Level 1: Foundation Course

Cybersecurity Foundations for Educational Professionals

Welcome to your comprehensive 8-week cybersecurity training journey. Choose your role below to access personalized curriculum and start learning.

Choose Your Learning Track

Teachers & Educators

Digital citizenship, student privacy, and educational technology security

Digital Citizenship & Online Safety
Student Privacy & FERPA Compliance
Educational Technology Security

IT Coordinators

Network security, endpoint protection, and vulnerability management

Network Security Fundamentals
Endpoint Protection & Device Management
Security Policy Development

Business & Finance

Financial data protection, risk management, and compliance

Financial Data Protection
Risk Management & Insurance
Compliance Requirements

Week 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity

Estimated Time: 2 hours

Learning Objectives

Understand fundamental cybersecurity concepts and terminology
Identify common cyber threats in educational environments
Recognize the importance of cybersecurity in schools
Learn basic security awareness principles

This Week's Activities

Watch introductory videos (30 min)
Read course materials (45 min)
Complete interactive exercises (30 min)
Take knowledge assessment (15 min)

1.1

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, unauthorized access, and damage. In educational environments, cybersecurity is critical for protecting:

Student Information

Personal identifiable information (PII)
Academic records and grades
Health and disciplinary records
Financial aid information

Institutional Assets

Network infrastructure
Learning management systems
Financial systems
Research and intellectual property

Why Schools Are Targets

Educational institutions are attractive targets because they store large amounts of personal data, often have limited cybersecurity budgets, and may have less sophisticated security measures compared to corporations.

Quick Check: Test Your Understanding

Question: Which of the following is NOT typically protected by cybersecurity measures in schools?

Student academic records Network infrastructure Physical building structure Financial aid information

1.2

Common Cyber Threats in Education

Educational institutions face various cyber threats. Understanding these threats is the first step in defending against them.

Phishing Attacks

Fraudulent emails designed to steal credentials or install malware. Common in schools because staff and students may be less security-aware.

Warning Signs:

• Urgent or threatening language
• Requests for personal information
• Suspicious sender addresses
• Poor grammar or spelling

Prevention:

• Verify sender identity
• Don't click suspicious links
• Use email filters
• Report suspicious emails

Ransomware

Malicious software that encrypts files and demands payment for decryption. Can shut down entire school operations.

Impact on Schools:

• Loss of student data
• Disrupted classes
• Financial costs
• Reputation damage

Prevention:

• Regular backups
• Keep software updated
• Email security training
• Network segmentation

Data Breaches

Unauthorized access to sensitive information, often involving student records, staff information, or financial data.

Common Causes:

• Weak passwords
• Unsecured databases
• Lost devices
• Insider threats

Consequences:

• FERPA violations
• Legal penalties
• Identity theft risks
• Loss of trust

Interactive Exercise: Threat Identification

Read the following scenarios and identify the type of cyber threat:

Scenario 1: A teacher receives an email that appears to be from the principal asking for all student grade information to be sent immediately for a "urgent district review."

Week 1 Assessment

Test your understanding of this week's materials. You need 80% to pass and proceed to Week 2.

Cybersecurity Foundations for Educational Professionals

Choose Your Learning Track

Teachers & Educators

IT Coordinators

Business & Finance

Your Learning Progress

Week 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity

Learning Objectives

This Week's Activities

What is Cybersecurity?

Student Information

Institutional Assets

Why Schools Are Targets

Quick Check: Test Your Understanding

Common Cyber Threats in Education

Phishing Attacks

Warning Signs:

Prevention:

Ransomware

Impact on Schools:

Prevention:

Data Breaches

Common Causes:

Consequences:

Interactive Exercise: Threat Identification

Week 1 Assessment