Why Cybersecurity in Schools Requires a Complete Mindset Shift: Building Your Swiss Cheese Defense with Lane Young

Learning Through Technology

Technology has revolutionized nearly every aspect of our lives, and education is no exception. Integrating technology in classrooms has brought about significant changes, offering new opportunities and challenges for students and educators.

In this episode of Learning Through Technology, hosts Alex and Bob round up Cyber Security Awareness month by sitting down with Lane Young, Director of Strategic Operations and Technology at Phillips Brooks School. They explore the unique cybersecurity challenges faced by K-12 schools, particularly the role of human error in vulnerabilities. Lane discusses his journey from teaching to EdTech leadership, highlighting the importance of staff training, proactive measures like multi-factor authentication, and the complexities of balancing teacher autonomy with security. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity and the growing need for specialized knowledge in education technology.

Here are the key touchpoints from the discussion:

• Introduction to Lane Young
• Lane's Journey into EdTech Leadership
• Highlighting the Cybersecurity Challenges in K-12
• Importance of Ongoing Training while Maintaining Teacher Autonomy
• Proactive Cybersecurity Measures
• The Role of Specialists in Cybersecurity
• Using AI in Cybersecurity
• Lane’s Favorite Teacher
  

Lane Young is the Director of Strategic Operations and Technology at Phillips Brooks School, where he oversees the implementation of technology leadership and strategic initiatives. His career in EdTech began unexpectedly after transitioning from a role as a 4th-grade teacher and years of experience working in public libraries. A chance opportunity led him into educational technology, and he quickly rose to a leadership position. In his current role, Lane focuses on executing the school’s strategic plan and managing key areas like safety and security, ensuring digital and physical protection. His journey highlights his adaptability and dedication to educational advancement.

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Cybersecurity Rubric

The Cybersecurity Coalition for Education is a group of leading EdTech organizations committed to making cybersecurity preparedness and training more accessible for schools.

The coalition pioneered a groundbreaking education-focused approach to measuring and improving cybersecurity readiness, the Cybersecurity Rubric (CR) for Education. Along with the rubric, the alliance provides training and certification designed to guide schools to cybersecurity readiness.

Visit: https://www.cybersecurityrubric.org/

A big thank you to our sponsors!

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ViewSonic:

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Lenovo:

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Other Resources

• Lane Young on LinkedIn
• Phillips Brooks School Website
• The Swiss Cheese Model
• Alex Inman on LinkedIn
• Robert Cireddu on LinkedIn
• Educational Collaborators on LinkedIn
• EduTech Group Website
• STS Education Website
• STS Education Group on LinkedIn
• Want Alex and his team’s help with your school’s cyber prevention? Check out K12 Cybersecurity Assessment

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