CurrentWare’s Security Software is Eligible for FCC’s Cybersecurity Pilot Program
See how CurrentWare ensures student safety in our web filtering software for schools case study
Safeguarding sensitive information is crucial for educational institutions and libraries. The FCC’s Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program aims to bolster the cybersecurity infrastructure of these institutions by providing essential funding for robust security solutions.
CurrentWare, a leading provider of web filtering, data loss prevention, and user activity monitoring software, offers critical security controls to help schools and libraries protect their networks, prevent data breaches, and ensure a safe online environment for students, staff, and patrons.
Through the pilot program, institutions can use CurrentWare’s security suite to fortify their defenses and meet modern cybersecurity challenges head-on.
CurrentWare’s Security Solutions for Schools & Libraries
CurrentWare’s cybersecurity solutions for schools and libraries provide internet filtering, data loss prevention, and computer monitoring capabilities that schools and libraries need to ensure a safe and productive learning environment—all at a competitive price.
- Prevent access to high-risk, inappropriate, and malicious websites
- Monitor user behavior for policy violations and indicators of compromise
- Track and restrict file transfers to removable media and cloud storage services
Why Choose CurrentWare for Protecting Schools and Libraries?
Competitive Pricing & Discounts
“If selected, participants must solicit bids for the eligible cybersecurity services and equipment for which they wish to seek reimbursement through the Pilot Program and select their service provider(s) using the price of the eligible services and equipment as the primary factor.”
USAC
CurrentWare’s technology protection measures for schools and libraries strike the perfect balance between security and affordability. Our base pricing is kept at a range accessible to organizations of all sizes.
- We offer a special 10% discount for eligible educational and non-profit organizations. Contact our sales team here to confirm your eligibility
- Multi-year contracts and organizations with 100+ licenses may qualify for additional discounts
- Through our partner program you can purchase CurrentWare through a reseller or managed service provider
Easy to Use & Well Supported
CurrentWare’s products aren’t only for tech-savvy IT professionals—They’re kept simple and intuitive for everyone.
Report generation and policy updates are all possible with a few simple clicks. With CurrentWare’s Operator Accounts, you can even allow staff to adjust their classroom’s web filtering policies without giving them access to other admin features.
Our expert support team will be with you every step of the way to ensure you have a successful deployment. In addition, we maintain a comprehensive knowledge base full of informative videos and articles.
Critical Security Controls
CurrentWare’s technology protection measures ensure a safe and productive learning environment by addressing several common cyber attack vectors.
- Block millions of websites across over 100 URL categories
- Prevent the use of unauthorized removable media devices
- Monitor computer usage to prevent and detect inappropriate activity
Flexible User & PC Management
With CurrentWare’s flexible and intuitive cybersecurity solutions for schools, you can easily protect students and devices no matter how large or small your school district is.
- AD Sync: Use Active Directory import and sync to manage student and staff devices using your school networks’ existing organizational units or security groups
- Deployment: Use CurrentWare on Windows laptops and desktops either on-premises, on a self-managed cloud server, and even via Citrix, Remote Desktop, and/or Terminal Server
- Granular Policies: Organize your users into policy groups such as different age groups, departments, or classrooms to ensure web filtering policies meet their needs without affecting productivity
- Offline Management: Continue protecting and monitoring devices when they leave the school network
CASE STUDY
Keeping Students Safe With CurrentWare’s Web Filter for Schools
Unrestricted internet access is detrimental to cybersecurity and productivity.
Read our web filtering in education case study to learn how CurrentWare’s website blocking software helps keep students and systems safe.
What is the FCC Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program?
Overview of the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program from the Federal Communications Commission. Includes an update from the Department of Education on their efforts to address the cybersecurity challenges of K-12 schools.
The FCC Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program is a $200 million initiative to help eligible K-12 schools and libraries enhance their cybersecurity infrastructure. Launched in 2024, the program aims to assist institutions in protecting their networks from cyber threats by defraying the costs of essential cybersecurity services and equipment over three years.
The FCC intends to use the pilot to evaluate the effectiveness of using Universal Service funding to support cybersecurity services and equipment to protect school and library broadband networks and data to determine whether to fund them permanently.
- Purpose: The program’s primary objective is to defray the costs of cybersecurity services such as data loss prevention and endpoint protection tools, enabling schools and libraries to safeguard their digital assets and sensitive information.
- Eligibility: Schools and libraries already eligible for the E-Rate program can apply, along with consortia that represent these institutions. This program is tailored to address the unique cybersecurity needs of educational and public library systems.
- Application Window: The application period for the first round of funding opened on September 17, 2024, and runs until November 1, 2024
The program is part of a broader effort by the FCC to enhance digital security in educational institutions, ensuring that students and staff have a safe, secure online environment for learning and research.
The Pilot Program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), which administers the Universal Service Fund under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The Universal Service Fund is a U.S. federal program designed to ensure that people across the country, including rural and low-income communities, have access to essential communication services.
“Schools and libraries have increasingly become the target of cybersecurity attacks by malicious actors seeking to steal personal information, compromise online accounts, cause online harm or embarrassment, and otherwise disable/disrupt critical networks that provide broadband connectivity.
To help address these threats, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program (Pilot Program) to gather the data needed to better understand whether and how universal service funds could be used to support the cybersecurity needs of schools and libraries.” – Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC),
Who is Eligible for the FCC Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program?
Eligibility for the FCC Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program is primarily tied to institutions already eligible for the E-Rate program, which provides discounts for telecommunications and internet services. Specifically, the following entities are eligible:
- K-12 Schools: Public and private schools that meet the E-Rate eligibility criteria can apply. This includes primary and secondary educational institutions focusing on areas that demonstrate economic need or rural status.
- Libraries: Public libraries, and library systems, are also eligible, provided they are recognized as eligible for E-Rate funding.
- Consortia: Groups of schools and libraries that form consortia to apply for cybersecurity support jointly are also eligible.
These institutions must apply during the pilot program’s application window (September 17 to November 1, 2024) to participate.
How to Apply for the FCC Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program
Last Updated: 27 September 2024
1. Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your institution (school, library, or consortium) is eligible for E-Rate funding, as the program follows the same eligibility criteria. Applicants need not be current or former E-Rate program participants in order to be eligible to apply.
2. Access FCC Form 484 Part 1
“The FCC Form 484 Part 1 will be open from September 17 to November 1, 2024. The form asks applicants questions about the equipment and services they intend to fund if selected for the Pilot Program. These selections are informational, and applicants will not be bound by these selections if selected for the Pilot Program. “ – USAC
Eligible entities must complete Part 1 of FCC Form 484. For an in-depth walkthrough of the form, review the FCC Form 484 Part 1 User Guide.
3. Submit the Application
The application window is open from September 17 to November 1, 2024. Complete the required sections of FCC Form 484 within this period. Schools and libraries must submit their cybersecurity funding requests, detailing the services and equipment they seek to implement.
Applicants who are selected to participate in the Pilot Program will be required to submit more detailed information in Part 2 of the form and can request support for eligible cybersecurity services and equipment during the Pilot Program FCC Form 471 application filing window in 2025.
4. Monitor and Update
After submission, monitor the application status through the EPC system and make any necessary updates or responses to additional information requests from the FCC.
If selected to participate in the Pilot Program, participants will be required to provide more detailed information about their cybersecurity experiences. For example, in Part Two of the application, participants will be required to provide information regarding their current cybersecurity posture, including how the school or library is currently managing and addressing cybersecurity risks through prevention and mitigation tactics; history of cyber threats and attacks (within a year of the date of the application); current cybersecurity training policies and procedures; and cybersecurity challenges faced.
For more details and access to the application, visit the FCC Cybersecurity Pilot Program page on the FCC website
What Services Are Eligible for the FCC Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program?
Equipment and services that constitute protection designed to improve or enhance the cybersecurity of a K-12 school, library, or consortia are eligible. Examples include data loss prevention software, endpoint protection tools, and tools for monitoring, detection, and response.
For more information, you can find a non-exhaustive list of eligible equipment and services on the FCC website.
Get Started With CurrentWare Today
Ensure school internet security with CurrentWare’s computer monitoring, data loss prevention, and web filtering software for schools. Contact us today for a quote, a custom demo, or a free trial.
