Page 12 - THE Journal, March/April 2018

NETWORKS FOR EDUCATION
under the security radar for years, but that is rapidly changing. As districts digitize more student information, vast amounts of data now reside
on K-12 networks. That includes extensive student records, and well as personal and medical information. Cybercriminals have realized that and are focusing on security gaps in education networks.
To combat that and increase their security posture, K-12 network security today must include not just firewalls and other technologies to keep intruders from entering the network, but also internal controls. The processes assume an intruder will penetrate the network at some point, despite the best efforts
of your staff and security technology. The right internal firewalls and access control points can look for unusual behavior, send alerts to IT staff and the chief security officer, track an intruder’s moves, and help prevent illicit changes to the network.
Here’s one example of a new and dangerous ways hackers can gain access to education networks: Hackers can now use any connected accessories such as 3D printers, an HVAC control system, or even an irrigation control system to gain access to a school district network. Working through smart devices that are part of the Internet of Things (IoT) provides another mode of entry into the district networks. To address that, look for network technology that uses IoT fingerprinting. This lets IoT devices such as 3D printers on the network only under certain constraints. If the
device makes a move it isn’t authorized to do—such as acting as a server in any capacity—that raises a flag and
the device is quarantined until IT can examine the issue.
Explore advances in network analytics: Every device that makes a wireless connection to the network
infrastructure into the 21st century
is a challenging task—but one that is crucially important as mobile learning assumes a more and more important role in today’s classrooms. By focusing on the right technological advances in network management and security from the right vendor, school districts can
TEACHING AND TECHNOLOGY EVOLVING TOGETHER
K-12 network security today must include not just firewalls and other technologies to keep intruders from entering the network, but
also internal controls.
in the classroom must use the Wi-
Fi network. Looking for ways to
make those connections smarter and more efficient can pay significant rewards. Once again, this is an area
to look for vendors with products that specifically address education needs. Seek out vendors that can help build smart networks that can grow with a classroom’s needs. The right solution isn’t about simply being able to provide adequate coverage and wireless connectivity now, but the ability to build capacity in the future. A smart network can optimize how access points are used, prioritize traffic, move mobile devices about the network in efficient ways, and otherwise divide up the high load the network will have to bear for 21st-century technologies like virtual reality.
In short, moving classroom network
prepare their classrooms for tomorrow’s networking needs.
Work with an education-focused networking vendor: Because the needs of education are different from those of business, it’s crucial to work with a networking vendor who has a presence in K-12 education. Talk with colleagues at other schools about how they are preparing for the 21st-century classroom. Ask what vendors they are working with, and how the relationship is structured. Look for a technology partner—someone who has been in
the networking space long enough to understand the rapid changes taking place in education. That vendor can work with the IT staff to not only deliver the technologies that students, teachers, and staff need now, but also—and this is critical—to help prepare the network for future needs.
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