In midst of COVID-19 decision fatigue, schools can’t afford to let cybersecurity fall by the wayside

As school administrators face a whole new set of questions and potential problems added to their plate by the COVID-19 pandemic, old concerns, such as cybersecurity, have gained new prominence due to the increased reliance on Internet-based solutions.

Kevin Brown, executive director of the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA), recently wrote in his blog about the importance of addressing cybersecurity even in the midst of coronavirus ‘decision fatigue’. 

While simply staying above water with so many new challenges coming up almost weekly may seem more than enough to keep administrators occupied, that is no excuse to let important security measures fall by the wayside, he wrote.

He even noted a recent incident involving Splendora Independent School District (ISD), in which they had to face the potential loss of data due to a ransomware infection.

“With so much activity occurring online to conduct our ‘new normal’ school routines, there is more opportunity for concerns about cybersecurity,” Brown wrote in his blog. “Yet, we know even the most secure sites can become hacking victims.”

From the Pentagon to major banks and political parties with millions of dollars or more to spend on security, even the largest players online have been victims of cyber crime, Brown said. 

“How can schools protect themselves and their students while still making sure teachers have access to the information and technology they need to effectively teach our children?” he wrote.

For some help in figuring out solutions, Brown plugged the organization’s INSIGHT journal, the latest issue of which discusses cybersecurity concerns and solutions. He also pointed readers to TASA’s Inspiring Leaders Podcast, which includes shows such as the recent profile on the ransomware attack faced by Splendora ISD. 

“My hope is that through our INSIGHT journal and Inspiring Leaders Podcast, we have provided some insights for you and possibly greater clarity, so that you can check this one item off your very long list. Be well, my friends!” he wrote.