Are You Cyber Secure?

As I review and update Emergency Operation Plans for school districts, I have a continued concern about the input that is necessary from staff, community members and emergency personnel (sounds like a Safety & Security Committee) to write an operative annex.  My concerns continue to be with districts that do not have the means, knowledge, and personnel to plan effectively. There is a multitude of resources available, but sorting through the necessary needs for response is difficult and very time consuming.

The area of cybersecurity is of great concern. There are great resources available through Homeland Security and CISA, Texas Department of Information (DIR) and the Incident Response Redbook, TxSSC, and others. It is a necessity to have personnel assisting to develop that annex who have great knowledge and experience in technology. Often smaller districts do not have an IT person on staff and must depend on outside agencies to offer assistance and direction in the preparation of the cybersecurity annex. This may require time for face-to-face guidance in the collection of necessary information. Cybersecurity is and will continue to be a very important area to prepare for incidents. 

The expectation for this annex is no different than others. Stakeholders must be identified, an incident response team must be established, training must be provided to staff and students, and the five phases of emergency management must be addressed. 

If there is a way that I can help, please don’t hesitate to contact me at EOPlannersllc@gmail.com. Continuing to pray for a great 24-25 school year.