In this week's episode, Chris and Mark delve into a recent massive data breach that has had significant repercussions for hundreds of thousands of educators in Pennsylvania. They explore the startling details of the breach, discussing its implications and the timeline of the response.
The episode features an interview with Terry Loftus, the CIO of San Diego County and chair of the MS-ISAC Executive Committee. Loftus provides insight into the recent funding cuts to MS-ISAC, explaining the potential impacts on education technology and the broader context of these changes.
Additionally, the guys address the latest news on tech tariffs, examining how these tariffs are beginning to affect K-12 district budgets and procurement processes via K12TechPro survey.
00:00:00-Intro
00:03:25-Pennsylvania Data Breach
00:09:20-Tariff Survey Results
00:17:11-Interview with Terry Loftus
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NTP
CTL
Classlink
Lightspeed
Fortinet
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Call us at 314-329-0363
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Music by Colt Ball
Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.

In this episode of the K12 Tech Talk podcast, hosts Josh, Chris, and Mark delve into the recent challenges facing K-12 technology in light of new tariffs and significant budget cuts. They discuss the potential impact of these economic and political changes on school services, with a specific focus on the technology and cybersecurity landscapes.
A key highlight of this episode is an in-depth analysis of the MS-ISAC funding cuts announced this week. As a member of the MS-ISAC Executive Committee, Josh shares insights on the repercussions these cuts could have on cybersecurity measures and services provided to schools.
The hosts also explore the broader impact of tariffs on technology purchases, from student devices to school infrastructure, and discuss alternative strategies that schools may need to adopt. They consider the potential domino effects on construction, transportation, and food services within schools due to tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China.
Throughout the episode, there's also a segment about the enduring presence of fax machines in schools, reflecting on how some traditional technologies remain integral despite advancements.
MS-ISAC Cybersecurity Report
https://learn.cisecurity.org/2025-k12-cybersecurity-report-download
 
PowerSchool Summary Report
https://www.powerschool.com/security/sis-incident/
 
MS-ISAC Loses Federal Support
https://statescoop.com/ms-isac-loses-federal-support/
 
00:00:00-Introduction
00:00:32-Post-Security Symposium Reflections
00:05:17-MS-ISAC Cybersecurity Report Overview
00:10:16-Tariffs Impacting K-12 Technology
00:25:15-We still use fax machines???
00:32:30-Understanding Recent MS-ISAC Funding Cuts
 
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Classlink
Managed Methods
VIZOR
Extreme Networks
Fortinet
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OR [email protected]
Call us at 314-329-0363
Join the K12TechPro Community
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Visit our LinkedIn
Music by Colt Ball
Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.

Join Chris and Mark as they hit the highlights of the recently concluded MidwestTechTalk Security Symposium. The conference tackled crucial topics surrounding incident response planning and cybersecurity preparedness in K-12 schools.
Then, the show wraps up with insights from an informative interview with SaferWatch.
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SaferWatch
NTP
Classlink
Lightspeed
Fortinet
--------------------
Email us at [email protected]
OR [email protected]
Call us at 314-329-0363
Join the K12TechPro Community
Buy some swag
X @k12techtalkpod
Visit our LinkedIn
Music by Colt Ball
Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.

Tune in to hear insights on how some states are ramping up cell phone bans in schools and the implications this has for students and staff alike, including the extension to smartwatches, beepers, and pagers!
The guys also delve into a pivotal Supreme Court case regarding the E-rate program, unpacking the ramifications of the recent ruling that classifies E-rate as federal dollars. Consider how this may influence the next critical case questioning the constitutionality of E-rate itself.
The episode also covers pressing cybersecurity issues, such as Google's upcoming changes to MFA, and explores the liability surrounding personal data stored on school-issued devices—a must-listen for understanding what districts need to consider to protect both themselves and their staff.
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Classlink
SaferWatch
Managed Methods
VIZOR
Fortinet
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00:00:00-Intro
00:04:45-E-Rate Win in the Supreme Court
00:08:20-Impacts of DOGE on CISA
00:14:23-Beeper Bans!
00:20:30-Google’s MFA Changes
00:25:45-Data Breach Liability Discussion
00:41:20-Upcoming Events in K-12 Tech
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Email us at [email protected]
OR [email protected]
Call us at 314-329-0363
Join the K12TechPro Community
Buy some swag
X @k12techtalkpod
Visit our LinkedIn
Music by Colt Ball
Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.
 

In this week's episode of the K12 Tech Talk podcast, the team dives into some pressing issues. We start with a discussion on how tariffs might affect project pricing for the coming year, exploring potential impacts on schools' budgets and strategies they might employ to mitigate these effects.
The conversation then shifts to Google's new Chrome security feature powered by AI. We debate the implications of this feature in terms of privacy and security, particularly in school environments, and whether or not to implement this at a district level.
The centerpiece of the episode is a concerning discussion about the potential threat to the E-Rate program. With pending litigation that could have significant impacts on funding and tech infrastructure in schools, we provide insights into how schools are preparing for potential outcomes.
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NTP
Lightspeed
ClassLink
SaferWatch
Fortinet
--------------------
Email us at [email protected]
OR [email protected]
Call us at 314-329-0363
Join the K12TechPro Community
Buy some swag
X @k12techtalkpod
Visit our LinkedIn
Music by Colt Ball
Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.

Join us in episode 201, as we dive into the intricate world of cybersecurity breach coaches. We start with a deep analysis of the latest cybersecurity reports from Clever and CoSN, highlighting critical vulnerabilities and the evolving landscape of K12 cybersecurity challenges.
In an exclusive interview, journalist Mark Keierleber from The 74 explores the clandestine operations of "breach coaches"—the hired guns who control the narrative and management of school cyberattacks. Keierleber sheds light on the ethical and operational conflicts schools face when deciding between transparency and self-preservation during a ransomware crisis.
00:00:00-Introduction
00:04:30-The 74: ”Hired Guns”
00:08:40-PowerSchool Breach Update
00:11:14-CoSN Cybersecurity Briefing
00:16:14-Clever’s Cyber Secure Report
00:23:48-Interview with Mark Keierleber
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ManagedMethods
VIZOR
ClassLink
SaferWatch
Fortinet
--------------------
Email us at [email protected]
OR [email protected]
Call us at 314-329-0363
Join the K12TechPro Community
Buy some swag
X @k12techtalkpod
Visit our LinkedIn
Music by Colt Ball
Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.

The 200th episode of the K12 Tech Talk podcast was packed with special guests, laughs, and big announcements. Musician Colt Ball kicked things off with a live performance, and David Wren from NTP discussed K12TechPro's cybersecurity deals for schools. Tom Ryan shared insights on AI, while Chris Illingworth from Fortinet talked about security solutions. The K12 Tech Talk and K12TechPro team celebrated milestones, including 1,000 K12TechPro members across 50 states and nine countries. The guys did dad jokes with Josh’s son, Jackson, and an exciting giveaway from ChromebookParts—200 free toolkits and $1,000 in repairs! (Email [email protected] NOW!) Tonia Haddix, known from Chimp Crazy, joined for a lively discussion on exotic animal laws. The episode wrapped up with lessons from a ransomware attack featuring Episode 31’s Denzel. Colt Ball closed us out with some tunes. It was crazy. It was great. Thank you all for listening and supporting us over these 200 episodes. We are K12 Tech Talk—and so are you.
THAT'S RIGHT! ChromebookParts is giving a free tool kit for every episode we have done! That's 200 tool kits to the first 200 listeners to reach out to us via [email protected]. SUBJECT LINE: FREE TOOL KIT. CONTENT: YOUR NAME AND SHIPPING ADDRESS. 
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! One of those lucky 200 people will receive $1000 in free repair services for their school district too!
NTP
Lightspeed
ClassLink
SaferWatch
Fortinet
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00:00:00-Intro
00:00:25-Colt Ball performs our intro live!
00:07:11-David Wren (NTP)
00:16:45-Tom Ryan
00:26:15-Josh's Kid!
00:30:56-Chris Illingworth (Fortinet)
00:36:32-K12 Tech Pro crew
00:42:50-Josh goes Chimp Crazy!
00:55:45-"Denzel"
01:01:06-Outro with Colt Ball
--------------------
Email us at [email protected]
OR [email protected]
Call us at 314-329-0363
Join the K12TechPro Community
Buy some swag
X @k12techtalkpod
Visit our LinkedIn
Music by Colt Ball
Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.

We did this episode for about 45 minutes and realized we didn't hit record. It happens. This is a redo. It's a disaster. Really. Next week is a SPECIAL episode as we hit 200. Get ready for that. We promise next week will be better. In the meanwhile, we discuss:
Who pays for Chromebook repairs?
What will chip tariffs do to 25-26 purchases?
Cybersquaters! Origin stories!
FCC Cybersecurity Pilot Info
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00:00:00-Intro
00:03:58-Tariffs??
00:11:21-Forti-updates
00:13:33-Domain Squatting
00:18:30-How did you get started in K-12 technology?
00:29:30-Episode 200 is coming!
VIZOR
SaferWatch
ManagedMethods
ClassLink
Fortinet
--------------------
Email us at [email protected]
OR [email protected]
Call us at 314-329-0363
Join the K12TechPro Community
Buy some swag
X @k12techtalkpod
Visit our LinkedIn
Music by Colt Ball
Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.