If you understand the intricacies and benefits of technology in this day and age, you are aware of the dangers that can be presented as well. Supporting the structure around student privacy and data security is vital in creating a “trust” framework necessary for school districts and stakeholders to successfully adopt data-enabled smart technologies.
Notably, education institutions must first gain awareness of the importance of data security, privacy policy differences, and where each data vulnerability stems from, all while ensuring the safety of students.
Understanding Privacy and Data Security
Data security (or data protection) involves the enforcement of authorized access, while data privacy illustrates the policy on control over when and where authorized access rights may occur.
The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) defines the difference between data security and privacy as a “focus on the use and governance of personal data” versus “protecting data”.
Data security is an important protective process for securing student and faculty files, databases, and accounts on a network. By fostering a secure system, datasets are then protected from outside threats. We will go into the possible threats as you read on.
And in return from fostering an up-to-date system to secure data and privacy, students, staff and parents can rest easy knowing their data is secure, trusting the school more than they already do.
How Data Security Effects Student Privacy
Privacy is never possible without securing data efficiently.Student and faculty information is not merely private due to the prevention of unauthorized user access. Data is private because it has been secured. Similar to other security practices, such as school perimeter checking, data security is a central part of the management process of students and faculty information, aside from physical threats.
It is imperative to further understand the:
- Effects of data security
- Importance of proper policy implementation
- Requirement for an identity management system that complies with privacy regulations.
Privacy and Data Security Regulations: Understand the Effects and Consequences
Current advances in technology now provide an unprecedented level of usability and security for schools and students alike. Consequently, due a growing number of IoT devices, security is of the utmost importance surrounding student information.
In the educational ecosystem, data security impacts multiple aspects and stakeholders, with students as a prime member. Privacy without data security exposes students to multiple vulnerabilities who are the center of sensitive information.
Data security should be taught in a simple educational format for students and teachers to understand, fully so that they may be proactive instead of reactive with their information and the consequences.
Identity Theft and School Violence
The consequences of a data security breach can scale from a less-aggressive vulnerability to life-changing. School districts are trusted with a vast amount of personal and financial data centered around their students and parents, from home addresses to the financial details of a family. When a student’s information is compromised, staff need to be aware, and by implementing the right technology, staff will be notified when a potential breach occurs.
The U.S. Department of Education has recently issued a Cyber Advisory Alert, stating that K-12 school systems are facing a “new threat where the criminals are seeking to extort money from school districts and other educational institutions on the threat of releasing sensitive data from student records. In some cases, this has included threats of violence, shaming, or bullying unless payment is received.”
According to a U.S. Office of Education Technology study, school districts are reporting a positive effect in reducing the incidents of bullying in schools where privacy policies and technology advancements are integrated and precise. Districts containing a clear distinction between privacy and data security models paired with school management software are witnessing a reduction in complaints from parents, educators, and students.
It is critical to understand that the privacy of student data is not secure unless the Student Information System (SIS) is protected by a comprehensive technology strategy. Additionally, the authorized users of technology have a responsibility to the privacy law.
Compliance with State and Federal Laws (FERPA)
The Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) and FERPA outlines a comprehensive framework to protect information, operations, and assets which guide administrators in navigating data security issues, such as keeping student data private.
In meeting regulation requirements, it is equally critical that every educational institution must procure a data security management system that complies with federal and financial industry mandates.
A Viable Solution
Here’s a short guide to a proper solution in gaining privacy and data security for students and staff alike:
- Select a comprehensive software that complies with federal and financial mandates that values data security with inbuilt mechanisms to safeguard sensitive data.
- Authorize only trusted individuals with access.
- Closely monitor each user’s activity.
Fortunately, there is a solution to creating a secure network and ensuring student data privacy with ScholarChip’s all-in-one Identity Management platform solution. The platform entails:
- Eliminating data breaches and identity theft
- Monitoring user behavior security
- Managing school access, attendance, and behavior management
- Protecting all students and staff from external vulnerabilities
- Reduce school violence, shaming, and bullying related to an unauthorized data release
In addition to leveraging a solid privacy and data security solution, ScholarChip’s Identity Management platform improves the workflow balance and optimizes the technical staff in charge’s ability to properly monitor user behavior security for staff and stakeholders.
When school districts apply simple technological integrations to their current SIS and HR software, they are one step ahead in creating a safe & secure campus environment.
Tighter Security = Higher Student Enrollment
According to the National Clearinghouse of Educational Facilities (NCEF), school districts that implement a high standard of technology and compliance within their data security have experienced a higher student enrollment within their communities.
An identity management system provides data access and attendance solutions that increase the accuracy in records and compliance concerning data use/sharing between stakeholders, external entities, and child welfare inquiries.
For this reason, “knowledge is power” remains an axiom within educational institutions. As most schools enter the age of technology, it is proven that technological advancements are necessary beyond the classroom and into the data security model.
The community, as a whole, often express a sense of confidence and safety for their children when school districts visibly incorporate identity management solutions.
Smart ID Cards for Recurring Students and Staff
Smart ID Cards and ABE (Alternative Behavior Educator) offer a visible and data-centered solution, enhancing the effectiveness of a school system’s data security enforcement.
Beneficial correlations from Smart ID Cards and Alternative Behavior Educators include:
- ABE provides data-driven reports for sensitive student information
- Smart ID Cards provide access to sensitive data regarding recurring students and staff, along with attendance tracking
- Smart ID Cards provide security access throughout the campus
ScholarChip is an all-in-one, platform solution to help reduce school threats and address the important issues surrounding school safety and privacy. Data from students, faculty, and stakeholder are leveraged to manage school access, attendance, and behavior management through the platform tools to increase safety and promote the campus climate schools are looking for.
Data from students, staff, and stakeholders have a strong defense against vulnerabilities, maintains the compliance, and provides the strengthened confidence among your community that has been anticipated.
To learn more about how you can improve your privacy and security of student information, reach out to ScholarChip today for a 1-on-1 demo today!
