Practical K-12 Vendor Risk Management

School systems rely on a wide array of vendors. To support operational, administrative, and classroom activities, some of these vendors are entrusted with sensitive data about students and staff. However, with trust comes obligation, including in meeting and maintaining essential security and privacy standards. As cyber attacks against the sector increase—including against education companies directly—the urgency of this work only grows.

In response, many school and district technology leaders are being charged with the task of vendor risk management. Done well, K-12 vendor risk management can:

• Protect school community members against cybersecurity threats

• Reduce operational disruptions and improve continuity of operations

• Support better decision-making, including about financial risks

• Protect the reputation of school systems

For all its many benefits, practical guidance for school and district technology leaders about how to implement and operate a K-12 vendor risk management program is lacking. Today, K12 SIX is pleased to announce the availability of a new resource to help address that gap. Entitled, “Practical Vendor Risk Management for Districts and Schools,” the resource presents a framework and a pathway to starting a K-12 vendor risk management program in your school or district.

Developed by practicing K-12 cybersecurity practitioners serving on the K12 SIX Technical Working Group, Practical Vendor Risk Management for Districts and Schools can be accessed here.