With the growing threat of cyberattacks against K-12 schools, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more critical. To address this, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched a new initiative: a $200 million Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program. This three-year program is designed to enhance the cybersecurity posture of educational institutions across the United States by providing funding for critical security services and equipment.

At Adlumin, we are dedicated to helping schools navigate these complex cybersecurity challenges. We invite you to join our upcoming webinar featuring Bryan P. Boyle, Acting Chief of the Telecommunications Access Policy Division at the FCC. In this session, Bryan will provide an in-depth overview of the FCC’s Initiative and discuss how schools can apply for funding to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses.

Why This Initiative Matters Now More Than Ever

Recent statistics underscore the urgency of this Initiative. Cyberattacks on educational institutions can cost millions of dollars, result in significant data breaches, and disrupt learning for days or weeks. According to the FCC, recovery from such attacks can take up to nine months, impacting not just financial resources but also educational outcomes for students​.

The $200 million Pilot Program is designed to help mitigate these risks by funding eligible cybersecurity services and equipment. Schools can use these funds for advanced firewalls, endpoint protection, identity authentication, monitoring systems, and more. Importantly, this program also serves as a research project for the FCC to collect data on the cybersecurity needs of schools, which could inform future funding decisions​.

What You’ll Learn in the Webinar

1. Understanding the FCC’s $200 Million Pilot Program: Bryan Boyle will delve into the specifics of the Pilot Program, including its goals and how it fits into the FCC’s broader efforts to enhance digital security in education. Learn how this program could be a game-changer for your school’s cybersecurity strategy.
2. Navigating the Application Process: The application process for this funding has been simplified to encourage widespread participation. Initially, schools need to provide a summarized version of their cybersecurity posture and plans. If selected to proceed, a more detailed submission will be required. This two-step process is designed to streamline the application and make it more accessible​.
3. Identifying Eligible Services and Equipment: The FCC has outlined four main categories for which funding can be used: advanced firewalls, endpoint protection, identity protection, and monitoring systems. Understanding these categories will help schools make strategic decisions about where to invest the funds to get the maximum benefit.

Who Should Attend?

This webinar is ideal for:

• School district administrators and IT directors who oversee technology and cybersecurity.
• Education technology coordinators managing the integration of digital tools in schools.
• Cybersecurity professionals working in the education sector.
• Policymakers and educational leaders aiming to enhance the cybersecurity framework of their institutions.

The Broader Impact of the FCC’s Initiative

This Initiative is not just about funding; it’s about setting a precedent for future federal support of cybersecurity in education. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel highlighted that this program could influence the future of the E-rate program, which traditionally supports internet and telecom services but could potentially expand to include cybersecurity expenses based on the findings from this pilot​.

According to EdTech Magazine, strong response from schools and districts across the country will demonstrate to federal agencies the critical need for ongoing cybersecurity funding, potentially paving the way for more comprehensive programs in the future​.

Don’t Miss This Opportunity

Join us for this informative webinar on September 12, 2024, at 9:00 AM PDT. Secure your spot and gain invaluable insights into securing funding to protect your school’s digital infrastructure. Register Now to ensure you don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from an FCC expert and participate in an interactive Q&A session.