In today’s digital age, Educational Institutions are increasingly reliant on technology to support learning and administrative functions. As the education networks continue to expand the risk of security incidents only grows. Unfortunately, the sensitive nature of the data they store also makes schools a prime subject for cybercriminals. We all know that schools and educational institutions are prime subjects for cybercriminals today.  

One of the biggest challenges facing the education sector today is managing multiple user personas and tight budgets. From online learning platforms to student information systems, and alumni emails, Educational Institutions have a vast security landscape that needs to be protected.  

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of security in Education and how to navigate different user personas to protect their sensitive data. 

The Importance of Security in Education

The security of Educational Institutions needs to be a top priority for these organizations because:  

1. Educational Institutions store a vast amount of sensitive data, including personal information, medical records, and academic records. This data needs to be protected from cyber threats to prevent identity theft and other malicious activities. 

2. Cyber-attacks can disrupt the operations of Educational Institutions, including online learning platforms, student information systems, and administrative functions. By ensuring the security of these systems, Educational Institutions can prevent costly downtime and ensure the continuity of operations. 

3. Educational Institutions are held to high standards when it comes to protecting sensitive data. A breach of data can erode public trust, leading to reputational damage and potentially impacting enrollment. 

Navigating Unique User Personas: Faculty, Students and Alumni 

The education sector faces unique challenges when it comes to cybersecurity. Beyond tight budgets and juggling public and private funding, schools have multiple user personas that complicate cybersecurity protection. But the reality is that not protecting these personas is actually creating exploits within your network.  

For example, universities and colleges typically have faculty, students and alumni that access their private networks or business devices. But each of them uses the technology differently.  

Faculty often have university-owned computers and access the internal network for teaching, grading, communication and more. While students and alumni typically have their own devices that they use to connect to the school’s email network. Students, however, also have access to university technology in lessons such as science labs. 

K-12 schools also often manage multiple personas such as corporate employees, teachers, students and parents. It’s just as complicated to know what to protect and when.  

Often businesses are left with more technology tools than they need because they are trying to use them all for every use case. Customized solutions where you protect your internal devices and faculty/staff and extend certain solutions such as Managed Email TDR across students and alumni would be ideal.  

Before now, that wasn’t possible.  

Maximizing Your Security Budget 

When investing in Microsoft Security A5 or E5 licensing schools open the door to the most powerful security tools on the market.  

As a leading Microsoft Security partner Difenda has access to exclusive funding opportunities and incentives. These offers promote the deployment of their security solutions by expert security providers to help customers maximize their investment and improve security ROI.  

Difenda is able to offer these programs on behalf of our customers because of our longstanding partnership, our certifications, and our commitment to training our team in areas customers need support. 

Download the Guide to Microsoft & Difenda Funding and Incentives  

How Difenda Can Help 

Difenda’s Managed Microsoft Security Services provide a comprehensive and tailored solution for Educational Institutions to protect their sensitive data.  

We meet you where you are on your journey without you having to pay for more security tools than you will actually be using. Our modular approach allows you to build a security program that works for your organization and user personas.  

Are you worried about the security of your Educational Institution’s sensitive data? Do you want to ensure that your network and endpoints are protected from cyber threats and breaches? 

Download the Managed Microsoft Security Services in Education White Paper!