essential resources and community support for education technology leaders
• Incident response planning is crucial for all organizations, regardless of size
• Multi-factor authentication remains a fundamental security best practice
• Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that extends beyond the IT department
• Parting Tool: Try Hack Me and Let's Defend offer complementary approaches to security training

Tune in to join a community dedicated to protecting our educational institutions and learning the tools and strategies that make it possible.

Welcome to Episode 2 of Zero Breach Zone! In this episode, hosts Andy Lombardo and Phil Hintz recap the latest from the ISTE conference, where education and technology converge to shape the future of learning. We explore the major announcements, including the launch of EdTechIndex.org, a new resource for educators to find vetted educational apps that meet strict privacy and security criteria. The episode emphasizes the need to bridge the gap between technology and education, breaking down silos in school districts, and fostering collaboration to ensure effective implementation of new tools.

Our hosts also tackle the increasing importance of cybersecurity in schools. From district-wide cybersecurity training to ensuring all stakeholders are involved, they stress that securing student data is a responsibility that goes beyond the tech department. AI's growing role in education is another focal point, with tools like Steve AI and the Edge browser offering exciting opportunities while addressing critical security needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Bridging the gap between technology and education is essential for smooth technology integration in school districts.
• Breaking down silos and encouraging collaboration between departments is crucial for successful tech adoption.
• Cybersecurity training should involve all district stakeholders to protect student data.
• EdTechIndex.org serves as a trusted source for apps that prioritize privacy and security.
• AI is transforming education, and responsible partnerships with vendors like Open AI are vital to protecting data.
• Andy Shares his newsletter EdTechIRL where anything K12 edtech is fair game - instructional, infrastructure, incident response, tools, tips, tricks, deployment, data privacy, diagnostics, etc
• The Parting Tool: This episode features Steve AI "Go from Prompt to Video, Script to Video, and Audio to Video"

Tune in for an in-depth discussion on education technology, AI integration, and cybersecurity best practices in K-12 education.