Cybersecurity Readiness: Schools Brace for Escalating Threats

Summary of Kristina Tanasichuk’s Accomplishments & Experience

Kristina Tanasichuk is a highly accomplished professional with a long and distinguished career dedicated to national security, homeland security, and now, supporting ukraine. Here’s a breakdown of her key achievements and experience:

Current focus: Ukraine Support

Lead Advisor, Frist US-Ukraine Freedom Summit: leading a major conference and fundraiser focused on rehabilitation and reintegration of Ukrainian veterans.
direct Aid to Ukraine: Personally made multiple trips to Poland delivering vital supplies (tourniquets, water filters) to the front lines. Continues fundraising for drones, communications equipment, and vehicles.Homeland Security & Critical Infrastructure Expertise (Extensive & Long-Standing)

Government technology & services Coalition (GTSC): Founder.
InfraGard National Capital chapter: President & Executive VP for 8+ years, working in public-private partnership with the FBI to protect critical infrastructure.
U.S. Coast Guard: Served on the Board of Mutual Assistance and as a trustee for the Enlisted Memorial foundation.
Federal Training & academies: Graduate of DEA Citizens’ Academy, FBI Citizens’ Academy, and Marine Corps Executive forum.
Homeland Security & Defense Business Council (HSDBC): Former VP, responsible for thought leadership, strategic partnerships, communications, and marketing.
American Security Challenge: Founder & Executive Director, awarded over $3.5 million to emerging security tech firms.
Homeland Security Conference & Exposition: Event Director, managed multiple Boards of Advisors, curriculum development, government relations, and communications.
Early Career (Post 9/11): Focused on critical infrastructure issues,first responder concerns,and security for water,transportation,utilities,and public buildings at the American Public works Association.

Early Career & Government Service

U.S. House Committee on Energy & Commerce: Professional staff, working on energy deregulation and domestic energy issues. White House: Served under President George H.W. Bush. American Enterprise Institute & Various Associations: Experience representing public and private sectors in Washington, D.C.

Thought Leadership & Recognition

Public Speaking: Frequent speaker at industry conferences (IEEE, AFCEA, procm.org,SIA,ACT-IAC) on innovation and the Federal market.
Media features: Featured in CEO Magazine and MorganFranklin’s VoicesonValue.com.
Awards:
Above and Beyond Award (INLETS law Enforcement Training Board): 2019 & 2024 – for supporting homeland security, first responders, public-private partnerships, and Ukraine.
Industry Small Business Person of the Year (AFCEA International): 2016.

Education

St. Olaf College: Graduate
George Mason University: Master’s in Public Administration

Overall: Kristina Tanasichuk is a highly respected and impactful leader with a deep understanding of national security, homeland security, and a demonstrated commitment to public service, now extending to direct support for Ukraine. Her career is marked by a consistent focus on fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors to address critical challenges.

What specific training programs should schools implement to educate staff and students about identifying and avoiding phishing attacks?

The Growing Threat Landscape for Educational Institutions

Schools are increasingly becoming prime targets for cyberattacks. No longer just concerned with protecting student data,institutions face threats ranging from ransomware crippling operations to sophisticated phishing campaigns targeting staff and students. According to recent reports from CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency), the FBI, and the NSA, coordinated monitoring and intelligence sharing are crucial in combating this rising tide of cybercrime in education. The shift to remote learning, coupled with often limited school cybersecurity budgets and expertise, has exacerbated vulnerabilities. This isn’t just about data breaches; it’s about ensuring the continuity of education.

Common Cyber Threats Targeting Schools

Understanding the specific threats is the first step toward effective cybersecurity in schools. Here’s a breakdown of the most prevalent:

Ransomware: This remains the most damaging threat. Attackers encrypt school data and demand a ransom for its release, disrupting everything from administrative functions to classroom instruction.

Phishing Attacks: These deceptive emails or messages trick users into revealing sensitive facts like passwords or financial details. Students and staff are particularly vulnerable.

Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks: These attacks overwhelm school networks with traffic, making them inaccessible.

Data Breaches: Compromised student records, including personally Identifiable Information (PII), can lead to identity theft and legal repercussions.

Supply Chain Attacks: targeting third-party vendors with access to school systems can provide attackers with a backdoor.

Insider Threats: While less common, malicious or negligent actions by individuals within the school community can also pose a risk.

Strengthening School Cybersecurity: A Multi-Layered Approach

effective cyber defense for schools requires a comprehensive,multi-layered strategy.This isn’t a one-time fix, but an ongoing process of assessment, implementation, and adaptation.

1.Robust Network Security

Firewalls: implement and regularly update firewalls to control network traffic.

Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS): These systems monitor network activity for malicious behavior.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Use VPNs for secure remote access to school networks.

Network Segmentation: Divide the network into segments to limit the impact of a breach.

2. Data Protection & Privacy

Data Encryption: Encrypt sensitive data both in transit and at rest.

Access Control: Implement strict access controls, limiting access to data based on roles and responsibilities.

Data Backup & Recovery: Regularly back up data and test recovery procedures. A robust disaster recovery plan is essential.

Compliance with Regulations: Ensure compliance with relevant data privacy regulations like FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and state-specific laws.

3. User Awareness & Training

Cybersecurity Awareness Training: Provide regular training to staff and students on identifying and avoiding phishing scams, practicing strong password hygiene, and reporting suspicious activity.

Phishing Simulations: Conduct simulated phishing attacks to test user awareness and identify areas for improvement.

Acceptable Use Policies: Develop and enforce clear acceptable use policies for technology.

4. Incident Response Planning

Incident Response Plan (IRP): Develop a detailed IRP outlining the steps to take in the event of a cyberattack.

Regular Drills: Conduct regular incident response drills to test the plan and ensure everyone knows their roles.

Cyber Insurance: Consider cyber insurance to help cover the costs of a breach.

Real-World Example: The Los Angeles Unified School District Attack (2022)

In September 2022, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) suffered a meaningful ransomware attack. The attack disrupted IT systems and led to the theft of sensitive data. While the district was able to restore systems relatively quickly, the incident highlighted the vulnerability of large school districts and the potential for significant disruption. The attackers, linked to the Vice Society ransomware group, exploited vulnerabilities in the district’s network. This event underscored the need for proactive threat intelligence and robust incident response capabilities.

Benefits of Proactive Cybersecurity Measures

Investing in school data security isn’t just about avoiding negative consequences; it’s about creating a safer and more effective learning habitat.

Protecting Student Data: Safeguarding sensitive student information is paramount.

Maintaining Operational Continuity: Preventing disruptions to teaching and learning.

Protecting Reputation: Avoiding the reputational damage associated with a data breach.

Ensuring Compliance: Meeting legal and regulatory requirements.

* Building Trust: Fostering trust with parents, students, and the community.

Practical Tips for Schools with Limited Resources

Many schools operate with limited budgets and IT staff. Here are some practical steps they can take to improve their cybersecurity posture:

1. Prioritize essential Systems: Focus on protecting the most critical systems and data first.
2. Leverage Free Resources: Utilize free cybersecurity resources from CISA, the FBI, and other organizations.
3. Cloud-Based Security Solutions: Consider cloud-based security solutions, which can be more affordable and easier to manage.
4. Partner with Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs): Outsource cybersecurity