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Echo SD board adopts cybersecurity policy (EHB / EHBAR) to address ransomware and system lockouts
Summary
Board approved implementation of policy EHB and regulation EHBAR on cybersecurity, citing ransomware threats and insurer (PACE) requirements that include tabletop exercises and training; district tech services and ESD support were highlighted.
The board moved to implement policy EHB and accompanying regulation EHBAR to formalize district cybersecurity procedures. A board member moved the implementation and the Superintendent explained the policy covers response roles and backups in the event of ransomware or system takeover. "So the schools have parallel, you know, like a backup to all of that stuff that they could just switch over to," the Superintendent said while describing cloud and server backups and the limits attackers can create by changing passwords and locking access.
Staff explained that the district participates in ESD-provided cybersecurity services and that insurer requirements (PACE) call for training and tabletop exercises before coverage and can affect premiums. The Superintendent said PACE insurance is a driver of compliance and that the district pays for ESD tech services (noting a $40,000 payment for services that yields roughly $80,000 in back-end support). The board voted to approve the policy as presented; the motion followed a first reading last month.
