 We truly appreciate all our education partners and customers across Iowa. Together, we are working hard to bridge the digital gap and make sure every student, regardless of their location, has access to essential connections and services.
THANK YOU ALL for your hard work and dedication!
Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council Update
 Learning about Traffic Solutions with Matthew Miller
This month's SYBAC meeting featured Matthew Miller from the Iowa Department of Transportation, who offered insightful perspectives on automated vehicles and traffic flow. As a drone pilot, he showcased impressive aerial footage and images of road construction sites and projects he has been involved with. He discussed future initiatives that incorporate AI, traffic management, and the integration of self-driving technology, highlighting their implications for civil engineering and road planning.
Additionally, he outlined the workflow his team employs to achieve their objectives. We also had three students present intriguing technology news articles, sparking a lively discussion about the potential impacts of these advancements on the future of technology. Furthermore, ICN's Business Services Director, Stephanie Devault, participated in the meeting to address the effects of cyber attacks on various sectors and their customers.
Find out more about the SYBAC Council on our website.
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In the News
We had THREE students gather a website link, read a news article that interested them, and then bring it to the SYBAC meeting and present it to us and answer questions.
Elli from Holy Trinity Catholic High School discussed the future of Quantum Computing as an emerging technology. Nick from West Delaware High School addressed the potential slowdown in microchip production due to the cancellation of a major factory in Germany. Kelly from Pleasant Valley High School explained the impact of the Crowdstrike attack on various industries.
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Upcoming Events
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Join ICN's Security Exchange Sessions
During these virtual sessions, participants will enhance their networking and security skills, share best practices, and remain informed about the evolving security landscape.
Session Dates:
December 18 from 10 AM - 11 AM
Building a Network Map
February 5 from 10 AM - 11 AM
Building a Device Inventory
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Did you miss our Halloween Zoom Webinar in October?
We have a recording available that gives you insights and a guided tour of Zoom’s complete platform—covering everything from chat, phone systems, webinars, and much more.
Check out the recording through this link.
Passcode: #KqxQ2cR
Contact your Account Consultant for more info.
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HIGHLIGHTED SERVICE
 Critical Infrastructure Month and Our Essential Services
Our objective is to enhance effective communication during efforts to restore and support communication systems during and in the aftermath of cyber-attacks, natural disasters like tornadoes and floods, and any other emergencies that may occur, ensuring that these critical services are operational:
Communication Services like MVS and Zoom
Cybersecurity Services like Firewalls and DDoS Mitigation
Data Services like Internet and Ethernet
To learn more about our participation in Critical Infrastructure Month and why it matters to us, check out our article on the topic.
E-RATE Update
E-Rate News for K-12 Education & Library Customers
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Schools and libraries can improve their network technology through the federal E-rate program, which funds telecommunications and Internet services to bridge the digital divide.
To access E-rate funding, institutions must complete a detailed application process, including competitive bidding for services to ensure transparency in provider selection. For more information on eligible services, see our E-rate Services article.
* Have you checked out the ICN's Managed Firewall service which is E-Rate eligible? We can handle the setup and management for you, allowing your team to concentrate on other important work. Contact your Account Consultant for more info.
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Toward Gigabit Libraries - Internet2
 Are you looking to make history exciting for your students? Join us now to access the amazing Presidential Primary Sources Project (PPSP) and dive into America's like never before:
- Participate in live video discussions with experts
- Examine primary source documents
- Enjoy virtual tours -- no travel required!
This FREE webinar series is happening from January to April 2025, offering engaging sessions designed to spark your students' enthusiasm for the fascinating aspects of our history. Don’t miss out!
Iowa Communications Network (ICN) is Iowa’s only authorized Research & Education Network giving our education customers exclusive access to Internet2 services.
Malicious QR Codes: 5 Ways To Protect Educators and Students
 Tech & Learning
By Erik Ofgang
QR codes have become more common in and beyond education. Teachers use these instead of printed handouts and many are regularly placed on fliers advertising university or school events. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that hackers have begun looking for ways to exploit QR codes.
One way they do this is by hanging fraudulent QR code links in real life or by including malicious QR codes in gifs or as part of fliers sent in emails. Since spam blockers have more trouble recognizing images, and because it's common for school announcements to include QR codes, this is a particular concern for education...
*It's always a good idea to have a cybersecurity service, like our Firewall and DDoS Mitigation, keeping an eye on things. This way, if anyone scans a bogus QR code, you’ll have extra protection against potential attacks.
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