School District implements advanced cybersecurity measures amid rising phishing threats

Cybersecurity took center stage at the Gilbert Public Schools Board Meeting on May 6, 2025, as officials outlined their ongoing efforts to protect the district from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. With hackers becoming more adept at infiltrating systems, the district has ramped up its security measures significantly over the past few years.

In 2020, the district established an incident response plan and disaster recovery protocols, collaborating with external experts to enhance their defenses. By 2021, they entered an enterprise agreement with Cisco, gaining access to a suite of security tools designed to safeguard their network. Last summer, a penetration test revealed vulnerabilities that were promptly addressed, leading to a strong overall assessment of their infrastructure.

This summer, the district plans to conduct a comprehensive security assessment, with a kickoff meeting scheduled for this week. Continuous staff training is a priority, focusing on email phishing attempts, which remain a significant threat. The district employs phishing tests as a training tool, allowing staff to learn from mistakes without punitive measures. While some staff members express frustration with the training, many acknowledge its importance in maintaining cybersecurity.

The meeting also highlighted the challenges of ensuring compliance among over 5,000 staff members, emphasizing the need for regular updates and training. The district manages a vast array of devices, including over 30,000 Chromebooks and 5,000 laptops, each representing a potential entry point for cyber threats.

In addition to training, the district utilizes advanced security products from Cisco, including firewalls and web filtering systems, to monitor and protect their network. These tools are crucial in identifying and blocking malicious activity, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure.

As the meeting concluded, officials reiterated the importance of vigilance in cybersecurity, urging staff to remain cautious and proactive in their online activities. With the education sector being a prime target for cyberattacks, Gilbert Public Schools is committed to staying ahead of potential threats through continuous improvement and education.