Recurrent FERPA Compliance Review for a Higher Education Institution
Industry
Education
Risk & Compliance
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Technologies Used
AWS/Azure
Case Studies >> Education
Client Challenge
With sensitive student information stored digitally and accessed by multiple stakeholders, our client faced the ongoing challenge of maintaining a high level of information security and FERPA compliance. Recognizing such importance, they sought our expertise to establish a systematic approach to assess and enhance their information security measures.
Solution Implementation
We designed a detailed assessment framework that covered all aspects of information security and FERPA compliance. This framework included technical assessments, policy reviews, and user training evaluations. Automated scanning tools were employed to regularly assess the university's network, systems, and applications for vulnerabilities. These scans were scheduled at frequent intervals to ensure ongoing security monitoring. We conducted thorough reviews of the university's information security policies and procedures to ensure alignment with FERPA requirements. Any gaps or inconsistencies were identified and addressed. To reinforce FERPA compliance and information security best practices, we implemented recurrent training programs for university staff and faculty. This helped create a culture of security awareness. We developed and tested an incident response plan to ensure the institution's readiness to address security incidents promptly and effectively.
Results
Highlights
Enhanced Security: Regular vulnerability assessments and policy reviews helped identify and mitigate security weaknesses promptly, reducing the risk of data breaches. Continuous Compliance: The institution remained up-to-date with the latest FERPA regulations, reducing the risk of non-compliance, fines, and reputational damage. Data Protection: Sensitive student data was safeguarded against unauthorized access, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of student records. Improved Security Culture: Recurrent employee training and awareness programs led to a more security-conscious workforce, reducing the likelihood of security incidents caused by human error. Efficient Incident Response: The incident response plan ensured that the institution could respond swiftly to security incidents, minimizing potential damage.