CISA Unveils New Threat Response Guide for K-12 Schools

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has released a threat response guide for K-12 schools. This resource is intended to assist K-12 schools in establishing tailored approaches to threat management, including violence and threats of violence. 

In this guide, the CISA outlines steps that school districts can take to understand and respond to anonymous threats. It also provides advice for being prepared for future incidents and coordinating with law enforcement or other local partners. 

This guide establishes six strategies for schools: 

1. Promote reporting awareness so potential incidents can be detected and future threats can be deterred.
2. Establish a partnership system (including school administrators, law enforcement, and mental health experts) to address threats effectively.
3. Use law enforcement connections to manage threat events and determine appropriate response actions. 
4. Treat all threats as credible. 
5. Engage with multidisciplinary threat assessment teams when necessary. 
6. Establish a threat response protocol and involve staff and students in emergency response activities.