*For school districts, building a strong cybersecurity foundation is crucial to protect student and staff data, ensure compliance with regulations, and maintain trust within the school community. New York's Ed Law 2-d requires districts to implement safeguards for the protection of personally identifiable information (PII), particularly as digital tools and online learning become more integral to education. By "paving the road to cybersecurity," school districts can address potential vulnerabilities, prevent unauthorized access, and reduce the risk of data breaches. *Starting with a data map not only simplifies the implementation of cybersecurity measures but also aligns the organization with privacy requirements and best practices. This foundational step ensures that data protection officers can accurately assess vulnerabilities, prioritize safeguards, and maintain compliance in an ever-evolving digital landscape.