As K-12 schools become more reliant on cloud computing to manage their data and applications, it becomes increasingly essential to implement robust security measures to counter the growing number of cyber threats. The migration to cloud services offers many advantages, including cost savings, scalability, reliability, and agility, with potential improvements in security. However, the shift also presents new challenges that schools must navigate to protect sensitive information effectively. According to a recent CDW report, a majority of school technology leaders have already moved significant portions of their applications to the cloud, but a notable percentage still harbor security concerns, preferring to retain some applications on-premises.
Strategies to enhance cloud security in K-12 schools require a comprehensive approach that includes evaluating cloud service providers rigorously, understanding the shared responsibility model, and implementing essential practices and procedures. By addressing these key areas, schools can mitigate risks associated with cloud computing and safeguard their valuable data.
Vendor Risk Assessment and Vetting
Before beginning the migration to the cloud, schools must undertake thorough risk assessments of potential cloud vendors to ensure they meet necessary security standards and comply with federal laws protecting student health information and data privacy. A critical aspect of this process involves posing a series of specific questions to vendors to gauge their security capabilities and practices. Schools should inquire about data encryption provisions, compliance with federal laws related to student health information and data privacy, data storage locations, incident response systems, access control for cloud systems and data warehouses, and data retention and deletion processes.
David Waugh, Chief Revenue Officer at ManagedMethods, highlights the necessity of understanding a vendor’s security offerings, especially since many schools lack the expertise and staff to manage cloud security responsibilities on their own. Fil Santiago, Director of Technology and Administrative Services for West Orange Public Schools and President of the New Jersey Education and Technology Association, recommends that vendors follow established frameworks such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Cybersecurity Framework or ISO’s 27001 and 27002 standards to ensure robust security practices.
Conducting a comprehensive vendor risk assessment not only helps schools identify potential security gaps but also facilitates informed decision-making. By choosing vendors that adhere to high security standards, schools can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and other cyber threats. Regularly reviewing and updating vendor assessments is also crucial as the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve.
Understanding the Shared Responsibility Model
A major point of confusion for many schools is the concept of the shared responsibility model in cloud security. Under this model, the cloud provider is responsible for securing the cloud infrastructure, which includes physical hardware, the underlying infrastructure, and the network. Conversely, the client, in this case, the school, must secure everything within the cloud, such as data, applications, and access controls. This division of responsibilities necessitates a clear understanding and careful management of security measures on both ends.
David Waugh underscores the importance of schools managing the security of their data in the cloud, including proper configurations and user interactions. Misconfigurations can create vulnerabilities, making schools susceptible to cyberattacks. Fil Santiago concurs, emphasizing that districts must secure data, applications, and permissions within the cloud. Leveraging ongoing training and support from cloud partners is also critical to maintaining robust security practices.
Schools must recognize that securing cloud deployments involves not only technical measures but also ongoing collaboration and communication with cloud providers. This includes continually monitoring configurations, implementing security best practices, and adapting to emerging threats. By embracing the shared responsibility model, schools can work more effectively with cloud providers to safeguard their digital assets.
Patching and File-Sharing Regulations
To mitigate risks resulting from software vulnerabilities, schools must prioritize regular and timely patching of their cloud workloads. Tony Dotts, Information Security Manager at Community High School District 99, emphasizes the significance of staying on top of patching to prevent potential exploits. Several tools can aid schools in this endeavor, including Google’s Security Command Center, Tenable’s Cloud Security, and Qualys’ TruRisk, which help identify and prioritize patching needs.
Additionally, schools need to establish and enforce trust rules related to file sharing to control access to shared resources. Policies should define who can access specific files and may apply to individuals, groups, departments, or domains. Restricting or disabling file-sharing permissions outside the school district when unnecessary is also crucial in preventing unauthorized access and potential data leaks.
By implementing effective patch management and file-sharing policies, schools can significantly reduce the attack surface and enhance their overall security posture. Regularly reviewing these policies and practices ensures that they remain relevant and effective in addressing evolving cyber threats. Engaging in continuous education and training for staff and students on the importance of these measures further strengthens the school’s cybersecurity resilience.
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Identity and access management (IAM) tools play a vital role in controlling user access to cloud resources. These tools manage the establishment of identities and roles, allowing centralized control over access to specific resources based on individuals’ roles within the organization. Fil Santiago points out that manual IAM processes can lead to errors and increased risk, whereas automation provides more robust and reliable security.
Moreover, implementing multifactor authentication (MFA) adds another layer of security by ensuring that compromised passwords alone are insufficient for unauthorized access. Tony Dotts highlights MFA as a critical tool for verifying user identity and reinforcing cloud security. By requiring multiple forms of verification, such as a password and a temporary code sent to a user’s phone, schools can significantly enhance their protection against unauthorized access.
Effective IAM practices involve not only using advanced tools but also regularly reviewing and updating access permissions to reflect changes in roles and responsibilities. Ensuring that only authorized users have access to sensitive data and applications is key to maintaining a secure cloud environment. Continuous training on IAM best practices further empowers staff and students to recognize and mitigate potential access-related threats.
Business Continuity Planning
To ensure resilience in the face of unexpected disruptions, schools must develop and maintain business continuity plans (BCPs) tailored to their specific needs and environments. These plans should outline procedures for maintaining critical functions during crises, including cyberattacks, natural disasters, and system failures. A robust BCP can help minimize downtime, preserve data integrity, and facilitate a swift recovery.
Creating an effective BCP involves identifying essential operations and assets, conducting risk assessments, and establishing clear protocols for incident response and recovery. Regularly testing and updating the BCP ensures that it remains relevant and effective. Engaging with key stakeholders, including staff, students, and IT personnel, is crucial for fostering a culture of preparedness and awareness throughout the school community.
By integrating a comprehensive BCP with their cloud security strategies, K-12 schools can enhance their ability to respond to incidents and maintain continuity in their educational and administrative missions.
