Degree

Candidate in Philosophy

Department

College of Education

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

K-12 schools in Louisiana face unique cybersecurity challenges due to the state's high poverty rate, resource constraints, infrastructure weaknesses, and vulnerability to natural disasters. Public school systems in Louisiana have been particularly vulnerable to these attacks, with incidents of cyberattacks tripling in 2020 alone. The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has implemented several cybersecurity initiatives, including the Louisiana Cybersecurity Commission and the Louisiana Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (LaCISO). However, there is limited research on the effectiveness of these initiatives and cybersecurity models in Louisiana public schools. This study aims to address this gap in understanding by conducting a comparative analysis of cybersecurity models in three different Louisiana public school systems. The study examines the similarities and differences in their cybersecurity needs, challenges, and solutions. Results include analyzing interview transcripts that revealed critical themes in cybersecurity within an educational setting, emphasizing the importance of secure practices, addressing varied cyber threats, ensuring inclusive training, managing human factors in cybersecurity, forward-planning in technology management, prioritizing collaborative strategies, and navigating the emotional and psychological dimensions of cybersecurity practices. These themes collectively provide a multifaceted perspective, intertwining technical, procedural, and human aspects, crucial for future research and strategy development in cybersecurity.

Date

10-31-2023

Committee Chair

Sulentic-Dowell, Margaret-Mary

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