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River Valley School District to Participate in White House Cybersecurity Summit

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River Valley School District to Participate in White House Cybersecurity Summit
River Valley School District to Participate in White House Cybersecurity Summit

Event to enhance school security and student safety by protecting schools from cybersecurity threats

Mr. Philip Martell, Superintendent of the River Valley School District, was invited to join leaders at the White House for a summit to establish best practices and recommendations for schools to protect their digital infrastructure against cyber threats. 

Superintendent Philip Martell will represent River Valley School District at the event hosted by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. The event, “Back to School Safely: Cybersecurity for K-12 Schools,” aims to enhance school security and highlight resources available to the education sector. 

Leaders from the White House, the Department of Education, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, as well as school districts and state agencies, will convene to amplify efforts to defend against ever-evolving Cybersecurity threats.

Schools faced 1,619 incidents between 2016-2022, according to the K12 Security Information eXchange (K12 SIX), a national non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the U.S. K-12 community from emerging cybersecurity threats. Ransomware attacks reportedly cost educational institutions $9.45 billion in 2022 alone.
 
“Attacks like these impact millions of students, teachers, and staff nationwide. It is a shared responsibility to minimize vulnerabilities to secure data and safeguard our schools,” said Martell. “River Valley School District is pleased to have the opportunity to partner with our nation’s leaders to ensure the defensibility of education’s digital and online framework.”

River Valley School District is at the forefront of Cybersecurity Education, with its comprehensive program that prepares students to enter the rapidly-growing field of Cybersecurity. At the River Valley STEAM Academy, students are accelerating their learning with industry certifications and real-life experience through the CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech program.

“Cybersecurity is a top priority for all industries, from education to manufacturing, and healthcare to finance. Our country needs workforce ready employees that are able to secure our digital assets. The River Valley STEAM Academy is addressing the needs of students and preparing them for this industry by creating opportunities to advance the field of Cybersecurity. Participating in events like today’s White House Summit keeps River Valley School District and students on the cutting edge of Cybersecurity Education and policy,” said Martell.