Three Steps Every School Should Take to Protect Student Data

“It is reasonable to ask the provider of a data-fueled learning tool whether it has performed a security assessment of the tool. If the organization is poorly designed, it may be possible for attackers to access raw data from the system’s databases,” said Lachniet.

Understanding the processes by which vendors collect and protect student data is an important step schools must take before implementing web-based personalized learning tools.

3. Prevent Malware

In addition to becoming educated about online security and vendors’ privacy policies, schools need to have a strong network in place that will prevent students from visiting potentially harmful sites that could infect a school’s network with malware, especially in 1:1 and BYOD environments.

“Schools must ensure that students cannot modify their BYOD device to bypass content filters by using external proxy servers, virtual private network access or remote controlling systems outside of the controlled network,” said Lachniet. “Schools also need to provide security to limit the potential for malware spreading from BYOD devices to the network.”

Lachniet adds that the use of wireless “guest” networks that provide minimal access to administrative systems along with internet restrictions on outgoing network traffic can help provide that necessary network security in BYOD environments. In addition to providing limited access to students, schools need to ensure they are using updated software to prevent viruses from infecting the network.

“Most malware that enters a network these days is due to outdated software on the workstations, particularly Adobe Acrobat, Flash and Java. If school IT cannot keep workstations updated, malware will happen,” said Lachniet.

“When you send your kids to school there’s an expectation at school that students are safe. That’s not going to go away.”—Lydia Neher, director of product management at Gaggle.

Protecting student data is a responsibility all schools must be held accountable for. Data-fueled learning tools will continue to improve education and help students learn in new and unique ways, but in order for students to truly benefit from these tools, schools must follow the best practices to protecting student data, and continue to stay educated.

“Schools and districts will be required to protect student data,” says Lydia Neher, director of product management at Gaggle. “They’re going to be held accountable to it. When you send your kids to school there’s an expectation at school that students are safe- physically, emotionally, and also from a data perspective. That’s not going to go away.”