Kids are back to school and diving into the new academic year. It’s the perfect time for K12 school districts to ensure their back-to-school cybersecurity plans are on track for 2016-2017. Why now? As technology continues to transform education and life, it’s critical for schools to be proactive about keeping students and staff safe from cyber crime.
While no one can discount the benefits of technology, there are mounting security risks. Data is precious and needs to be protected. EdSurge.com
Don’t give hackers an invitation by not securing every device that connects to the school’s network. Ensuring students and staff understand how to create safe passwords (instead of PINs) and utilizing the auto-lock feature are great places to start. Also, Secure Mobile Device Management forces people to install a profile to ensure they meet minimum security status.
Encrypting data can prevent critical information from being stolen. Many educational facilities have advanced perimeter protection such as a firewall; but not as many take steps to protect data at rest. All data stored on a disk should be encrypted so that if a device is stolen or a hacker breaks in, the information housed on it is still safe.
School districts must ensure that data loss prevention systems are in place — and that they are configured with rules to ensure data moves across a network properly and isn't off-loaded into the hands of cyber criminals.
The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires schools and libraries to have secure web filters that block pornographic and/or obscene images that may be harmful to minors. School administrators must decide how much filtering technology to implement. Is blocking the use of social media sites the answer, or will it hinder learning? Providing a safe way to access content and embracing mobile learning programs while following CIPA rules isn’t easy. Nonetheless, it must be discussed by IT, educators, school boards, parents and even students.
Knowing the consequences of what can happen if your device is compromised or stolen is imperative. Schools need clear policies about how to secure data. Administrators may want to point staff to Common Sense Education for free research-based tools.
100% of public schools have Internet access, but that doesn’t mean kids understand the potential criminal ramifications of hacking into a school’s network to change a grade or conduct a denial-of-service (DDoS) attack as a joke. Educate kids on being upstanding digital citizens.
Cybersecurity is complex, Most districts don’t have a total understanding of how digital security works. Network security vendors and managed security service providers can be incredibly helpful, particularly when it comes to upgrading and patching systems, and updating software regularly. These third-party providers can fill gaping cybersecurity holes.
DynTek offers the services, technology and K12 education experience to help to help you balance innovation and cyber risk. Contact us for more information.