The Future of Cybersecurity in Schools – AI, Collaboration, and Leadership (3 of 3)

By Tom Ryan, Ph.D. and Lenny Schad

Cybersecurity is not just a technical concern—it is a leadership priority. In today’s digital landscape, district leaders must move beyond reactive measures and establish long-term cybersecurity strategies. This includes leveraging emerging technologies like AI, fostering district collaboration, and driving policy changes at the state and national levels.

Enhancing Internal Security Practices

A strong internal cybersecurity framework includes:

• Network Monitoring – Deploy real-time monitoring and AI-based threat detection.
• Access Controls – Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) and limit access to sensitive data.
• Data Backups – Ensure regular backups and test recovery systems.
• Staff Training – Provide ongoing cybersecurity education for teachers, administrators, and IT teams.
• Patch Management – Apply software updates quickly to minimize vulnerabilities.

The Role of Generative AI in Cybersecurity

Artificial intelligence is transforming cybersecurity by:

• Monitoring vendor compliance – AI can analyze contracts, RFPs, and performance data.
• Detecting anomalies – AI-driven monitoring tools identify unauthorized access attempts.
• Automating risk assessments – AI generates risk scorecards for vendors, reducing manual review time.

The Need for Advocacy and Collaboration

Cybersecurity challenges cannot be tackled in isolation. Districts must:

• Share breach data and security best practices with other schools.
• Advocate for standardized vendor security requirements at the state and national levels.
• Leverage collective bargaining power to demand stronger vendor accountability.

Conclusion: Cybersecurity is a Leadership Responsibility

The PowerSchool breach and similar incidents have made one thing clear: district leaders must take cybersecurity seriously. Proactive measures—like vendor accountability, internal security enhancements, AI-driven monitoring, and policy advocacy—will ensure a safer digital future for students and staff.

By taking action now, school districts can protect student data, restore community trust, and create a culture of cybersecurity excellence.