District technology staff shares update for Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October is Cybersecurity Awareness month, and Osseo Area Schools technology and cybersecurity staff shared information about their efforts at a recent school board work session. 

“As technology becomes more integral to teaching and learning, it’s essential for us to maintain trust, protect student data and ensure uninterrupted instruction,” said Anthony Padrnos, the executive director of technology for Osseo Area Schools. 

Padrnos said all of the district’s cybersecurity efforts are funded through the 2022 Building a Better Future technology levy, including the addition of a new staff member that is the district’s first cybersecurity analyst. Cybersecurity-specific resources account for approximately 5% of the overall technology levy funds. 

In recent years, Padrnos said the types of Malware targeting schools have evolved significantly. In the past year, he said the most significant risk to district cybersecurity has been Malware posing as a fake browser update or hiding as malicious online ads known as malvertisements. He said threats are becoming more sophisticated, complex and timed around peak school operational rhythms.

“They often appear on websites that seem safe,” he said. “The shift shows how cybercriminals are adapting. It's a reminder that cybersecurity isn’t just about email anymore - it’s about every click online.”

In addition, Padrnos said that budget cuts to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) at the federal level have reduced or eliminated access to cybersecurity tools that school districts previously used for no or low cost. 

Despite challenges, the team shared strategies and areas of continued improvement they are focusing on for this fiscal year. Some improvement strategies include establishing phishing simulations and awareness campaigns for employees, expanding the use of different security tools, developing playbooks for detection and escalation, and researching threat actor trends to stay ahead of evolving attacks whenever possible. 

For more information on how Osseo Area Schools’ Building a Better Future levy and bond funding continues to support a successful school district, visit osseoschools.org/betterfuture.