Introduction to the K12 SIX Essential Cybersecurity Protections

Join the K12 Security Information eXchange (K12 SIX) for an overview of the K12 SIX Essential Cybersecurity Protections series of products, recently updated for the 2023 — 2024 school year.

Developed by K-12 IT practitioners, for K-12 IT practitioners—and aligned to cybersecurity risk management best practices—the K12 SIX Essential Cybersecurity Protections series establishes baseline cybersecurity standards for U.S. school districts and provides guidance and tools to support their implementation. The series includes:

• K12 SIX Essential Cybersecurity Protections for the 2023-2024 School Year: What K-12 Leaders Need to Know - communicates a short list of actionable cybersecurity protections that all school districts should prioritize for implementation
• K12 SIX Essential Cybersecurity Protections for the 2023-2024 School Year: Implementation Standards - defines implementation standards for each of the K12 SIX recommended protections
• K12 SIX Cybersecurity District Self-Assessment Tool for the 2023-2024 School Year - helps K-12 leaders prioritize time and resources in addressing the cybersecurity risks facing their school community

While there is no shortage of general cybersecurity guidance available from government and private organizations, K-12 education leaders face unique context and constraints when implementing cybersecurity defenses in a school setting.

Join Doug Levin, Director of K12 SIX, and April Mardock, Seattle Public Schools CISO and Chair of the K12 SIX Technical Working Group, for an introduction to the series, its key features, recent updates, and an overview of recommended K-12 cybersecurity controls for the 2023-24 school year.