A cybersecurity incident isn't a matter of if, but when. In this two-part session, K-12 leaders will move from real-world perspective to real-time simulation, gaining both the "why" and the "how" behind effective Incident Response planning.

Part one grounds the conversation in reality. Seth Hamilton, Director of Technology at Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation, will share firsthand insight into what it actually takes to prepare a district for a cybersecurity incident — the gaps that are easy to overlook, the decisions that can't wait until you're in the middle of a crisis, and why having a plan in place matters long before you ever need to use it.

Part two puts that reality into motion. Five Star’s Itza White, Head of Engineering & Cybersecurity, and Amber Seibert, Professional Development Specialist, will lead attendees through a live tabletop exercise using Breach Point — a crisis simulation built specifically for K-12 environments. Participants will step into real roles — IT, Legal, Leadership — and work through a realistic breach scenario in real time, complete with private communication channels, mounting pressure, and decisions that carry consequences. No technical background or gaming experience is required.

Attendees will leave this session with:

• A clear picture of what a real cybersecurity incident demands from district leadership
• Firsthand experience with the communication breakdowns and decision points that occur under pressure
• A practical framework for evaluating or building their own district's Incident Response plan

Train like it's real, before it is.