All K-12 public schools in Rhode Island will begin using by the end of the current school year a new cybersecurity tool that will better protect their schools’ data and systems, according to a press release from the White House.
Schools districts across the state have signed a pledge to implement Protective Domain Name Service (PDNS), a cybersecurity tool that helps prevent ransomware and other cyberattacks by preventing computer systems from connecting to harmful websites and other dangerous areas of the internet.
With funding from the Federal government, school districts and libraries will be able to access the tool for free. The White House said that Rhode Island’s commitment to implement the new tool will protect approximately 136,000 students across the state.
“For too long, our schools have been going toe-to-toe with motivated ransomware gangs, sophisticated cyber criminals and well-resourced nation-state actors putting the data and safety of our students and schools at risk. The Biden-Harris Administration has recognized that schools across the nation need help, which is why we are making available free resources to every school and library across the nation,” said White House National Cyber Director Harry Coker, Jr.
“Today, Rhode Island is stepping up to lead the way taking advantage of these free Federal resources on behalf of every public school district in the state. The partnership at the Federal, state and local level exemplifies a collaboration committed to keeping students, teachers, administrators and their data safe from evolving cyber threats.”
The free tool is available to all other states in the country and the White House hopes other states will take advantage of PDNS after seeing Rhode Island’s successful rollout.
“Effective online protection for students in Rhode Island starts with increased collaboration,” said Rhode Island Congressman Gabe Amo. “I am glad state and local officials are working together to make us the first state to partner with the federal government to protect every K-12 public school by the end of this school year. I stand ready to do my part in Congress to continue investing in ways to keep our schools safe from cyber threats, ransomware attacks, and other 21st century risks.”
