Patricia Deubel writes about data security in K-12 education on THE Journal. Patricia writes about the importance of balancing technology with security awareness - that it’s a combination of software and education that will provide the best overall data security. This is true for any organization, but educators have a greater need to teach students about data security as a part of their computer education.

Data security threats come in many forms. From laptop loss to viruses to hackers to crashes and more. Some may be intentional, some not. Patricia recommends that school districts put in place the necessary hardware and software, as well as policies, for data security.

There is a balance to achieve between data security and restricted access. Some software solutions may block valuable Internet resources and software, so educators need to find the right solution for the needs of both students and faculty.

Recommendations include:

• Store backup data offsite
• Install software for data recovery
• Set up firewalls
• Install virus and spyware protection
• Set up an identity solution for system rights
• Use software like Absolute’s for laptop recovery
• Create policies for acceptable use of data (and consequences for misuse)
• Educate students and faculty of security risks and best practices

The latter two points can be the most difficult tasks at hand. For additional resources on creating policies and educating students and faculty about data security, visit these resources:

• Sample Appropriate Use Policy (AUP) from Houson Independent School District [PDF]
• The Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security (CERIAS)
• Cyber Security for School Districts

Also check out Absolute Software’s solutions for the K-12 market to learn more about how Absolute Software is keeping laptops safe for educators.

Via Educational Technology ; Tags: k-12, education, security, cyber security, cerias, data security, network security education, education IT