In an significant move, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is rallying education leaders across the nation to advocate for enhanced cybersecurity measures within our schools and libraries and they are asking for school district leaders to sign a coalition letter by Friday, February 23, 2024.
Background
Following a noteworthy ransomware attack in September 2022, LAUSD, along with over 1,100 leaders from various sectors, approached the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to propose a critical update to the E-Rate program emphasizing the urgent need for cybersecurity support.
The FCC has acknowledged the increasing threats of cyberattacks on educational institutions by proposing a three-year pilot program under the Universal Service Fund (USF). This initiative aims to allocate up to $200 million to support cybersecurity and advanced firewall services for eligible entities, marking a significant step forward in protecting our nation’s schools and libraries from digital threats.
LAUSD is now extending an invitation to school districts and education associations to join this vital cause by signing a coalition letter to the FCC. This letter emphasizes the dire need for immediate action to safeguard educational entities from ransomware and other cyber threats. The collective voice of the education community is powerful, and by uniting we can urge the FCC to expedite the implementation of these necessary cybersecurity measures.
Key Points of the Coalition Letter
- Urgent Update Required: The letter calls for an immediate update to the E-rate program’s definition of supported firewalls to include those capable of countering the most common and devastating cyberattacks.
- Increased Funding Allocations: To ensure all E-rate participants have the opportunity to strengthen their cybersecurity infrastructure, an increase in Category Two funding allocations is requested.
- Support for the Cybersecurity Pilot Program: The letter commends the FCC’s efforts while urging for adequate funding and a shortened duration of the pilot program to allow for immediate defensive enhancements by the next school year.
How to Participate
Leaders at school districts or education associations interested in supporting this initiative can sign the coalition letter by clicking here and completing the form before 5 pm PST/8 pm EST on Friday, February 23, 2024. Please note: non-applicants, such as vendors, are not eligible to sign. For any inquiries, Sasha Horwitz, Legislative Advocate for LAUSD, is available at sasha.horwitz@lausd.net.
Funds For Learning’s Stance
At Funds For Learning, we firmly support this initiative and encourage eligible entities to consider joining this important cause. Cybersecurity in education is not just about protecting data; it’s about safeguarding our children’s future and ensuring a safe, uninterrupted learning environment for all.
For further details on the coalition letter and how to co-sign, please visit the LAUSD link provided. Let’s stand together to advocate for a safer digital future for our educational institutions.
