Lawmakers advocate bolstered education sector cybersecurity

Citing an increased number of cyberattacks, a pair of lawmakers are encouraging bolstered cybersecurity efforts for the
K-12 education sector.

U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Susan Collins (R-ME), a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, have forwarded correspondence to the Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona regarding the matter.

Authorities indicated Warner and Collins have requested that the department issue guidance affirming school districts nationwide have the authority to use federal dollars from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) and Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER) on cybersecurity resources.

“Experts agree that the increased reliance on online learning programs is likely to far outlast the pandemic,” the legislators wrote. “While online learning offers an abundance of positive opportunities for educators and students, without proper cybersecurity defenses, our nation’s education systems face formidable risks.”

Warner and Collins said school systems must have strong cybersecurity resources available to protect themselves against cyber and ransom attacks and take a proactive approach.

“We implore the administration to recognize the urgent national need to prioritize cybersecurity in our nation’s education systems,” the lawmakers concluded. “Because of the relief funding Congress has provided over the past year, we have a real opportunity to address accumulating cybersecurity risks in schools. We encourage the Administration to ensure school systems are aware of this use for these funds and engage with LEAs so they are equipped to take on this challenge.