Nebraska Cybersecurity Network for Education (NCNE) is at the forefront of reducing cyber risk and enhancing cyber resilience for school districts across Nebraska. Established in 2023 by ten educational service units under the umbrella of the Educational Service Units Coordinating Council (ESUCC), NCNE addresses the growing threat of cyberattacks targeting schools.

In a significant boost to its mission, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) recently donated 450 pieces of computer equipment to NCNE. This donation includes 210 computer desktops and 240 monitors, which will be distributed among 196 high schools across the state. The equipment is earmarked for use in emerging cybersecurity programs that NCNE has been developing over the past few years.

Andy Boell, the cybersecurity director at NCNE, highlighted the importance of this initiative. “At NCNE, one of our goals is to establish cybersecurity programs statewide to address the growing opportunities in this field of work,” said Boell. “Nebraska has a lot of very talented students, but not enough resources to educate them on cybersecurity. We want to keep these students in Nebraska and educate them as much as we can. Thanks to Blue Cross, we’re able to keep working toward that goal.”

The urgency of NCNE’s work is underscored by a federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency report, which noted the increasing vulnerability of schools to cybercriminals. The collaboration between BCBSNE and NCNE is a strategic effort to combat these crimes. BCBSNE’s donation is not just about providing hardware; it’s about investing in the future of Nebraska’s students. By equipping high schools with the necessary tools to teach cybersecurity, BCBSNE is helping to empower students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a rapidly growing field.

The partnership between NCNE and BCBSNE exemplifies how community and corporate collaboration can drive meaningful progress in education and workforce development. Together, they are laying the foundation for a more secure and prosperous future for Nebraska’s schools and students.