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DPO DownloadEpisode 34 - Cybersecurity as a Team Sport: Governance, Response, and Strategic Planning for K12 SchoolsOn this episode we welcome former Chief Information Officer at Pittsford Central School District Dr. Jeff Cimmerer to the podcast. Listen as Dr. Cimmerer speaks about how cybersecurity is very much a team sport. Learn how using common nomenclature can help reach a variety of stakeholders within your district.
2025-11-0527 minDPO DownloadEpisode 33 - School Year Readiness, and CollaborationThis episode we are joined by Data Protection Officers Brian Zimmer of Webster CSD, John Miller of Honeoye Falls-Lima CSD, along with Dan Fullerton of Monroe Regional Information Center (RIC) to speak about the opening of a new school year. Listen as we discuss how collaboration plays a critical role among the Monroe RIC region by emphasizing standardized practices, shared hardware, and mutual support so no one goes at it alone.
2025-09-1031 minDPO DownloadEpisode 32 - How to Handle Zero Day ThreatsWhat happens when hackers find a flaw before the developers do? They get a Zero-Day—a golden ticket into networks worldwide.Join our hosts along with NERIC's Information Security Manager Don Harple as we discuss the recent zero day Microsoft SharePoint Vulnerability. Learn as we discuss best practices for zero day threats as well as speak to the benefits of exercising your incident response plan.
2025-08-0623 minDPO DownloadEpisode 31 - A Global Perspective on Data Security and PrivacyOn this episode our hosts along with Saige Hupman and Ashleen Speen from South Central Regional Information Center discuss what the world's top security experts are saying and how it applies to NYS School districts. Join us as we pull back the curtain on the Gartner Data Security and Privacy Summit. We’re cutting through the global corporate-speak to translate the latest guidance on AI, data protection, and emerging cyber threats into practical, actionable strategies tailored for our local districts.
2025-07-0229 minDPO DownloadEpisode 30 - NYSED CPO Farewell: A Conversation with Louise DeCandiaJoin our hosts as they sit down with Louise DeCandia, the NYSED Chief Privacy Officer, for a candid look back at her impactful tenure. Listen as Louise speaks about the initial challenges she faced. Hear her reflections on the ever-evolving data privacy and security landscape. Discover the initiatives she believes had the most impact, and the relationships she was able to establish with all the stakeholders.
2025-06-0431 minDPO DownloadEpisode 29 - Inside the SOC, should you Build it or Buy ItHave you ever wondered about what goes on inside a security operations center (SOC)? In our next episode, our hosts will be speaking with Paul Marco from Talas Security. Paul will be sharing his experiences managing a security operations center, and we'll be discussing the "Build it" versus "Buy it" approach for cybersecurity controls in school districts. To wrap up, Paul will also share his firsthand account of the 2013 Denial of Service attacks that affected over a dozen U.S. banks.
2025-05-0732 minDPO DownloadEpisode 28 - Live from the 2025 RICone DPSS ConferenceJoin our hosts broadcasting live from the 2025 RICone Data Privacy and Security Service Conference. They'll be discussing the conference's growth over the past four years, sharing excerpts from the keynote speaker, and catching up with attendees about their favorite aspects of the event.
2025-04-0725 minDPO DownloadEpisode 27 - West Irondequoit Central School DistrictJoin us for an insightful conversation with Casey Wagner, the Director of Technology (DOT) and Data Protection Officer (DPO) for West Irondequoit Central Schools. We'll explore Casey's unique journey, from classroom educator to technology leadership. Learn how she successfully made the switch and, in just two years, significantly enhanced data privacy and security within her school district.
2025-03-0524 minDPO DownloadEpisode 26 - Business Office Cyber Awareness TrainingStay ahead of cyber threats! Join hosts Monica and Josh as they break down the essential takeaways from their annual School District Business Office Cyber Awareness Training. Discover the latest risks and learn how to protect your district's sensitive data.
2025-01-2920 minDPO DownloadEpisode 25 - Live at NYSCATE 2024Join us as we attend the annual NYSCATE conference. Listen as we catch up with attendees and speak to RIC one Risk Operation Center representatives about the Student Data Privacy Consortium panel.
2024-12-0415 minDPO DownloadEpisode 24 - Data Retention Seattle Public SchoolsIn this episode, we welcome Melinda Lamantia, the Records and Archives Manager at Seattle Public Schools, to discuss data retention in schools. You'll hear how Seattle Public Schools manages data retention, including their email systems. Melinda will also share how you can throw an information review and clean up party in your school district.
2024-11-1323 minDPO DownloadEpisode 23 - Buffalo Public Schools Part 2
Join us for part 2 of our interview with Laura Samulski-Peters and Julianna Sciolino of Buffalo Public Schools. In part 1 we heard about the cyber incident that affected Buffalo Public Schools in 2021. Listen to part 2 as Laura & Julianna speak about what Buffalo Public Schools has accomplished since the incident. Learn about how they have involved students and the community in making Buffalo Public Schools more cyber aware.
2024-10-3019 minDPO DownloadEpisode 23 - Buffalo Public Schools Part 1Join us for this special 2 part podcast with Buffalo Public Schools. In part 1 hear from Laura Samulski-Peters and Julianna Sciolino about the cyber incident that affected Buffalo Public Schools in 2021. Listen as Laura & Julianna speak about the actions taken during the incident and how Buffalo Public Schools was able to recover to keep learning loss at a minimum.
2024-10-0219 minDPO DownloadEpisode 22 - The Mental Pressure of a Cyber IncidentTune in this month as co-host Josh Becker shares his firsthand experience navigating a cyber crisis. Learn about the intense mental pressures he faced and gain valuable insights to help you prepare for the unexpected.
2024-08-0721 minDPO DownloadEpisode 21 - Chief Technology Officer Erin SheeversJoin us this month as we talk with Bethlehem Central Schools Chief Technology Officer Erin Sheevers. Listen as Erin speaks about the evolution of her career as well as cybersecurity. Learn how Erin balances family life with being a leader in the district and community.
2024-07-0324 minDPO DownloadEpisode 20 - Live from The RICone DPSS ConferenceJoin us this month as we recorded live from the RICone Data Privacy and Security Conference in Albany, NY. Listen to snippets of the keynote address as well as conference attendees on the best part of the conference.
2024-06-0520 minDPO DownloadEpisode 19 - RICone DPSS Conference PreviewJoin us as we provide a preview of the 2024 RICone Data Privacy and Security Conference on May 2nd & 3rd. Listen to snippets from past guests that will be presenting at the conference.
2024-05-0120 minDPO DownloadEpisode 18 - Data Privacy from a Second GraderJoin us on the extra special show as Jaya, who is in the second grade, speaks to us about what data privacy means to her and even provides some clever ideas on passwords. Listen as she tells us how she learned about data privacy and also hear from Mom, Neethu on how Jaya is now making sure the whole family is following correct data privacy practices.
2024-04-0323 minDPO DownloadEpisode 17 - Dr. Doughty NERIC DirectorThis month we welcome Dr. Michael Doughty the Director of the Northeast Regional Information Center on the DPO download. Join us as Dr. Doughty shares his perspective on how senior leadership should approach data privacy and security as well as generative AI.
2024-03-0625 minDPO DownloadEpisode 16 - First Year DPO Public Schools of TarrytownsJoin us as we speak with Dr. Jessica Kingsbury the Director of Technology and Data Protection Officer for the Public Schools of Tarrytowns. Learn how Dr. Kingsbury's approach of building relationships, utilizing resources, and creating data security culture has led to a successful first year in the role.
2024-02-0722 minDPO DownloadEpisode 15 - Whitesboro CSD Phishing Accountability ProgramPhishing is still the number one attack vector cyber criminals utilize. Join us on this episode as our colleague, Brittany Rizzo from the Mohawk Regional Information Center, sits down with the administration at the Whitesboro Central School District to discuss their phishing accountability program. Learn how Whitesboro has established a multi-tier program to mitigate the phishing risk.
2024-01-0320 minDPO DownloadEpisode 14 - Lake Shore CSD DPO Michelle KriegerJoin us for a special on location episode of the DPO Download at the NYSCATE 2023 conference. While we were there, we were able to catch up with Michelle Krieger who might be the only named Data Protection Officer in a district across New York State with the sole responsibility of being just the district's Data Protection Officer. Listen, as we delve into a conversation about how this focused role has impacted the Lake Shore Central School District.
2023-12-0618 minDPO DownloadEpisode 13 - MFA at North Rockland Central Schools
Join us on the DPO download as RICone DPSS member Raheela Biag speaks with Ed Maltbie the Executive Director of Information Systems at North Rockland Central Schools about their journey to implementing MFA for all users. Gain insights on how North Rockland was able to overcome challenges to make implementing MFA a success.
2023-11-0119 minDPO DownloadEpisode 12 - CISA Chief of Cyber Security Region 2 Rich RichardIn honor of October Cyber Security Month the DPO download presents a special episode with Rich Richard the Chief of Cybersecurity Department of Homeland Security CISA division Region 2. Join us as we discuss CISA's cyber security awareness month initiatives and how CISA can be a partner to provide Cyber Security Guidance to your School. After listening make sure to visit CISA.gov and reach out to Rich to discuss how CISA can assist your district.
2023-10-1825 minDPO DownloadEpisode 11 - National Cybersecurity AllianceJoin us as we speak to Lisa Plaggemier, the Executive Director of the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) We learn about the NCA, how Cybersecurity Month has evolved over the last 20 years and what K-12 institutions can do to improve their cybersecurity posture. Ms. Plaggemier also shared how you can protect your professional and personal data by applying the behaviors promoted this October Cybersecurity awareness month Strong passwords, MFA, phishing awareness, and software updates.
2023-10-0422 minDPO DownloadEpisode 10 - Watertown Incident Response TabletopOn this Episode we welcome Brittany Rizzo from the MORIC and Jeff Wood the Director of Technology, Cyber Security and Innovation at Watertown City School District to discuss Watertown's incident response tabletop. Join us as we gain insight into how the tabletop was conducted and takeaways every district can utilize when performing their own tabletop exercise.
2023-09-0624 minDPO DownloadEpisode 9 - Cyber Security AnnexOn this episode we speak to Hilary Hofstein the Managing Program Coordinator (Health-Safety-Risk) at Capital Region BOCES about the Cyber Security Annex that is part of each district's Building Level Emergency Response plans.
2023-08-0218 minDPO DownloadDPO Download Episode 8 - Dennis AstOn this episode we speak to Dennis Ast, a Senior Account Executive Cyber Risk Specialist for OneGroup. Dennis provides insight into the Cyber Insurance market for schools, provides tips for school districts, and speaks about the RIC one Cyber Insurance Consortium.
2023-07-0526 minDPO DownloadEpisode 7 - Mineola High School Cyber Security Education ProgramIn this episode RICone DPSS representative Laura Pollak speaks to representatives from Mineola High School about their new Cyber Security Education Program for K12. We also discuss the spring edition of the DPSS Digital Digest and ChatGPT privacy in education.
2023-06-0724 minDPO DownloadDPO Download Episode 6On this months episode we speak to Rob McKenzie, who is the Data Protection Officer for Greater Southern Tier (GST) BOCES. Rob provides insight into his role and his thought around navigating Ed Law 2D requirements. Join us as we learn from Rob unique perspective.
2023-05-0324 minDPO DownloadEpisode 5 - RICone DPSS Statewide ConferenceIn this episode the DPO download went on the road attending the RICone DPSS Statewide Conference on March 29th & 30th. Listen to excerpts of the cybersecurity panel as they discuss a real cyber incident, and hear from the Chief Privacy Officer at New York State Education Department Louise DeCandia.
2023-04-0520 min
DPO DownloadDPO Download Episode 4In this episode the DPO download combines our feature interview with the Threat Landscape update. South Central Regional Information center Associate Coordinator of Data Security and Privacy Ashleen Speen sat down for a discussion with South Central Regional information center assistant director Phil Sage, and Security Project coordinator Jim Thompson on the current cyber threats against K12 schools. In the school spotlight segment we speak to Dr. Jeff Cimmerer the Chief Privacy Officer for Pittsford Central Schools about how Pittsford handles Ed law 2D and cyber security practices.
2023-03-0123 minDPO DownloadDPO Download Episode 3In this episode Laura Pollak of Nassau BOCES sat down with RICone Data Privacy And Security Service early adopters Joe Fitzgerald and Madalyn Romano to discuss the origins of the RICone Data Privacy and Security services, and how the NIST Cybersecurity framework was chosen as the standard behind Ed law 2D. In the School spotlight Raheela Baig spoke with Jayme Haug, the Director of Technology for Pearl River School District about how she navigates Ed law 2D at Pearl River. Listeners also receive a Threat Landscape Update.
2023-02-0123 minDPO DownloadDPO Download Episode 2In this episode we chat with K12 Security Information eXchange (k12six) National Director Doug Levin about the resources K12Six can provide to school districts. We also speak to Lauren Luckert of Northville Central Schools, in the School spotlight, about Navigating Ed Law 2D in a small district with limited resources and provide DPO’s a cyber threat landscape update.
2023-01-0421 minDPO DownloadDPO Download Episode 1On this episode we will meet Michael Hastings. Michael is a cyber security Advisor for the Critical Infrastructure Agency, a division of the Dept. of Homeland Security or CISA for short! Michael will be sharing ways that CISA can be a valuable asset to districts before and during a Cyber Incident. In the school spotlight we speak to Kieran O’Connor of East Syracuse Minoa Schools on the importance of IT auditing. RICone will provide DPOs a cyber threat landscape update.
2022-12-0118 min