Cost-Effective Ways to Boost Cybersecurity in Rural Schools
This article was originally published in Campus Safety Magazine on 06/02/25 by Charlie Sander.
What rural educators need to know about cybersecurity along with some practical actions that all school districts can implement today
Cities and urban districts in the United States are often the focus when it comes to discussing new policies and strategies, yet as much as 97% of the country is actually classified as rural. This means that half of all US school districts are in rural locations.
However, the differences between these rural districts and their urban counterparts are often left out of the conversation when considering our approach to education.
For one, digital skills are now seen as fundamental. Digital literacy isn’t simply about knowing how to click or scroll; it’s about navigating a digital world with confidence and competence. For students who have had less frequent access to computers or the internet, acquiring these skills can be the key to thriving in online courses and maximizing their learning potential.
Yet despite recent advances, millions of Americans in rural areas still lack reliable, high-speed internet, especially in remote or mountainous regions. Students in these situations can struggle to access online courses, complete assignments, or even communicate with instructors. This connectivity gap has a ripple effect, impacting student engagement, retention, and outcomes.
Further, as populations in rural communities are more likely to be dispersed, students could significantly benefit from tech-enhanced and remote learning options that reduce absenteeism.
Even if the connectivity conundrum has been addressed, school districts face another challenge when it comes to digital learning. Cyberattacks are on the rise across the whole education sector yet rural communities have limited access to expertise and funding to tackle this serious threat.
Here’s what rural educators need to know along with some practical actions that school districts in any location can implement today…
The post Cost-Effective Ways to Boost Cybersecurity in Rural Schools appeared first on ManagedMethods Cybersecurity, Safety & Compliance for K-12.
*** This is a Security Bloggers Network syndicated blog from ManagedMethods Cybersecurity, Safety & Compliance for K-12 authored by Charlie Sander. Read the original post at: https://managedmethods.com/blog/in-the-news-campus-safety-cybersecurity-in-rural-schools/
