School district implements strict cybersecurity measures after email exposure crisis

The Godley Independent School District (ISD) Board of Trustees convened on March 17, 2025, to address critical cybersecurity concerns that have emerged within the district. The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by data breaches and the measures being implemented to enhance the district's digital security framework.

A significant portion of the discussion centered around the alarming findings from a cybersecurity assessment conducted by a third-party vendor, Know Before. The assessment revealed that Godley ISD's email addresses have been extensively exposed online, with a staggering 492 instances of compromised accounts, primarily involving former employees. This exposure raises serious concerns about the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive information, particularly as many individuals reuse passwords across different platforms.

In response to these vulnerabilities, the district is set to implement a series of high-priority changes aimed at bolstering its cybersecurity posture. Key initiatives include a revised password policy that mandates more frequent changes and the adoption of longer, more complex passwords. Additionally, the district plans to introduce multi-factor authentication for accounts with access to sensitive data, requiring users to verify their identity through a secondary device, such as a mobile phone.

The board also discussed the need to minimize the storage of high-risk data within the district. Currently, only one server containing sensitive information remains on-site, and efforts are underway to transfer this data to a more secure location with a larger budget for management. Furthermore, the district intends to eliminate outdated network structures that have become increasingly vulnerable over time, likening them to stagnant river rocks that have accumulated sediment.

Access control measures will also be tightened, with plans to restrict network access further to prevent unauthorized movement between different segments of the district's digital infrastructure. Enhanced cybersecurity training for staff is another critical component of the district's strategy, aimed at addressing poor security practices identified during forensic investigations.

As Godley ISD moves forward with these initiatives, the board remains committed to ensuring the safety and integrity of its digital environment. The discussions during this meeting underscore the district's proactive approach to addressing cybersecurity threats, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of safeguarding sensitive information in educational institutions. The board's ongoing investigations into previous breaches will continue to inform their strategies and responses to emerging challenges in the digital landscape.