During my tenure as a K-12 public school district superintendent, I often likened the role to that of a commercial airline pilot. The comparison is more than a metaphor; both roles are highly accountable for the well-being and safety of those in their care—whether passengers and crew or students and staff. Just as pilots constantly monitor their radars for potential threats, school superintendents must be ever-vigilant, scanning for risks that could impact their educational communities.
Even after retiring, my commitment to supporting school district leaders remains strong. Through my ongoing involvement with the District Administration Leadership Institute (DALI) Superintendent Summits, I’ve had the privilege of engaging with educational leaders from across the country. One concern consistently rises to the top: cybersecurity. According to a recent Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) survey, cybersecurity is the No. 1 priority for ed-tech leaders in 2024.
Aviation and Cybersecurity in Education?
The parallels to aviation persist. Like pilots determined to avoid turbulence and ensure a smooth flight, school district leaders are equally resolute in mitigating disruptions and shielding their communities from threats. In today’s landscape, where ransomware attacks and data extortion stories are making headlines with increasing frequency, it’s more crucial than ever to implement robust cybersecurity strategies.
Working with Trusted Partners
However, the challenge is significant. School districts often operate with limited staff dedicated to cybersecurity, making it essential to find a trusted partner to help shoulder the burden. One such partner is TriVigil, a company committed to empowering school districts with comprehensive prevention and protection services. TriVigil’s focus on people, policy, and technology provides the tools necessary to navigate the complex and ever-changing digital landscape.
For those of you leading school districts, I urge you to stay vigilant. Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue; it's a mission-critical priority that affects the very fabric of your educational community. Consider connecting with the cybersecurity advisors at TriVigil to explore how their services can help safeguard your district. They even offer a complimentary consultation to get you started.
Stay vigilant, my friends! The safety and security of your educational community depend on it.
Scott Bailey of baileywick consulting LLC is a paid consultant of TriVigil.