Protecting School Networks in the AI Era: Regaining Command over Cybersecurity Challenges
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On April 8, 2025, Tech & Learning hosted a webinar titled "Securing K-12 Cybersecurity in an AI-Driven World." The event was co-hosted by Christine Weiser, Content and Brand Director at Tech & Learning, and featured Kyle Berger, Chief Technology Officer at Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, and Jena Draper, Chief Innovation Officer at Itopia.
The webinar emphasised the need for schools to use AI to fight AI threats, as the rapid adoption of AI brings increased cybersecurity risks. With the threat landscape evolving, bad actors are using AI for malicious purposes, making it important but risky for schools to enable its use.
One solution to this challenge is the use of secure, cloud-based platforms like Itopia's SecureClass. This platform, designed to help districts manage cybersecurity, offers fully customizable access controls and blocks over 18 million websites in 90 days for suspicious activity around malware and phishing.
SecureClass allows schools to control what data can be shared with AI tools, ensuring data control is a significant focus for schools and AI. Ensuring that cybersecurity protection works for all devices is critical, as Chromebooks, while popular in K-12 education, are not inherently secure as their use increases.
Schools need tools to defend against advanced AI threats and maintain control over their systems. To complement tools like itopia’s SecureClass, schools should:
- Leverage federal support and grants: Schools are advocating for restoration and expansion of federal cybersecurity funding and programs such as the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) and the Office of Educational Technology to gain resources essential for securing AI adoption.
- Deploy AI-driven cybersecurity solutions: AI is not only an educational tool but also a defense mechanism. For instance, K-12 cybersecurity platforms use AI for real-time content filtering and threat detection to protect students and district networks proactively from cyberattacks and data breaches.
- Implement comprehensive cybersecurity measures: These include internal firewalls, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, and access controls tailored for education environments, particularly important as districts handle increasing numbers of devices and data.
- Follow emerging AI education frameworks: The White House Task Force on AI Education, established by Executive Order in 2025, sets guidelines for responsible AI use in K-12, which includes cybersecurity best practices and digital literacy for AI.
By combining secure platforms like itopia’s SecureClass with strategic federal resources and AI-powered security technologies, schools can balance AI adoption while ensuring cybersecurity and data control. This approach enables safe access to AI educational resources while protecting sensitive data and managing cybersecurity risks.
Sources:
- [1] Consortium for School Networking petition urging federal cybersecurity funding restoration (StateScoop, 2025)
- [2] AI-driven cybersecurity protections for K-12 (TitanHQ, 2025)
- [3] FCC cybersecurity pilot and district-level cybersecurity investments (Security & Technology, 2025)
- [4] 2025 Executive Order advancing AI education and cybersecurity frameworks (Carahsoft, 2025)
- Students at schools can benefit from learning about stem subjects, including artificial intelligence, as technology continues to shape education and self-development.
- To counter AI threats in schools, it's essential to invest in education-and-self-development programs that teach students about cybersecurity best practices.
- In order to enhance learning experiences and ensure cybersecurity, schools could consider implementing Chromebooks, as they are popular in K-12 education, and deploy AI-driven cybersecurity solutions.
- By using secure, cloud-based platforms like itopia’s SecureClass, schools can manage cybersecurity risks and maintain data control while enabling students to access AI-powered educational tools.
- As the adoption of artificial intelligence in K-12 education grows, it's crucial for educators and policymakers to work together to develop guidelines and resources for organizations, promoting a secure and productive learning environment.
