From the FCC…

The Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Education, with input from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, today released a resource guide to help schools and libraries evaluate their cybersecurity risks and identify the most impactful cybersecurity solutions.  The guide can also help schools and libraries as they complete applications for the FCC’s Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program and serve broadly as a resource for schools and libraries as they take steps to better protect their networks.

“Through the FCC’s Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, we’ll have a chance to better understand what equipment, services, and tools will help protect school and library broadband networks from cyberthreats,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.  “This guide will serve as a valuable resource to schools and libraries through their application process.”

The joint resource guide provides cybersecurity guidance and recommended resources to help schools and libraries keep their broadband networks secure.  Given the budget and resource constraints facing schools and libraries, the resource guide highlights free and low-cost options and focuses on the most impactful initial steps.  The guide also recognizes that specific cybersecurity needs may vary and provides a framework for schools and libraries to identify solutions that meet their unique needs.

“With cyber incidents regularly impacting K-12 schools, the FCC’s Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program will provide much needed support for schools across the country,” said U.S. Department of Education Deputy Secretary Cindy Marten.  “By collaborating with our colleagues at the FCC and CISA, this guide will help schools address their most pressing cybersecurity risks.”

The resource guide will help schools and libraries interested in applying for the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, which will award up to $200 million over a three-year term.  Participants selected for the pilot program will receive support to defray the costs of eligible cybersecurity services and equipment, while providing the Commission with data to better understand whether and how universal service funds could be used to improve school and library defenses against increasing cyberattacks.

The resource guide is part of the FCC’s ongoing collaboration with the Department of Education and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to support the cybersecurity needs of schools and libraries, including the Commission’s participation on the Department of Education’s Government Coordinating Council to support K-12 cybersecurity.

For information regarding the FCC’s Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, visit https://www.fcc.gov/cybersecurity-pilot-program.

Additional cybersecurity resources for schools and libraries are available through the Department of Education and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, including the K-12 Critical Infrastructure Brief: Defensible and Resilient, Cybersecurity Action Steps for the K-12 Community and Report: Partnering to Safeguard K-12 Organizations from Cybersecurity Threats.