46: Cyber Culture in Schools, Stephen Epting

STUDENTS AND TEACHERS ARE VULNERABLE TIME TO SHIELD THEM! Learn how to build a cyber‑safe school before the next attack hits.Mikey Pruitt sits down with Stephen Epting, a former law‑enforcement officer turned education cybersecurity champion. Together they unpack the rising threat of phishing, the budget crunch that hampers school defenses, and how AI can both help and hurt digital learning. Stephen shares real‑world tactics for teaching kids and staff the fundamentals of online safety, and offers a roadmap for a culture where every student and teacher feels empowered to spot danger. The conversation covers budgeting, remote‑learning challenges, and the future of cyber protection in schools all through the lens of practical, hands‑on experience.- Law‑enforcement skills give a solid foundation for cyber‑security work.- Documentation from investigations is key to tracking and responding to threats.- Schools must meet the tech savvy of students with equally clever defenses.- Student‑led digital safety teams help sustain awareness at all levels.- AI tools offer powerful training and phishing‑detection but require careful oversight.Subscribe, drop a comment, and share this episode so every classroom can stay safe. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity and Law Enforcement Background02:47 Transitioning from Law Enforcement to Education05:27 Cybersecurity in Schools: Protecting Students and Staff08:09 Budgeting for Cybersecurity in Education10:41 Teaching Digital Safety to Students13:19 The Role of Students in Cybersecurity16:06 Phishing Campaigns Targeting Students18:43 Challenges of Remote Learning in Cybersecurity20:46 Conclusion and Future of Cybersecurity in Education21:35 Navigating Proxy Sites and Network Security24:19 Balancing Security and Convenience in Education26:52 The Role of AI in Education28:45 Cybersecurity Awareness and Training for Educators30:36 Incident Response in Educational Settings32:04 Trends in Cybersecurity Threats in Education34:45 The Impact of AI on Critical Thinking37:38 Staying Informed in Cybersecurity