Technology has become an indispensable tool at every level of modern school operations.
But if you’re in school operations, a K-12 IT director, or a head administrator, here’s a statistic that might keep you up at night: In 2024, the education sector became the most targeted industry for cyberattacks, facing an average of 3,086 attacks per organization weekly—a 37% increase from 2023 (Checkpoint, 2024).
To prepare for this, many states passed stringent regulations in the last year for districts and the software companies they partner with (TX SCOPE Act HB 18, Ohio SB 29), which will only increase as the focus shifts from federal to state regulation of education in 2025. And yet — while mandates are a necessity — at the end of the day, the weight of the vulnerability of student data and the burden of execution of security ultimately fall on schools and districts.
Therefore, as a school or district selecting technology partners, you must determine best practices, evaluate a vendor’s cyber hygiene, and consider their commitment to maintain state-specific standards.
“Student data security isn’t just about compliance—it’s about trust. At Arbiter, we go beyond the baseline to ensure that schools have the most advanced protections in place. From independent audits to real-time monitoring, our approach is built to safeguard sensitive information at every level.”
— DOUG CLAWSON | VP INFORMATION SECURITY, ARBITER
Student Data Security: A Non-Negotiable
Navigating security risks and compliance requirements can feel overwhelming. That’s why Arbiter’s comprehensive security strategies are designed to help your school confidently embrace digital operations while safeguarding sensitive data.
Below is an overview of the proactive security measures Arbiter employs, supporting compliance with both state and federal regulations to ensure transparency, security, and safety.
1. Independent Verification of Security Standards
Annual SOC 2 Type II Audits: We conduct comprehensive SOC 2 Type II audits annually, ensuring our customers receive continuous assurance that we uphold the highest standards for security and availability. These audits reflect our dedication to strong internal controls and the consistent protection of customer data.
2. Regulatory Compliance Built-In
- HIPPA Compliance: We adhere to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards for safeguarding student information, as well as state-specific regulations.
- FERPA Compliance: We are fully compliant with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 and its implementing regulations. Individual student data is managed with strict adherence to FERPA’s confidentiality and access requirements. Arbiter is committed to following all state and federal laws to ensure the security of student data.
3. Advanced Technical Protections
- Multi-Factor Authentication(MFA): We utilize Multi-Factor Authentication to provide an additional layer of security, ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive information. This robust protection reduces risks related to unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
- Enhanced Monitoring and Detection: Our advanced monitoring systems and state-of-the-art security tools continuously track, detect, and neutralize potential threats. By proactively addressing risks, we ensure consistent protection of your school’s sensitive information.
- Data Encryption: Sensitive student data is encrypted both in transit and at rest, protecting it from unauthorized access and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Secure Access Control: Our platform enforces role-based access control (RBAC), ensuring users only have access to the data and features necessary for their role, minimizing exposure and maintaining data integrity.
You don’t have to look far to see the growing threat of cyberattacks and the risks they pose to student data. Arbiter is built on a foundation of trust and security, ensuring that your school remains protected every step of the way. Partner with us to safeguard what matters most—your students and their futures.
Let’s secure your school’s future today.
References
Check Point Team. (2024) Check Point Research Warns Every Day is School Day for Cyber Criminals with Education Sector as the Top Target in 2024. Link.
Ohio SB 29
https://search-prod.lis.state.oh.us/api/v2/general_assembly_135/legislation/sb29/05_EN/pdf/
Texas SCOPE Act HB 18
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/billtext/pdf/HB00018H.pdf
