It reflects a growing understanding of the risks posed by cyber threats, and a focus on protecting students’ privacy and data. This year’s report highlights the growing role of ed tech in the digital transformation of K-12 education. **Key takeaways:**

* **Cybersecurity is the number one priority for state education leaders.** The report reveals a strong commitment to cybersecurity, with 90% of surveyed state education leaders identifying it as their top priority for the coming year.

This statement highlights the importance of understanding the context behind the observed trends. It suggests that the apparent decline in funding might not be a true reflection of a decrease in commitment to cybersecurity, but rather a change in how the costs are perceived and allocated. The report further explains that the shift in perceptions could be driven by several factors, including:

* **Increased awareness of cybersecurity threats:** As the frequency and severity of cyberattacks on schools have increased, so has the awareness of the risks involved.