Giving back control.
How schools can manage their IT security.
One of the biggest challenges for schools and local authorities when it comes to digitalisation is IT security. A fragmented IT infrastructure made up of a host of different hardware and software makes the end-to-end protection of IT systems and highly-sensitive data incredibly complex, which is why it’s worth investing in security analyses such as B-Hard offered by Bechtle to develop and manage an effective security strategy without a huge amount of effort.
One of the biggest challenges for schools and local authorities when it comes to digitalisation is IT security. A fragmented IT infrastructure made up of a host of different hardware and software makes the end-to-end protection of IT systems and highly-sensitive data incredibly complex, which is why it’s worth investing in security analyses such as B-Hard offered by Bechtle to develop and manage an effective security strategy without a huge amount of effort.
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Which aspects does IT security in schools cover?
In educational institutions, security management includes both the protection of data the IT infrastructure:
- Personal data must be protected in accordance with the EU General Data protection Regulation (GDPR)
- The IT infrastructure must be protected against loss of availability, loss of confidentiality and loss of integrity.
Which aspects does IT security in schools cover?
In educational institutions, security management includes both the protection of data and the IT infrastructure:
- Personal data must be protected in accordance with the EU General Data protection Regulation (GDPR)
- The IT infrastructure must be protected against loss of availability, loss of confidentiality and loss of integrity.
Schools are frequently the target of these types of cyberattack:
- Ransomware – Malicious programs limit or prevent access to data and systems until a ransom is paid.
- Phishing mails – Attackers send fake e-mails in an attempt to get their hands on sensitive data.
- Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) – DDoS attacks see infrastructures flooded with unwanted traffic over a short period of time in order to take them offline.
Schools are frequently the target of these types of cyberattack:
- Ransomware – Malicious programs limit or prevent access to data and systems until a ransom is paid.
- Phishing mails – Attackers send fake e-mails in an attempt to get their hands on sensitive data.
- Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) – DDoS attacks see infrastructures flooded with unwanted traffic over a short period of time in order to take them offline.
Why are school IT infrastructures so complex?
Schools tend to be a forest of devices and programs that need to be managed. That can be anything from on-site devices such as PCs and interactive whiteboards to loan devices for teachers and pupils and learning management systems and school administration programs. Every single one of them must comply with data protection regulations, but the sheer volume and variety makes management a headache.
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Schools tend to be a forest of devices and programs that need to be managed. That can be anything from on-site devices such as PCs and interactive whiteboards to loan devices for teachers and pupils and learning management systems and school administration programs. Every single one of them must comply with data protection regulations, but the sheer volume and variety makes management a headache.
With the aforementioned complexity in mind, schools need to consider:
Updates.
Are all operating systems and applications
up to date?
Devices.
Are all devices (be that those provided by the school or brought in by the teachers/pupils) secure?
WLAN.
Is the WLAN secure?
Passwords.
Are strong passwords being used and regularly changed?
Understanding.
Are all teachers and pupils up to scratch when it comes to IT security?
Updates.
Are all operating systems and applications
up to date?
Devices.
Are all devices (be that those provided by the school or brought in by the teachers/pupils) secure?
WLAN.
Is the WLAN secure?
Passwords.
Are strong passwords being used and regularly changed?
Understanding.
Are all teachers and pupils up to scratch when it comes to IT security?
How Bechtle can help schools bolster their IT security.
The challenge of securing IT infrastructures and data can be overcome with the support of an external service provider. The first step towards this is to check the status quo with a cybersecurity analysis such as Bechtle’s B-Hard to determine where there is any room for improvement. When it comes to selecting, procuring and maintaining programs and devices, it can be worth schools’ while to consider taking advantage of managed services, with Bechtle supporting every step of the way—from solution implementation to detection and response and training the staff.
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