Cloud Monitoring, Data Loss Prevention, and Security Audits for K-12

We recently hosted a live webinar that discussed what you need to know about the FCC Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program. This webinar outlines an overview of the new pilot program, demonstrates how ManagedMethods products align with funding criteria, and concludes with how our products enhance K-12 districts’ Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and online browsing security posture. 

Our excellent product specialists also present two product demos: one of Cloud Monitor, our award-winning Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 cybersecurity and student safety platform, and another of Content Filter, our E-rate CIPA-compliant web filtering software. 

Both Cloud Monitor and Content Filter are eligible for the FCC pilot program in two categories. Here are three ways they meet the Monitoring, Detection, and Response funding criteria. 

1. Cloud Monitoring and Response

The education technology revolution has led schools to rely on cloud-based services such as Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. This increased reliance exposes them to greater cybersecurity and safety risks. Cloud monitoring and response tools empower K-12 districts to protect their digital infrastructure while supporting education. 

Key benefits of cloud monitoring tools is their ability to proactively identify and respond to any flagged security risks, such as malware attacks, account takeovers, data breaches, and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. Tools that flag real-time alerts notify administrators of suspicious activity before it escalates, allowing for remediation. 

Further, implementing an incident response strategy minimizes disruptions, helping districts resolve issues quickly to maintain uninterrupted learning. As more districts adopt digital learning tools, the need for cloud monitoring and response continues to grow. We’re thrilled that the FCC recognizes technologies like Cloud Monitor as eligible tools for its pilot program. 

Cloud Monitor offers schools a cost-effective solution with advanced threat detection and continuous monitoring of your Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. Including a cloud monitoring and response tool in your FCC pilot program application supports your cybersecurity posture and will help safeguard student and staff data in digital learning environments.

2. Data loss prevention

Data loss prevention strategies help organizations safeguard sensitive information and prevent unauthorized access to district data. These strategies are important because if student, staff, and other stakeholders’ personally identifiable information falls into the wrong hands, a data leak or data breach will pose a compliance violation. 

Data breaches can also be extremely costly, with educational institutions often paying far beyond the initial recovery demands. According to IBM, the average data breach cost in the United States in 2024 is $4.88 million. Cyber incidents can have devastating financial impacts for schools operating on tight budgets, emphasizing the importance of data loss prevention methods.

By including Cloud Monitor in your FCC pilot program application, you can strengthen your district’s data loss prevention strategy. This tool provides automated, AI-driven protection, reducing the potential financial and compliance risks associated with data breaches. It safeguards sensitive information and helps ensure that your district stays secure and compliant, making it an essential tool for your multilayered cybersecurity tech stack.

3. Cloud Security Audit

Conducting regular cloud security audits is a proactive approach for school districts to safeguard sensitive data and reduce cyber threats. These periodic inspections support cloud monitoring and response, data loss prevention, and help districts look for security gaps in Google Workspace and/or Microsoft 365 cloud applications. 

Security risks include: 

• “Shadow” 3rd party applications that you don’t know have been granted an OAuth token to your environment 
• Non-compliant sharing of staff or student PII, PCI, IEP, health informations, etc, through pubilc links 
• Copyright-protected file sharing (ex: movies)
• Compromised accounts 
• Phishing in emails and shared files 
• Which accounts are using VPNs
• And much more…

It’s important to mention that Google and/or Microsoft is not responsible for 100% of your data security with native tools, so it’s optimal to run periodic separate audits through a trusted third-party solution, like Cloud Monitior. 

Our customers rave about our cybersecurity and safety audits, and a security audit is a must to include on your district’s FCC pilot program application this fall. You can request your free cybersecurity and safety audit by clicking here. 

Unlock FCC Cybersecurity Pilot Program Funding Today With ManagedMethods

Schools, libraries, and experts that have been facing mountain cybersecurity threats have been begging for help with cybersecurity funding for a long time. While not everyone is going to be selected to participate in the FCC pilot program, we hope that this is a step in the right direction for increased K-12 cybersecurity funding. 

The application window for the Federal Communications Commission’s $200 million, three-year pilot program is open from now through Nov. 1st, 2024.

Still thinking about that cybersecurity and safety audit? You can get started with it by clicking here. 

The post Take Advantage of FCC Funding with ManagedMethods appeared first on ManagedMethods Cybersecurity, Safety & Compliance for K-12.

*** This is a Security Bloggers Network syndicated blog from ManagedMethods Cybersecurity, Safety & Compliance for K-12 authored by Alexa Sander. Read the original post at: https://managedmethods.com/blog/take-advantage-of-fcc-funding-with-managedmethods/