Share information and collaborate

  • 3 minutes

One way you can effectively combat these evolving threats and challenges is to emphasize collaboration and information sharing within your cybersecurity networks. Through collective knowledge and shared insights, you stay informed of emerging threats and allocate your limited time and resources strategically. With this approach, you make informed decisions and fortify your defenses against potential risks, ultimately safeguarding sensitive data and providing a secure digital environment for yourself and your students.

Cybersecurity collaboration groups

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) recommends that K-12 school educators join a growing, active network of cybersecurity collaboration groups. Membership in these groups provides several benefits, including:

  • Enhanced security
  • Knowledge sharing
  • Professional development
  • Incident response and recovery support
  • Partnerships and advocacy
  • Compliance and regulatory guidance

Next steps

  1. Explore two cybersecurity information sharing groups vetted and recommended by CISA.

    • The K12 Security Information eXchange (K12 SIX) is a national non-profit organization solely dedicated to protecting the K-12 community—including school districts, charter schools, private schools, and regional and state education agencies—from emerging cybersecurity threats. K-12 SIX membership includes:

      • Up-to-date threat intel
      • Information sharing
      • Communities of practice
      • Professional development
      • Technical assistance
      • Cross-sector collaboration

      Learn more about K-12 SIX to become a member.

    • The Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) offers a free and voluntary membership for state and local governments, public K-12 education entities, public institutions of higher education, and any other non-federal public entity in the US. MS-ISAC membership includes:

      • Cyber incident reporting
      • Data and information sharing
      • Critical alerts on current threats, risks, and vulnerabilities
      • Free cyber tools, resources, and services
      • 24/7 access to assistance that includes threat incident analysis, mitigation, and remediation

      Learn more about MS-ISAC to become a member.

  2. Reflect on and identify 1-2 personal benefits of joining a cybersecurity information sharing group. What impact might it have on your classroom cybersecurity efforts? Make a list of next steps you'll need to take to join.