Key points:
- Zero trust is akin to modern, agile defense systems that scrutinize every object seeking entry
- Embracing zero trust is an investment in a school’s future–and also a commitment to safeguarding knowledge and innovation
- See related article: Bolstering cybersecurity with zero trust
- Learn How to Lower Cybersecurity Threats to Your School
Educators and administrators are holding their breath at the dawn of another academic year. They are well aware that schools are increasingly targeted by hackers, with 1 in 4 falling victim to cyberattacks in the past 12 months.
These hallowed halls of knowledge store vast amounts of sensitive data, from student records to financial information. Consequently, this makes them attractive targets. To make matters worse, growing connected device networks and remote learning opportunities present even more vulnerabilities.
A paradigm shift from traditional perimeter-based security to a more robust and dynamic approach is increasingly necessary. As a result, zero trust is gaming ground across all sectors as today’s go-to cybersecurity approach. For example, the White House is ordering all civilian government agencies to establish and implement a zero trust plan by the end of next year. Let’s explore why schools should follow this lead.
Leveraging zero trust in education
The traditional approach to cybersecurity revolves around perimeter-based security, a method that trusts anything within the organization’s boundaries. But as threats grow in sophistication, so must cybersecurity. Instead of fortifying the perimeter like medieval castles, zero trust is akin to modern, agile defense systems that scrutinize every object seeking entry.
Continuous verification inspects all users and devices before granting access to resources. This approach adds an extra layer of protection by requiring multifactor authentication and limiting access based on the principle of least privilege. Additionally, continuous monitoring and logging provide institutions with real-time insights into potential threats, enabling swift responses to mitigate risks.
Embracing this framework guards against both internal and external threats. This is especially important as educational institutions often struggle with vulnerabilities introduced by human error, unauthorized personal devices, and third-party applications.
Another vital aspect is zero trust’s granular access controls. These ensure that only authorized personnel can access intellectual property and research data. By segmenting networks and implementing strict authentication measures, zero trust helps prevent data breaches and unauthorized theft of sensitive information. Continuous monitoring also allows for the swift detection of suspicious activity, further safeguarding vital data.
Finally, let’s consider the widespread adoption of remote and hybrid learning models. While these advancements offer benefits, they also introduce new security challenges. With students and faculty accessing educational resources from various locations and devices, traditional security measures become inadequate.
Zero trust is well-suited for this modern learning landscape as it accommodates the dynamic nature of remote and hybrid learning. How? By verifying identities, managing access rights, and continuously monitoring activities. In this way, zero trust ensures secure and seamless access to resources regardless of the user’s location or device.
The implementation challenges and considerations
Of course, deploying any solution or framework will always pose an obstacle or two. The initial costs and resources needed for deploying this new framework warrant some concern. However, the global average data breach costs roughly $4.3 million – a fraction of implementation.
On the technical side, educational institutions – especially those with limited IT resources – might see zero trust as a hurdle. Careful planning and partnering with cybersecurity experts can substantially reduce the hassles of implementation and ensure a smooth transition.
Another obstacle is choosing between a single-vendor solution or multiple solutions across vendors. Choosing a single provider offers simplified implementation and management policies, but that route sacrifices flexibility and customization. If you have the IT resources, always go for multiple vendors. It will allow you to customize your framework to your needs and help you actualize a more holistic and complete version of zero trust.
When choosing the latter path, some tools and solutions help put zero trust’s fundamental concepts into action. Start with identity and access management and zero trust network access for your identity and authentication needs. Then consider data and cloud security tools like data loss prevention solutions and next-gen firewalls.
Finally, secure your endpoints with a unified endpoint management solution and an endpoint protection platform. Additionally, extended detection and response tools allow you to respond swifter with better efficiency.
The time for cybersecurity action is now
The effort is worth it. Educational institutions are hubs of innovation, research, intellectual property creation, and private data. The loss or compromise of that property can have severe consequences, not only financially but also for the institution’s reputation and future prospects.
Adopting zero trust principles allows schools to significantly enhance their cybersecurity posture, ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for students, faculty, and staff. Zero trust might seem like rocket science to some, but with the right allies and tools, it’s more like building a sandcastle on the digital beach – fun, challenging, and ultimately rewarding.
Embracing it is not only an investment in the institution’s future but also a commitment to safeguarding the integrity of knowledge and innovation for generations to come. One glance at the cybersecurity landscape shows this is the path forward. After all, if it’s good enough for the government, it’s good enough for your school.
Related:
Discover the five steps towards a zero trust campus network
Strategies to help IT leaders combat imminent cyberattacks
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