Cybersecurity
Specialized resources, guidance, and training to help Fund members with Privacy & Information Security coverage mitigate and protect against cyber threats.
Cybersecurity Overview
The first step to protecting against the growing and costly threat of cybercrime is to understand the risks facing schools and other educational organizations.
With more technology than ever being used in schools, cybercriminals are finding more opportunities than ever to launch attacks, steal sensitive information and deploy ransomware. Protecting against these threats requires a multifaceted approach that includes well-designed systems, processes and ongoing training to secure data and sensitive information.
One benefit of adding Fund Cybersecurity coverage is having access to specialized resources and training to help mitigate and protect against the risks associated with the use and management of student information and private data.
Here’s How We Can Help
We collaborate with members to identify potential threats and implement cost-effective solutions. Our services include:
- Evaluating information security practices
- Establishing data privacy and cybersecurity procedures
- Developing and conducting training for employees
- Establishing security processes for working with vendors and third parties
- Recommending risk and remediation activities
- Building a culture of cyber awareness
Cybersecurity Coverage
Choose the Fund’s Cybersecurity coverage to protect your schools against cyberthreats that can expose sensitive information, divert funds, and erode public trust.
Get Access to Best-in-Class Training
Staying one step ahead of cybercriminals requires ongoing vigilance and a culture of cyber awareness among employees. We’re proud to offer Fund members specialized data privacy and cybersecurity training that helps protect against cyber threats, ensure data integrity, and respond appropriately in the case of incidents.
Our customizable training is available at no additional cost to members with Privacy and Information Security coverage and includes topics like data privacy, phishing, data loss prevention, and more.
Cybersecurity Resources
Electronic Funds Transfer Payment Form
Complete and submit this fillable form to authorize the Fund to draft invoice payments from your organization's bank account.
Cybersecurity Training Kit for Telecommuters
Train your employees to protect against cybercrime when working remotely.
Cybersecurity Policy Compliance: A Roadmap For Districts
This guide explains how to create a district cybersecurity plan that meets state requirements.
Finance Professional's Cheat Sheet for Fighting Cybercrime
Don’t take the bait. Learn tips and best practices to protect against costly fraud and scams.
Your Guide to Ransomware and Backups
Schools that invest in network backups typically don't pay ransoms. Use this guide to zero in on the right backup strategy for your schools.
Cybersecurity Annex Compliance Toolkit
On Sept. 23, the Texas School Safety Center will open the portal for districts to submit their EOP Basic Plan and Cybersecurity Annex for review.
External Cybersecurity Resources
Get helpful links to federal, state, and organizational cybersecurity resources.
Comprehensive Guide to Securely Offboarding IT Employees
Departing IT personnel can present significant risks to an organization due to their elevated privileges and access to critical systems and data.
Cybersecurity Insights
Cybersecurity Is Not Just an IT Thing
Cybersecurity culture is built on every employee embracing their role in keeping criminals at bay. Here are seven tips to help you get there.
Want to Worry Less About Data Breaches?
The accidental release of sensitive information can tarnish your organization’s reputation. Data loss prevention tools help ensure that when employees make mistakes, technology has your back.
Fund Coverage 101: Intro to Cybersecurity Claims
Cybercrime is big business, and schools are tempting targets. Fund Privacy and Information Security coverage pays for covered claims, including incident response when appropriate.
Are You Managing Electronic Waste Safely and Compliantly?
Before you dispose of electronic devices or transfer them to students, make sure they're wiped clean of sensitive data.
Cybercrime in the Form of a Phone Call
Cybersecurity doesn't always include digital attacks. It includes non-digital elements like physical security and human psychology. Phishing relies on deception to manipulate people.
Cybercriminals Could Be Targeting Your District's Finances
District employees who have access to finances need to know the red flags for a cyber scam called fraudulent instruction/transaction.
Congratulations to the 2023 Excellence Award Winners
Learn about your peers’ award-winning initiatives and consider how you might adapt them to manage risk in your organization.
4 Tips for a Stronger Cybersecurity Program
Regulatory compliance, multifactor authentication, software patches, and data backups go a long way toward boosting schools' digital defenses.
Fund’s Cybersecurity Grant Awards $500,000 to Texas Schools for Cybersecurity Resources
Over 200 members applied for the competitive award of up to $5,000 each. The Fund is pleased to announce it awarded 178 members with funding to improve their cybersecurity resilience.
Contact Us
Find a Consultant
Privacy and Cyber Risk Consultant
Members with Privacy and Information Security coverage can request support from Lucas Anderson at 800-482-7276, x2893 or lucas.anderson@tasb.org.