In today's digital world, cybersecurity is more important than ever-especially in schools and libraries. To help these institutions stay protected, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched an exciting new initiative. On June 6, 2024, the FCC approved a three-year Cybersecurity Pilot Program, which will provide up to $200 million in support to schools and libraries across the U.S. This funding will help cover the costs of cybersecurity services and equipment, ensuring that these vital community hubs are better protected from evolving online threats.

What Is the Cybersecurity Pilot Program?

This program strives to ensure that schools and libraries have the tools they need to safeguard their networks and data. Over the next three years, the FCC will assess how effective it is to use federal funding to boost cybersecurity in these settings, with the potential to make this support permanent in the future. The ultimate goal is to create safer digital spaces for students, educators, and library users.

Who Can Apply?

If you're part of a K-12 school or a public library, you're eligible to apply! The FCC is looking for institutions that are ready to invest in cybersecurity and work together to strengthen their defenses. Whether you're in a large school district or a small community library, there's a place for you in this program.

Program Funding and Budget Caps

Here's how the budget breaks down:

• Schools and School Districts (S&SDs):
  • Up to $45,000 for those with fewer than 1,100 students.
  • $40.80 per student for districts with between 1,101 and 110,294 students.
  • A maximum of $4.5 million for districts with more than 110,294 students.
• Libraries and Library Systems:
  • Up to $45,000 for individual libraries not part of a larger system.
  • $45,000 per library for systems with fewer than 12 locations.
  • A maximum of $525,000 for larger systems with 12 or more branches.

Participants can apply for reimbursements as they spend their allocated funds, giving them flexibility to meet immediate and future cybersecurity needs.

What Can You Spend It On?

The program covers a range of services and equipment, including:

• Advanced firewalls
• Endpoint protection (like antivirus and anti-ransomware software)
• Identity protection and authentication
• Monitoring and response systems

Microsoft Solutions for the Program

Many Microsoft solutions align closely with the eligible services and equipment defined by the program:

• Advanced/Next-generation Firewalls
• Azure Firewall: A cloud-native, scalable firewall service that provides features like threat intelligence-based filtering, network segmentation, and DDoS protection.
• Microsoft Defender for Cloud: A comprehensive security management tool offering threat detection and prevention, integrated with cloud-delivered intelligence.
• Endpoint Protection
• Microsoft Defender for Endpoint: Provides enterprise-grade security for end-user devices, including advanced threat detection, anti-malware, anti-ransomware, and extended detection and response (XDR).
• Microsoft Intune: Provides mobile device management (MDM) and application management (MAM) for protecting devices in K-12 and library environments.
• Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Safeguards data on devices against potential leaks or misuse.
• Identity Protection and Authentication
• Azure Active Directory (Azure AD): Enables identity protection and access management with features like MFA, Single Sign-On (SSO), and identity governance.
• Microsoft Entra: Offers identity and access management tools including Privileged Identity Management (PIM) and Zero Trust architectures.
• Microsoft Defender for Identity: Monitors and protects against identity-related threats in on-premises environments.
• Monitoring, Detection, and Response
• Microsoft Sentinel: A cloud-native SIEM and SOAR solution offering real-time threat monitoring, detection, and automated response.
• Microsoft Defender for Cloud: Provides continuous security posture management, vulnerability scanning, and compliance assessment.
• Azure Security Center: Offers advanced monitoring, threat intelligence, and incident response across hybrid environments.

How to Apply

The application process happens in two parts. In Part 1, you'll submit an overview of your cybersecurity project. If selected, Part 2 will ask for more detailed information about your plans and previous cybersecurity efforts. The FCC expects applications to open this fall, so now is the time to start preparing!

Selection Process

The FCC will work with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) to choose a variety of projects, ensuring that both large and small, urban and rural schools and libraries are included, with a particular focus on low-income and Tribal communities.

Getting Ready

To make sure you're prepared:

• Stay updated by reviewing the program's details and FCC announcements.
• Double-check your institution's registrations.
• Assess your cybersecurity needs and start planning.

This pilot program represents a vital investment in the security of schools and libraries, helping to create a safe and secure digital environment for everyone who relies on these important community institutions. For more information and updates, visit the FCC's Cybersecurity Pilot Program website.

How Can Connection Help?

Connection's cybersecurity services provide comprehensive assessment and testing solutions, including penetration testing, security audits, and vulnerability scans, to identify and address risks within IT environments. Our team is dedicated to ensuring organizations remain compliant and secure against potential cyber threats, with support from key partners like Microsoft. By leveraging Microsoft's advanced services, we enhance the security and resilience of your organization's infrastructure. For more information, visit us online.

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