Cybersecurity Measures for Schools in an Artificial Intelligence Era: Regaining Authority
On April 8, 2025, a significant webinar took place, hosted by Tech & Learning's Content and Brand Director Christine Weiser. The discussion, featuring Kyle Berger, Chief Technology Officer at Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, and Jena Draper, Chief Innovation Officer at Itopia, focused on the importance of securing K-12 schools against AI-driven cybersecurity risks.
A key point of the discussion was the need for schools to maintain control over their data, as AI adoption in education is rapidly surpassing previous technologies such as the internet or social media. This presents extreme risks, with AI-driven threats posing increased cybersecurity risks for schools, necessitating continuous review and adaptation of strategies.
To secure data from AI-driven risks and prevent misuse, K-12 schools need to adopt a proactive cybersecurity strategy. This strategy should include implementing advanced cybersecurity tools, establishing clear governance policies, and leveraging specialized AI-focused solutions.
One such solution is Itopia's SecureClass platform. SecureClass offers fully customizable access controls and a database of over 8 billion endpoints, monitoring suspicious activities to block potential threats in real time. Itopia's SecureClass also allows schools to control what data can be shared with AI tools, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure.
In addition to technology-driven protections, schools must also establish governance frameworks to control AI system use and data access. This includes strict data handling policies, user authentication, and educating staff and students about cybersecurity risks associated with AI technologies.
Furthermore, schools must address staffing and expertise gaps by investing in full-time cybersecurity professionals or partnering with cybersecurity service providers. Many schools currently lack dedicated security personnel and remain targets for cybercriminals exploiting data through AI-driven attacks.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of ensuring that cybersecurity protection works for all devices, not just Chromebooks. Despite being often perceived as inherently secure, Chromebooks pose increased risks as their use increases. In the last 90 days, SecureClass has blocked over 18 million websites for suspicious activity around malware and phishing.
To support schools in building digital infrastructure resilience, the FCC's Cybersecurity Pilot Program offers funding opportunities. Schools are encouraged to engage with federal cybersecurity initiatives and advocate for dedicated federal grants and leadership to maintain sustained cybersecurity resources.
By integrating these technology-driven protections, policy controls, and federal support, K-12 schools can build a proactive cybersecurity posture that maintains control over their AI-enabled systems and sensitive data, reduces the risk of AI-driven threats, and secures learning environments effectively. As Jena Draper emphasized, the goal is to enable AI use while mitigating risks in schools.
A student attending a school utilizing technology like Chromebooks must be aware of AI-driven cybersecurity risks and the importance of maintaining data security. To safeguard against these risks, proactive cybersecurity strategies should be adopted, incorporating advanced tools and specialized AI-focused solutions such as Itopia's SecureClass platform.
Simultaneously, schools need to establish well-defined governance frameworks that dictate AI system use and data access, including strict data handling policies, user authentication, and educational awareness programs for both staff and students.
As Chromebooks become more prevalent, it's crucial to ensure that cybersecurity protections extend to all devices, as they too can be vulnerabilities in AI-driven attacks. Schools can leverage federal support from initiatives like the FCC's Cybersecurity Pilot Program, which offers funding opportunities to build digital infrastructure resilience.
Skilled cybersecurity professionals are vital for addressing staffing and expertise gaps often found in schools. Dedicated personnel or partnerships with service providers can help schools effectively protect their systems and sensitive data from AI-driven threats.
In the ever-evolving landscape of education and self-development, continuous learning about advancements like stem, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity is essential to mastering the challenges they present and securing a comprehensive and safe learning environment.
