CDA Reporter

Idaho’s Higher Ed Leaders Participate in Cybersecurity Exercise

Event Simulates Challenges, Responses in Cyber Attack Module

BOISE, Idaho – Higher education leaders from across Idaho recently gathered to learn about the cybersecurity threat landscape in higher education and study simple steps school leaders can take to measurably reduce their cyber risk and

protect students and faculty. The Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in coordination with, the Idaho State Board of Education, the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), and all eight of Idaho’s public two-year and four-year higher education institutions conducted a Leadership Tabletop Exercise for Institutions of Higher Education on February 17 focusing on cybersecurity threats.

 The tabletop exercise was held directly following the February Idaho State Board of Education meeting, capitalizing on having the state’s

higher education leaders gathered at Boise State University. Idaho’s postsecondary education leaders joined local, state, and federal officials, as

well as industry subject matter experts, for the training at Boise State University. The event highlighted the critical role that postsecondary education leaders have in responding to and managing of a cyber threat event. “Cyberattacks are a very real and serious threat to any industry, including higher education. 

By working together across federal, state, and local agencies, we can provide the first line of defense in mitigating the harm caused by these kinds of attacks,” said Rick Aman, president of College of Eastern Idaho and one of three WICHE Commissioners. “This exercise was a valuable opportunity for non-technical senior leaders in higher education to come together and practice organizational responses, as well as share best practices and work on improving coordination among our different organizations. Ultimately, our shared goal is to protect the privacy of Idaho residents by safeguarding our data, systems and infrastructure through partnerships and trainings like these.”

Original source can be found here.