Universities and other educational institutions used to be the favorite targets of professional and amateur hackers to break into their networks using application and network hacking. Today, security controls make it possible for universities and educational institutions to ensure the privacy of their information systems in the case of a security breach. Still, hackers remain determined to continue application and network hacking attacks, identity is still a valued commodity, and educational institutions must remain continually vigilant and abreast of the latest threats and solutions.

From requirements to maintain the privacy of student information to general maintenance of a secure state of the organization’s assets and information systems, educational institutions face an array of challenges in IT security.

• Educational institutions face a dizzying array of compliance requirements, regulations, and standards, including FERPA. Outside expert assistance can help in interpreting the requirements and adapting systems to be in compliance.
• Hackers who participate in application and network hacking are a constant treat to any business with an online presence. Websites defacements, denial of services, credit card and identity theft are just a few of the attacks that retailers are exposed to every day.
• If a security breach is underway or has already occurred, government agencies need to have a plan to quickly respond to the incident. In such security breach situations, it is also necessary to ensure that digital evidence is identified, preserved, and analyzed so that can be successfully presented in court.

To address these challenges, educational institutions must add security controls to their infrastructures to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the company’s information and communications in the case of a security breach. In addition, they need to stay abreast with the latest technologies and evolve their systems to address any new threats or other internal or external needs that arise.

How ERM can Help:

Assistance from specialists like ERM ease the burden of interpreting requirements, keeping abreast of changing regulations, and fulfilling industry and federal demands with network security services.