Data security risks in the education setting can be a huge challenge. Every school must maintain a precarious balance between protecting student data privacy and providing the information necessary for the operation of the school and all its moving parts. It is an ongoing challenge, and schools are being targeted by cybercriminals more than ever.
Managing Data
Before the pandemic, a typical school may have used 25 different edtech solutions. Now, districts are using an average of 1,500 different edtech solutions. Edtech is essential in today’s education environment, but it can leave districts vulnerable to risk if the data is not handled properly. In addition to an increased risk of cyberattacks, it can also pose a significant risk to student data privacy. While not every risk can be eliminated, there are steps schools can take to minimize risk and protect student data.
Prioritize Protecting End Users
No matter how attractive an edtech solution might appear, the first step in minimizing data security risks is to ensure that every solution allowed into your school meets minimum security requirements for how they handle the data to which they must have access. Vetting edtech vendors prior to allowing them access to roster data is essential.
Establish Policies and Procedures to Eliminate Unexpected Risks
Districts cannot protect data if they don’t know where or how it is being shared. Establishing policies about accessing and using third party vendors and sharing student data can help the district manage and restrict individual teachers from “going rogue” and selecting their own edtech solutions. To be most effective, this requires giving teachers a seat at the table for determining what edtech solutions are approved by the district.
Implement Comprehensive Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is not just something for big businesses to consider. Every organization of every size – including schools – must have comprehensive cybersecurity measures in place to protect them from cyberattacks, ransomware, and other risks. From firewalls and malware detection to early warning systems for threat detection, cybersecurity is essential, especially for schools who want to invest in cyber insurance.
Rely on the Right Data Transfer Solution
Instead of attempting to manage data sharing with 1,500 different edtech vendors, utilize a centralized and secure solution like School Passport that allows you to protect the personal information of students, guardians, and staff with advanced governance. Threats against schools are not going away. School Passport is the open standards platform that securely integrates everything. Learn more.
