Protecting Student Data: Northwest ISD’s 2024-29 Long-Range Technology Plan for Cybersecurity and Data Governance
Northwest ISD’s Chief Technology Officer, Cara Carter, presented the district’s long-range technology plan for 2024-29 during their regular meeting on June 24. Carter highlighted the importance of cybersecurity measures in protecting the district’s cyber system and student data, with a focus on recent cybersecurity breaches in the education sector.
Carter presented statistics on cybersecurity issues faced by Northwest ISD in the last 90 days, including cyber attacks, intrusion events, and denied authentications, with attacks originating from various continents. She also emphasized the need for data governance as a critical component of the plan due to the evolving nature of data in cyber systems.
Another key component of the plan is proactive and agile strategies to combat cyber attacks and ensure strong data governance policies to protect student data. Carter also 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 underscored that it is crucial for Northwest ISD to remain proactive and agile in addressing cybersecurity challenges over the next five years.
