Northwest ISD Tackles Cybersecurity: A Comprehensive Plan for 2024-29

During a meeting on June 24, Northwest ISD board members were briefed on the district’s long-term technology plan for 2024-29 by Chief Technology Officer Cara Carter. The plan, which focuses heavily on cybersecurity measures, aims to protect the district’s cyber system and student data.

Carter began her presentation by highlighting recent cybersecurity breaches in the education sector, including disruptions during state testing and cybersecurity incidents across the US. She also discussed data records exposed in schools. Next, she presented statistics on cybersecurity issues faced by Northwest ISD in the last 90 days, including cyber attacks, intrusion events, and denied authentications. These attacks originated from various continents.

Another key component of the plan is data governance, which Carter emphasized as critical due to the evolving nature of data in cyber systems. She stressed the importance of linking new strategies in the plan to educational outcomes, with components like forward-thinking initiatives, educator professional development, tech-powered learning engagement, and a connected community.

Carter emphasized the need for the district to remain proactive and agile in the face of cybersecurity challenges over the next five years. She underscored the importance of developing strategies to combat cyber attacks and ensuring that data governance policies are strong to protect student data. Overall, Carter’s presentation provided a comprehensive overview of Northwest ISD’s long-term technology plan and its focus on ensuring student safety and security through robust cybersecurity measures.