By Chetrice Mosley Romero

Whether you’re in Cannelton, Crown Point, or Carmel, cybersecurity is the link that helps our school communities – across Indiana – continue to be strong and protected while staying connected.

At a time where we’re spending, some days, as much time being together virtually, as we do – in person – with one another, cyber is a tool that’s crucial for helping to educate our children and young adults. And regardless of the important role you play, the Cybersecurity for Education Toolkit is a FREE, turnkey resource; saving you precious time as you focus on the rapidly increasing challenges that are taking place in education as another school year gets underway. It is for everyone, including:

• Superintendents and school board members
• Teachers, staff, and administrators
• Students of all ages and their families
• Every person who lives in a school community

Created in 2020 by the Indiana Executive Council on Cybersecurity (IECC) and the Indiana Department of Education (DOE), the Toolkit is an easy-to-understand resource, complete with tips and helpful information to make sure everyone in education is cybersafe and practicing good habits that will help:

• Students protect their identity and schoolwork
• Teachers and staff manage their lesson plans while keeping safe their student’s data, including their grades and assignments
• Administrators protect their students and keep their facilities secure
• Members of the public can engage and communicate with schools and educators

It’s National Online Learning Day and the guide is easy to use to take advantage of all the articles, images, tips, resources, and social media posts, as needed. In addition, we invite you to visit the Indiana Cybersecurity Hub website. There you’ll find even more materials – updated regularly – that will help you with everything from tips on maintaining good cyber hygiene to the steps you should take if you are the victim of a cybercrime.

There’s also lots of cyber-related information for teachers and students, including resources and programs for pursuing a career in cybersecurity. Soon, we’ll be updating the Toolkit with even more of the latest materials and resources to help everyone in your school community keep pace with today’s ever-changing cyber world.