This article was originally published on IT Business Net on 3.4.24 by Charlie Sander, CEO at ManagedMethods.
The need to safeguard sensitive information and optimize IT resources within educational institutions is fundamental.
We are living through an era where technology permeates every aspect of education. So, the need to safeguard sensitive information and optimize IT resources within educational institutions is fundamental.
Cyber threats from various malicious actors have become more sophisticated, so schools have the formidable challenge of investing in cybersecurity while not blowing their limited budget. Proper resource allocation is crucial. But it’s not as simple as introducing a wealth of new protocols, rubbing your hands together, and saying, “job done.” School leaders need to assess the ideal composition of their IT team to strengthen defenses against growing threats properly.
Let’s dive into how schools can employ the best cyber practices for achieving both objectives and how diverse perspectives within IT teams can enhance cybersecurity in educational settings.
Cybersecurity Is a People Problem
One of the most common misnomers about cybersecurity is that it’s solely a technological problem. The reality is that every cybersecurity attack originates from human actions, highlighting the pivotal role of human expertise in mitigating and responding to threats. Therefore school leaders need to invest in professionals with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to defend against evolving cyber threats successfully.
Unfortunately, as reported in Global Knowledge IT Skills and Salary Report, the lack of qualified cybersecurity talent is a genuine concern and highlights the importance of prioritizing human capital investment. If schools can hone in on hiring the right cybersecurity professionals, they can improve their technological solutions.
Cybersecurity strategies have evolved from traditional perimeter defense approaches to more comprehensive models like “defense in depth” and zero-trust cybersecurity. While technological advancements play a crucial role, the human element remains central to the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures.
How to Optimize Resource Allocation
Educational institutions must strike a balance between cybersecurity investment and cost optimization. The way to do it is by prioritizing resources based on risk assessments and compliance requirements to help allocate funds efficiently. Additionally, it’s essential to implement role-based access control that ensures that users only access necessary resources, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches while minimizing costs by not granting tons of different accounts…
