Infrastructure Support

Due to the sensitive nature of school data collection combined with limited resources for cybersecurity and gaps
in digital defenses, cyber-attacks on schools are becoming increasingly common. The best way to limit the
impact of such attacks is to have a robust incident response plan in place and practice it as regularly as a
fire drill. An incident response plan provides a structured approach to detecting, containing, and recovering
from cyber incidents, ensuring schools can act quickly to protect sensitive information, minimize downtime,
and prevent future breaches.

Cyber Incidents Response Guidance

Infrastructure Toolkit

Cyber security & student safety resources 

• K12 CyberStorm Sessions (Resource Files)
• ACTEM CyberStorm 2024
• Shields Up Maine!
• MFA Fact Sheet
• K12 Cyber Incident Map
• Cyber Incident Preparation
• Cyber Security Frameworks
• State Cybersecurity Best Practices
  - Incident Response Plan
  - Phishing & Awareness
  - Procurement Practices
• Nationwide Cybersecurity Review - Evaluate Your Cyber Defense

Cyber Security Partnerships

Cybersecurity and online safety in Maine Schools is a team effort that includes Internet Service Providers, IT equipment vendors, school employees, and the State and Federal government.  Data Breaches, ransomware attacks, and other cyber-criminal activity are climbing, especially in school systems.

The Maine DOE works with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA), and the Maine School Safety Center to assist Maine schools with information and programs that support safety and cyber maturity. 

• Maine School Library Network (MSLN) - MSLN provides internet access to approximately 950 schools and libraries statewide. MSLN is paid for using a combination of funding from the Federal E-Rate program (approximately 60% of the cost) and the Maine Telecommunications Education Access Fund (MTEAF) (approximately 40% of the cost). Funds are generated by assessing interstate phone bills for the Federal E-Rate portion and intrastate bills for the MTEAF portion.
• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA)
  CISA Schools
  CISA Maine Region 1
  CISA YouTube Channel
• Multi-State ISAC - Offering members incident response and remediation support through our team of security experts and develop tactical, strategic, and operational intelligence, and advisories that offer actionable information for improving cyber maturity.
• Stop Ransomware