Purpose

To truly transform your PSU’s cybersecurity culture, you must employ a multifaceted approach that engages with traditional Security Awareness and Skills Training alongside a more complex approach. Specifically, it is imperative that you take the time to build both external and internal capacity within your PSU to take a more personal approach to cybersecurity. By establishing a network of PSU Cybersecurity Ambassadors, and providing resources to help support the creation of Cybersecurity Champions programs across the state, this initiative aims to ensure that cybersecurity becomes an integral, lasting component of K-12 education across North Carolina.

Description

This initiative is primarily built to foster PSU-to-PSU collaboration, knowledge sharing, and peer support while providing consistent guidance and tools from the NCDPI Cybersecurity Program. While these different aspects are intended to work together as a means of generating a holistic cybersecurity culture, we’ve broken them down into separate categories for easier understanding.

Cybersecurity Ambassadors Network

The Cybersecurity Ambassadors Network is focused on connecting you with other like-minded PSU cybersecurity specialists* who are focused on improving their overall cybersecurity posture. To facilitate this connection, the program team can connect you with existing Ambassadors in your region or support you in connecting with those around you.
*_{Network membership is not dependent on specifically having the role of “Cybersecurity Specialist”, but is instead reliant on whether you have a direct role in your PSU’s cybersecurity efforts}

This network is intended to be PSU-led and serve as a way to empower PSUs to create spaces for natural collaboration & communication that will ultimately lead to an improved cybersecurity culture across NC.

If you’re interested in joining the network or just want to learn more, please take the time to fill out our interest form!

_{Note: Ambassadors Network membership is contingent upon the existing member review}

Cybersecurity Champions Program Guidance

In order to truly implement holistic and sustainable cybersecurity improvements, your PSU should work to improve its overall cybersecurity culture.  Specifically, you should find creative ways to not only train your users but also engage with them in such a way to make cybersecurity your own. 

By implementing a Cybersecurity Champions Program in your PSU, you are empowering your users to become cybersecurity advocates in their own department or social circle. This then helps ensure cybersecurity is something that everyone in your PSU is thinking about, from the Superintendent to the student.

Once you join the Cybersecurity Ambassadors Network, you gain access to documentation that outlines techniques, tips, and tricks on how to establish your own Cybersecurity Champions Program. You will also gain access to various templates and resources that you can repurpose to use within your PSU as well.

PSU Cybersecurity Spotlight Form

A place for PSUs to share any teachable moments, small victories, success stories, and really anything Cybersecurity & Data Privacy related! Whether it’s you or somebody you know, please fill out this form to help shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond to make cybersecurity more than just ticking a checkbox.

The NCDPI K-12 Cybersecurity Program team will frequently check this form to learn more about what’s going on in the PSUs and give us an idea of who to acknowledge and celebrate at local conferences and internal communications.

Cybersecurity Speaker Request Form

Are you having a Professional Development/Training Day event in your PSU? Looking for a personal webinar on a cybersecurity topic? Want to educate your team on the NCDPI K-12 Cybersecurity Program?

Fill out the form to request a speaker from the NCDPI K-12 Cybersecurity Program Team!

You’re also able to indicate if you’d prefer another PSU to present and give their perspective. If you’re interested, we can connect you with one of the Cybersecurity Ambassadors who could potentially fit that need.

Point of Contact

Name: K-12 Cybersecurity Ambassadors Network Admin
Email Address: k12_ambassadors_admin@lists.ncsu.edu