Introducing Cybersecurity-as-a-Service: Expert Security Support, Built for K–12

Introducing Cybersecurity-as-a-Service: Expert Security Support, Built for K–12

Cybersecurity isn’t a new concern for Washington’s school districts, ESDs, and ISCs, but finding affordable, expert-level support has been. Most agencies know they need help. The challenge has always been access.

That’s exactly why WSIPC is launching Cybersecurity-as-a-Service (CaaS).

What is CaaS?

CaaS is a flexible, subscription-based program that gives Washington’s educational agencies direct access to expert cybersecurity guidance (strategic, tactical, or both) at a cost structure designed for public education.

The program is led by April Mardock, WSIPC’s Chief Information Security Officer and a nationally recognized cybersecurity expert. Whether your agency needs help building a security framework from the ground up, preparing for an audit, training your team, or navigating a specific project with security implications, CaaS is designed to meet you where you are.

Two Ways to Access the Service

We’ve structured CaaS with two tiers based on agency type:

ESDs and ISCs can subscribe to 11 hours of monthly support at a preferred member rate. This option is ideal for agencies that want consistent, ongoing access to expert guidance. Four subscription slots are currently available, and ESDs and ISCs get first priority.

School Districts can purchase 10-hour service blocks for use through the end of the current fiscal year (September 1st). This is a great fit if you have a specific initiative, project, or gap you want to address now.

Both tiers are delivered primarily remotely, with on-site support available as needed.

What Can CaaS Help With?

Engagements are tailored to your agency’s needs. Here’s a look at what’s in scope:

• Vulnerability Management Support: Patching playbooks for critical vulnerabilities, risk-based prioritization, and guidance on compensating controls when patching isn’t immediately feasible
• Secure Configuration Templates: Hardened baseline configurations for servers, endpoints, and cloud environments, plus secure-by-default templates for new deployments
• Security Testing & Validation: Lightweight internal security assessments and configuration reviews for new systems
• Metrics & Reporting Assistance: Progress tracking toward NIST or CIS maturity targets, and help translating audit findings into clear action plans
• Cybersecurity Awareness and Training: Micro-trainings for technical teams, custom briefings for leadership and non-technical staff, and support for tabletop exercises and incident simulations
• Policy and Governance Guidance: Security policy templates, framework alignment support (NIST, CIS, and others), and help building internal governance models
• Project Security Consulting: Embedded security support for major IT initiatives, threat modeling, risk assessments, and security architecture reviews
• Change Management and Communication Support: Messaging strategies to reduce resistance, build staff buy-in, and translate security goals into language that makes sense across your organization

Why WSIPC?

This is what cooperative membership is built for. When one agency faces a challenge, we work together to find a solution that works for all of us. CaaS is our response to what we’ve been hearing across the state: districts and ESDs are ready to take cybersecurity seriously, they just need a trusted partner and a practical path forward.

We’re proud to be that partner.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re interested in reserving a subscription slot or a service block, or if you just want to talk through whether CaaS is the right fit for your agency, reach out to us at cybersecurity@wsipc.org. We’d love to hear from you.

WSIPC is a public agency that provides technology solutions, services, and support to K-12 schools. WSIPC’s purpose is to help schools do more with every dollar and to empower them with the tools to work smarter. To learn how your district can become part of the WSIPC Cooperative, contact us at info@wsipc.org or 425.349.6600.

WSIPC. Inspired by education. Empowered by technology.^TM