RI Becoming 1st State To Protect All Public Schools With Cybersecurity Tool

CRANSTON, RI — Every K-12 public school in Rhode Island will use a cybersecurity service to prevent ransomware and other cyberattacks, U.S. National Cyber Director Harry Coker said at a cybersecurity education summit at Cranston High School East on Monday.

Coker said 64 Rhode Island school districts signed a pledge to use Protective Domain Name Service (PDNS) by the end of the school year, WPRI reported. The tool stops computers from connecting with harmful websites. This makes Rhode Island the first state to implement the technology in all of its public schools.

"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," Coker told WPRI 12. "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."

Have a news tip? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com.