SAINTCON 2023: UEN Leads on Cybersecurity for Education

This year’s event featured a track focused on education developed by the Utah Education Network (UEN) and its education partners.

In October, more than 1,700 technology professionals from across the nation gathered in Provo, Utah, to explore solutions to the growing challenge of providing network security through SAINTCON 2023. This year’s event featured a track focused on education developed by the Utah Education Network (UEN) and its education partners.

SAINTCON is an annual cybersecurity conference presented by the Utah Security Advisory and Incident Network Team (UtahSAINT). UEN initiated the conference in 2001 with a convening of about 25 ed tech professionals. Now the conference brings together hundreds of experts and participants from across the nation to collaboratively address the dynamic needs of network management.

Many of the education track’s sessions were standing room only. Through more than 30 breakouts, participants explored a wide range of topics, from securing online learning platforms to the intricacies of data protection in schools.

"This new track was an instant hit as it appealed to education and business leaders by providing a unique lens into trending technologies,” said Troy Lunt of the Iron County School District, whose team presented. “Dozens of current leaders and technology experts shared solutions and experiences that have had the greatest impact on their organizations.”

Enthusiasm for the education sessions underscores the importance of statewide collaboration and resource-sharing in promoting safer, more robust online environments for learners.

“After SAINTCON, [our] tech crew left feeling excited and connected. We had wonderful presenters that opened our eyes to areas of improvement. Overall, we now have better tools to help our students and create a safer environment,” said Miguel Echeverria of Sevier School District.

Leading on development of the education strand is one example of how UEN is uniquely positioned to coordinate and amplify efforts to strengthen cybersecurity for Utah school districts and higher education institutions. UEN also supports education networking through software licensing and management, 24/7 monitoring of the wide area network and other services.

“SAINTCON is an integral part of the San Juan School District's planning, detecting and responding to security threats,” said Aaron Brewer of San Juan School District. “The students, staff, parents and guardians in our district are safer and more secure because of the support we get from SAINTCON and UEN.”

The Utah Education Network (UEN) connects people and technologies that improve education in Utah. As one of the nation's premier education networks, UEN provides internet access to Utah schools, higher education, libraries and community partners throughout Utah, connecting institutions to a robust network and quality educational resources. We also operate the independent public television station UEN-TV (KUEN), which broadcasts 24/7 content for Utah learners and educators.

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