Empower Your DaaS Programs

Uploaded on 2023-09-01 in JOBS-Education & Training, FREE TO VIEW, BUSINESS-Services-IT & Telecoms

Empower your DaaS programs in schools with a competitive edge through comprehensive managed cybersecurity services and explore the key features that can bolster security and safeguard sensitive data.

When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in early 2020, nearly all institutions had to close down physically. This includes the educational sector, which pivoted to digital learning as much as it could. As a result, digital hardware and remote learning replaced the traditional classroom and its whiteboards, projectors, and video players. Of course, with this new technology came a need for a managed cybersecurity service to protect their students.

Three years later, many schools and students report positive results from the accelerated shift to online learning. Today, more than 98% of U.S. schools have access to computer technology.

The importance of managed cybersecurity service is becoming more apparent since schools became wired. It became even more pronounced when the Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) option became available for many school districts. Instead of spending a large chunk of their budgets acquiring learning devices, educators can now lease units as part of a broader service.

With DaaS, school districts won’t have to worry about upgrading every time a better version comes along. School superintendents and their staff can focus on staying connected and providing great learning experiences.

Exploring the Advantages of Managed Cybersecurity Services For Schools

For today’s modern classroom, schools usually deploy interactive touchscreens as the main medium of instruction. Schools also loan out laptops, tablets, and other smart devices to students for their individual use. In some cases, students have to make do with a Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) setup, which allows them to connect online via their own units.

Connecting multiple devices to the school network is often a source of temptation for malicious individuals. Hackers are always looking for ways to access school files and student records for their next ransomware score.

Meanwhile, unscrupulous agencies and scam artists would like to get their hands on contact information lists to send junk mail or text offers. Unless school districts partner their hardware and software investments with a managed cybersecurity service, they remain exposed to these threats. As part of schools’ outsourcing requirements, a managed cybersecurity service oversees the online safety of the entire school network system.

This includes monitoring, managing, and securing school devices, systems, and connectivity. They also alert administrators when suspicious activities happen. In case of reported attempts to compromise the network, admins can deploy countermeasures or shut down the system.

Identifying & Mitigating Security Risks In School Environments

Education remains the most powerful tool in preventing or mitigating cyberattacks. Teaching students and faculty the importance of strong password management prevents the proliferation of stolen or hijacked accounts. But even as awareness helps reduce these incidents, it pays to have a managed cybersecurity service providing additional security to the school’s fleet devices.

One major security risk common across all industry networks is the exploitation of older or legacy systems.

Networks usually require all connected devices to use the latest software versions to enjoy full access to features. This also ensures all previously identified vulnerabilities in the system are closed. However, the network can only remain fully safe when all connected devices manage to close or patch these exploits. Device management platforms that operate on wireless connectivity can help close these security holes. The software can connect to all registered devices in the school network and automatically update or patch system software, firmware, and applications.

Even better, they can apply the fixes during downtimes when devices are idle to minimise disruptions during teaching sessions.

Ensuring Privacy and Compliance In Educational Institutions

Student records contain very sensitive information. This is why laws such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) were enacted. Of course, the penalties outlined in FERPA and other laws won’t discourage cybercriminals from wanting access. In addition, careless data management on the part of faculty, staff, or the students themselves can leave data open for thieves to feast on.

With the right device management software and managed cybersecurity service, school districts can keep their student records better protected.

This includes limiting access to specific areas and data to authorised users. Instead of blanket permissions given to everybody with a registered ID and login, end users can only access their data during specific instances. The authority to look at the entire database (for analytics and insights) rests solely on school district officials and analysts.

Internal systems can also monitor the flow of information and check their consistency with local and federal laws. This way, school districts won’t run into trouble for compromising student privacy and leaving confidential data open.

Implementing Strategies for Prevention and Response

Aside from assigning user access levels, device managers can also implement heightened security measures in case of serious threats or outright attacks. Administrators can monitor and identify devices that continually request access to system files or the student database. When this happens, admins can remotely take over the device to freeze, disable, or shut it down completely. The device manager can also broadcast a warning message to other network users of the imminent danger and to log off immediately.

During incidents when the system reports a device as stolen or missing, admins can use geolocation services to identify its whereabouts. If recovery is deemed impossible, the administrator can remotely wipe the device’s contents to prevent data theft.

Mitigate Online Disruptions With a Managed Cybersecurity Service

DaaS is a great way for school districts to remain technologically relevant without breaking their budget. Instead of constantly spending money upgrading hardware and software, DaaS allows districts to lease the latest devices. This allows students to stay up-to-date technology-wise. It also means schools can spend more on other matters and reduce the inventory buildup as older equipment becomes obsolete.

Make the most of your DaaS investments by getting help protecting your devices. Utilising a managed cybersecurity service supported by reliable device management software keeps school devices running smoothly. Combined, they can prevent the more common forms of cyberattacks and protect devices when things heat up.

Nadav Avni is CMO of Radix Technologies

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