New Initiative to Provide $200
Million in Funding for Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures in
Educational Institutions
EDMOND,
Okla., June 6, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- On
June 6, 2024, the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) voted to approve the Schools and
Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program. This three-year initiative
aims to bolster the cybersecurity defenses of school and library
broadband networks by providing up to $200
million in Universal Service Fund support. The program will
fund advanced firewalls, endpoint protection, identity
authentication, and monitoring systems, ensuring these critical
institutions can better protect themselves against cyber
threats.
"Cybersecurity in education is not just
about protecting data; it's about safeguarding our children's
future and ensuring a safe, uninterrupted learning environment for
all."
In response Funds For Learning issued the following statement
from CEO John Harrington:
"This is a landmark moment for schools and libraries across the
nation. The cybersecurity threats facing our educational
institutions are significant. This pilot program represents a
crucial step in providing the resources necessary to safeguard
sensitive information and maintain secure, reliable access to
digital learning tools.
Cybersecurity in education is not just about protecting data;
it's about safeguarding our children's future and ensuring a safe,
uninterrupted learning environment for all. We commend the FCC for
acknowledging the urgency of these issues and taking initial steps
to address the cybersecurity concerns of E-rate applicants.
Funds For Learning is dedicated to supporting the Commission's
commitment to enhancing the efficacy of the E-rate program,
ensuring that our nation's K-12 schools and public libraries have
the robust protections needed against rising cyber threats."
In Funds For Learning's annual E-rate Applicant Survey, over the
past six years, more than 95% of respondents believe cybersecurity
products and services should be eligible for E-rate support. In the
2023 survey, over 100 applicants shared their individual opinions
about the need for cybersecurity.
Additional details on the Cybersecurity Pilot Program
include:
- Funding Allocation: The program will allocate funds based on a
per-student and per-library location budget, with school budgets
set at $13.60 per student and library
budgets at $15,000 per location.
- Application Process: Participants will be selected through an
application process modeled after the current E-rate system,
ensuring a streamlined and familiar procedure for applicants.
- Eligibility: Funds will be available for four general
categories of technology, including advanced and next-generation
firewalls, endpoint protection, identity protection and
authentication, and monitoring, detection, and response.
- Total Demand: It is estimated that the program's demand could
reach $823.4 million, highlighting
educational institutions' significant need for enhanced
cybersecurity measures.
Funds For Learning will host a webinar on June 12th to discuss the application process,
eligibility criteria and how to maximize the benefits of the Cyber
Security Pilot Program.
Cyber Security Pilot Program Webinar Details:
- Date: June 12, 2024
- Time: 11:00 AM Eastern
- Registration: Register here.
The Funds For Learning team is saving time for a handful of
interviews over the next few days. To coordinate an interview,
please contact madison.lee@finnpartners.com.
For more information on the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity
Pilot Program, visit
https://www.fundsforlearning.com/cybersecurity-pilot/.
About Funds For Learning
Funds For Learning, LLC, is a compliance firm specializing in the
federal E-rate funding program for schools and libraries. Funds For
Learning supports E-rate stakeholders in all 50 states, helping
them navigate the application process to receive support for
internet access and Wi-Fi connectivity. To deliver applicant
feedback to the Federal Communications Commission and Congress,
Funds For Learning coordinates the annual E-Rate Trends Report. For
more information, please visit
https://www.fundsforlearning.com.
Media Contact
Funds For Learning, Funds For Learning, 1-608-218-5066 x 190002,
madison.lee@finnpartners.com, https://www.fundsforlearning.com/
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SOURCE Funds For Learning