How to Solve Higher Ed Security Issues?
Mining is the new problem for universities this year
EdTech focus on Higher Education on June 15, 2018
Worldwide, students use cryptocurrencies on campus both for daily expenses and tuition fees.
While many of them choose to invest in cryptocurrencies, some opt for mining. However, that’s half the problem, as mining may occur without a student’s knowledge. About 85% of mining attacks happen in Higher education.
Campuses attract cybercriminals with open Internet access and use CPU-intensive applications. This creates a number of issues, from the impact on IP address reputation to drains of electricity and computing power.
As cryptocurrencies continue their expansion, mining is a problem to keep in mind this year./p>
Awareness is the key to security
Education dive on June 18, 2018
The growth in the use of digital tools in educational institutions puts sensitive data under a greater risk of compromise. Among popular malware attacks, ransomware is one of the most challenging. Hackers encrypt data from schools and districts, demanding a ransom for a return of control.
Raising cybersecurity awareness is one of the main strategies of data protection. No doubt, educational institutions are the best place to do it. Higher awareness helps students, faculty, and staff to avoid security traps, such as malicious links and others. Besides, cybersecurity training and a high degree of awareness may become a competitive advantage, which is another reason to keep in mind.
Is GDPR compliance worth the cost?
Corporate Counsel powered by Law.com on June 20, 2018
The General Data Protection Regulation affects different types of institutions that store personal data of both citizens and residents of the EU. Colleges and universities are no exception here, and they face GDPR-related challenges too.
Like many others, educational organizations don’t understand the impact of the GDPR and tend to think the regulation mostly targets U.S. nonprofit colleges and universities.
To ensure compliance, they have to go through a time-consuming and expensive process of centralizing their data. Nonetheless, it has a positive result on the security of data and gives a chance to establish better security policies.
Huawei is allegedly in malicious research partnership with 50 U.S. universities
EdScoop on June 20, 2018
Huawei’s research partnership with 50 universities came under fire as it supposedly may threaten U.S. security, the bipartisan letter says.
Huawei is accused of using academic surveillance to spy and collect intelligence on America. Th Department of Education has been called upon to address China’s attempts to infiltrate U.S. intellectual institutions.
GitHub promotes computer science education
EdScoop on June 20, 2018
GitHub, a web-based hosting service and the world’s leading software development platform, has been free for students and teachers free access to the latest developer tools for classroom use.
Additionally, the company has introduced GitHub Education, which bundles several features and can be used by entire schools. Thus, GitHub aims to support students considering a career in computer science.
Hackers repeatedly target and threaten education institutions. No one is completely safe, but students, staff and faculty members can minimize the risks if they are aware of them.