With a recent increase in government attention on K–12 cybersecurity, there is a pressing need to shed light on the challenges school districts face in implementing necessary security measures. Why? Budgeting constraints pose significant obstacles in meeting recommended cybersecurity standards. Brian Stephens of Funds For Learning will discuss: * The financial constraints K–12 schools face and the critical role of funding from federal and state governments in addressing cybersecurity concerns. * Efforts by Funds For Learning to petition the FCC to expand E-rate funding to support next-generation firewalls and other cybersecurity services. * By expanding the technologies and solutions eligible for E-rate funding, schools can obtain the necessary resources to protect against the growing threat of third-party data breaches. Here are links to the most current blog posts about Cybersecurity Notice of Proposed Rulemaking https://www.fundsforlearning.com/news/2023/11/dont-miss-your-chance-to-impact-e-rate-cybersecurity/, Wi-Fi hotspots https://www.fundsforlearning.com/news/2023/11/wi-fi-hotspots-proposed-for-e-rate-program/ and school bus Wi-Fi https://www.k12dive.com/news/fcc-approves-school-bus-wifi-e-rate/697337/. Funds For Learning also facilitated an informational webinar on the Cyberserucrity Notice for Proposed Rulemaking https://fundsforlearning.app.box.com/s/5gp9qr938qtgs0ug92nkgfvrjvtil4sf. Funds For Learning also conducts an annual survey for E-rate applicants to provide their feedback on the E-rate program. The responses are shared with the FCC through the Funds For Learnings annual E-rate Trends Report. https://www.fundsforlearning.com/e-rate-data/trendsreport/. Lastly, here is an article from Brian about cybersecurity and why it should be funded through E-rate https://www.eschoolnews.com/it-leadership/2023/09/29/will-cybersecurity-receive-e-rate-funding/
Brian Stephens is Funds For Learning’s Director of Stakeholder Engagement. Working with the E-rate program since 2003, Brian helps schools, libraries, and service providers navigate the E-rate process and understand their compliance obligations. An avid technologist, Brian assists E-rate stakeholders with detailed product and service eligibility issues, performs analysis of program statistics and trends, and conducts E-rate training seminars and webinars across the country.
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