When a K–12 public school system in rural New Mexico experienced a crippling cyberattack in December 2022 - right in the middle of the holiday season - it left servers shut down and ransom demands on the table. The breach, part of a wider wave of attacks on neighboring districts, was a devastating disruption at a time when most staff were away from the office. It was also the wake-up call that brought them to Pulsar Security.

From the very beginning, Pulsar’s approach stood out. 

“There was an in-depth conversation with Pulsar’s security engineers. Not a form to fill out and submit, but real conversations with experts who cared. They took the time to learn about our environment, understood the budget constraints we face in public education, and cared about the safety of our students as much as we do.”

Instead of one-size-fits-all advice, Pulsar gathered the technical details of the district’s systems, servers, and equipment - understanding both their strengths and weaknesses. That knowledge became the foundation for a partnership.

Validation and guidance through Penetration Testing

The first network penetration test didn’t just identify vulnerabilities; it validated IT leaders long-held concerns about their security posture. The comprehensive final report provided:

• Proof of vulnerabilities
• Prioritization of critical issues
• Clear, actionable remediation guidance

Empowering staff through Phishing Simulations

The district also began phishing simulations for staff to strengthen the human side of security. This combination of technical and awareness testing created a measurable path toward improvement.

From vendor to trusted partner

"Pulsar is more than a vendor – they’re our trusted partner. They’ve earned our confidence by taking the time to understand our unique challenges, respecting our constraints, and working alongside us to create realistic, effective solutions. Annual testing isn’t just about checking a box; it’s a strategic collaboration that helps us track progress year over year, spot trends in our systems, and adapt our defenses as threats evolve. We know they’re invested in our success, and that trust allows us to focus on our mission knowing our security is in capable hands. Security isn’t a one-time project – it’s a living, ongoing process that we navigate together.”

By working with Pulsar Security year after year, this New Mexico school district is turning a painful holiday-season breach into a success story: building a safer learning environment for students and a stronger, more resilient network for the future. 

About Pulsar Security
At Pulsar Security, we help organizations reduce cyber risk at the source with expert-led vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, security framework implementation, and continuous threat monitoring. Our mission is to strengthen your security posture, improve insurability, and ensure you’re prepared long before an incident occurs. Learn more at pulsarsecurity.com.