We are committed to connecting your school districts to the edtech solutions you need without compromising the student and staff data you are charged with protecting. It is a responsibility we take very seriously – and we believe the only way forward is through implementing a “zero trust” ecosystem approach using OneRoster Privacy.
Debbie Goodman, host of the “On Work and Revolution” podcast, recently featured GG4L founder and CEO Robert Iskander, to discuss data privacy and cybersecurity in K-12 schools. Listen to the full podcast here.
In their conversation, Iskander emphasized the critical need for schools to adopt a Zero Trust security model to safeguard student data. He highlighted that traditional security measures are no longer sufficient to protect against modern cyber threats targeting educational institutions.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification to verify their identity before accessing school resources. This approach significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access and helps mitigate the impact of compromised credentials.
Continuous Monitoring: Utilizing advanced security analytics and machine learning algorithms to detect and respond to anomalous activities in real-time, identifying potential threats and addressing them before they can cause significant harm.
Data Anonymization: Prioritizing the protection of sensitive data through robust encryption and data segmentation strategies. Data should be anonymized, and sensitive information, such as student records and financial data, should be properly secured and isolated from the rest of the network.
Staff Training: Providing comprehensive training and education for both staff and students to ensure all stakeholders understand the principles and benefits of the Zero Trust approach, as well as their roles and responsibilities in maintaining the security of the school’s network and data.
Iskander also noted that transitioning to a Zero Trust ecosystem is essential for preventing data sprawl and enhancing data governance within schools. He stressed that this transformation is a necessity, not just an option, for educational institutions aiming to protect their digital environments.
How School Passport Helps Schools Achieve a Zero-Trust
School Passport supports schools in achieving Zero Trust by providing a secure, centralized platform for managing data access and sharing. Here’s how it aligns with Zero Trust principles:
Identity Verification and Access Control
- Role-Based Access: School Passport ensures that only authorized users—such as teachers, administrators, and vendors—can access specific data based on their roles.
- Authentication: It integrates with Single Sign-On (SSO) systems, requiring identity verification for every access request.
Minimizing Data Exposure
- No PII Sharing: School Passport allows schools to connect to third-party applications without sharing personally identifiable information (PII). This reduces risk and ensures sensitive data remains protected.
- Granular Data Sharing: Schools can control which data is shared, ensuring only necessary information is accessed.
Data Governance
- Comprehensive Insights: The platform includes a Privacy Governance Console, allowing schools to monitor where their data is stored, who has access to it, and how it’s being used.
- Audit Logs: Provides detailed records of all data access and sharing activities for transparency and accountability.
Encryption and Secure Connections
- All data shared through School Passport is encrypted in transit and at rest, ensuring secure communication between schools and their trusted applications.
Vendor Compliance
- Vendors accessing school systems through School Passport must comply with strict security standards, reducing the risk of third-party vulnerabilities.
By implementing these features, School Passport helps school districts adopt a Zero Trust approach, emphasizing “never trust, always verify,” and ensuring that all data access is justified, authorized, and secure. This provides peace of mind for school IT leaders, safeguarding student and staff information through a “zero trust” ecosystem approach using OneRoster Privacy.
