Though the education sector faces similar threats seen elsewhere, its challenge is balancing essential flexibility with sound security practices.

Winners of the competition tackled classroom challenges like student engagement, teacher preparedness and special needs support for K-12.

The Verizon Foundation has ramped up its commitment to STEM education, announcing a 00 million investment and plans to reach 5 million more students.

Higher education institutions can secure their data and networks without compromising a community of openness, Verizon officials said.

In recent years, school districts have been the target of sophisticated cyber attacks. But experts say school leaders are unprepared for the threats often faced by government and companies.