The Joint Committee on Information Management and Technology convened on May 30, 2025, to discuss significant advancements in cybersecurity and collaborative efforts between educational institutions in Oregon. A key highlight of the meeting was the response of Western Oregon University (WOU) to a recent cyber incident affecting a local school district.

During the meeting, representatives from WOU detailed their rapid deployment of resources to assist the Central School District, which had faced severe internet outages. The university provided mobile hotspots to faculty and repurposed a classroom to create a separate network, ensuring no risk to its own systems. This quick action allowed teachers to resume classes with minimal disruption, losing only two teaching days instead of months.

WOU's efforts included a volunteer initiative where staff and students conducted forensic analysis on hundreds of machines within the school district, marking a critical step in the recovery process. The university's team, comprising around 20 volunteers, played a vital role in rebuilding the network and restoring services.

In addition to the immediate response, WOU representatives discussed ongoing cybersecurity challenges faced by smaller campuses. They highlighted the unique vulnerabilities of rural institutions, such as power outages and infrastructure issues, while also contending with sophisticated cyber threats from state-sponsored actors.

A notable achievement mentioned was the development of an in-house cybersecurity tool named "Red Wolf," designed to actively defend the university's network. This tool processes millions of data points daily and has successfully thwarted attacks in real-time, showcasing the university's commitment to enhancing its cybersecurity posture despite limited resources.

The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing cybersecurity challenges, particularly for smaller educational institutions. As WOU continues to adapt and respond to evolving threats, its proactive measures serve as a model for other organizations facing similar challenges.