The proposed bill mandates the State Board of Education to adopt a comprehensive cybersecurity policy applicable to all approved or accredited public, private, denominational, and parochial schools, as well as educational service units in Nebraska. This policy is designed to enhance cybersecurity measures within educational institutions and includes several key components. These components consist of a cybersecurity framework guide for implementing controls, the establishment of a cybersecurity team to assist schools with their cybersecurity needs, a curriculum that expands digital citizenship requirements, a pipeline for technology careers aimed at supporting rural students, and a funding mechanism to facilitate the acquisition of necessary cybersecurity resources.
The bill emphasizes the importance of a coordinated approach to cybersecurity in education, aiming to prevent and respond to potential threats while also fostering a skilled workforce in technology. By addressing both immediate cybersecurity needs and long-term career development, the legislation seeks to strengthen the overall security posture of educational institutions and support local economies through technology career initiatives.