November 2005 — Features
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Is Your Network Safe?
What’s more, many district IT departments are understaffed and poorly trained. Added to these two realities is the increased use of school network systems for both administrative recordkeeping and reporting, and teaching and learning activities. If not thoughtfully managed, the increase in appropriate and long-advocated uses of network systems has, in fact, the potential to augment the security risks. Finally, current trends in IT system development add to the security risk. These trends (all of which increase ease of access for users) include always-on broadband, Wi-Fi and other wireless network options, outsourcing data management, peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, and the growing number and types of portable devices used by teachers and students.8 QUESTIONS
A SUPERINTENDENT
SHOULD ASK THE CHIEF
TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
1. How are we doing so far?
2. Do we have a security plan?
3. Do we have adequate security and privacy policies in place?
4. Are our network security procedures and tools up-to-date?
5. Is our network perimeter secured against intrusion?
6. Is our network physically secure?
7. Have we made our users part of the solution?
8. Are we prepared to survive a security crisis?
(Detailed follow-up questions are available at:
http://www.securedistrict.org/admin/firststeps/eightquestions.html.)
Providing strong, visible leadership that forcefully articulates the importance of IT security while balancing the access needs of students, teachers, and community members is the important role of the district superintendent. Also useful are the “first steps” for superintendents and policymakers that are listed at http://www.securedistrict.org/admin/firststeps.html.
Limiting Vulnerability
With all this in mind, an effective technology leader can take
concrete steps to ensure that day-to-day management and
user engagement is deliberate, attentive, and user-focused, so
that security is maintained and potential risks are identified
before a breach occurs. The Consortium for School Networking
(CoSN) has developed a Web site on cybersecurity
(http://www.securedistrict.org) that offers tools and approaches to
make certain the network is safe and operating in accordance
with all of a district’s needs. What follows is a sample
of what you and your district will find on the site to support
your educators in understanding the challenges of cybersecurity
and the possible strategies to undertake.
Tips for Increasing Network & Information Security
