Built Around the People We Serve

At Pine Cove, everything we do starts with people.

Schools are more than buildings and networks. They are communities built on trust, relationships, and a shared commitment to doing what is best for students. The technology behind them should support that, not get in the way.

In this issue, we are highlighting one of the people who lives that out every day, sharing a few things we are seeing in the cybersecurity landscape, and asking for your input as we continue shaping Pathfinder 360.

The best work we have ever done has come from conversations with the districts we serve. We are grateful to be part of your community and to continue building alongside you.

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Employee Spotlight: Mike Baldacci

ne Cove, relationships come first and Mike Baldacci brings that to life every day.

Before working in technology, Mike was a fifth-grade teacher. That experience still shapes how he supports districts today. He understands how much educators rely on technology and how quickly things can change when it is not working.

As a Technical Account Manager, Mike partners closely with school leaders, helping them navigate both day-to-day challenges and long-term planning. What stands out most is how he builds trust through consistent conversations, understanding each district’s needs, and showing up when it matters.

Outside of work, Mike invests that same care into his family. From time with his grandkids to building a place where they can grow and spend time together, he is always focused on what matters most.

👉 Read more about Mike and his story on our LinkedIn page

🌲Quick Bytes: Must-Read Articles:

Phishing Is Getting Smarter (and Harder to Spot)-Attackers are now using trusted tools and layered links to make phishing attempts look legitimate even to trained users. “Safe” links can still redirect to malicious destinations. Multi-step URLs make detection harder for both users and filters. Attacks are increasingly designed to mimic everyday workflows. This is a good reminder that security can’t rely on awareness alone. As these tactics evolve, districts need layered protection and visibility into what’s actually happening behind the scenes.

Collaboration Tools Are Becoming a New Entry Point-Microsoft Teams is now being used as a pathway for attackers to access user accounts and systems. Threat actors are hijacking accounts to send internal-looking messages and users are more likely to trust messages inside familiar platforms. Once inside, attackers can move laterally across systems. We’re seeing more of this across districts where collaboration tools are central to daily operations. It reinforces the need to secure not just the network, but the platforms people rely on every day.

Support Tools Are Being Used Against Users-Live chat and support platforms are being abused to trick users into giving up access or credentials. Attackers pose as legitimate support representative and conversations feel real and often happen in trusted environments. Social engineering continues to be one of the most effective tactics. Technology alone won’t stop this. Clear processes, staff awareness, and strong identity controls all play a role in reducing risk here.

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Pathfinder360-Help Us Sharpen the Plan

At Pine Cove, we’ve always believed technology strategy shouldn’t live in a spreadsheet. It should reflect what’s actually happening inside your district day to day.

That’s exactly why we built Pathfinder 360™.

It brings infrastructure, security, budgets, and leadership priorities into one clear, long-term roadmap.

But here’s the reality. No framework gets it right without listening first.

Districts are dealing with real challenges right now:

• Plans that stall when priorities shift
• Budgets that get hit with unexpected costs
• Security risks that feel more complex every year
• Reporting that doesn’t always give leadership clear answers

Before we take the next step with Pathfinder 360, we want to hear directly from you.

What’s working? What’s not? Where are things getting harder?

Your perspective will directly shape how we refine Pathfinder 360 from planning and reporting to budgeting and security priorities.

This isn’t about selling anything. It’s about building something that actually works for the districts we serve.

👉 Take the Pathfinder 360 survey here

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Stay Connected Beyond the Trail Report

Our newsletter only scratches the surface of what’s happening every day in the world of IT, security, and education. For the latest updates, quick insights, and resources you won’t find here, follow us on LinkedIn. It’s the best way to stay in the loop with Pine Cove and catch what’s new before the next issue lands in your inbox.

— The Pine Cove Team