How far could an outside threat actor infiltrate your district’s networks? And what if that same threat is coming from within one of your schools?

Either way, penetration testing remains as important as ever. Tune in as we explore why a truly resilient defense requires both external perimeter testing (to block outside intruders) and internal testing (to simulate what happens after a credential is lost or a device is compromised).

At the same time, we’ll focus in on the “day after” report: how to prioritize remediation steps and use your findings to prove to your school board that security funding is an investment, not just a cost. Along those lines, we’ll also break down the 2026 budget realities for these dual-layered audits and discuss how to schedule them effectively around your district’s busiest cycles.

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Be Connected is a virtual networking series designed to spark meaningful conversations and collaboration within Illinois’ K–12 technology community.

Hosted by the LTC’s Technology Services team, each free session centers around a different relevant topic, ranging from infrastructure planning and cybersecurity to emerging tools, networking strategies, and day-to-day IT challenges. These informal yet purposeful sessions offer a relaxed and supportive environment where participants can ask questions, share experiences, and learn from one another.

Explore upcoming session topics: https://www.ltcillinois.org/services/beconnected/