Tech & Learning - July 2008 - (Page 16)

news trends KEEPING COSTLY LAPTOPS SECURE From 2005 to 2006, there was an 81% increase in the number of companies reporting stolen laptops containing sensitive information (2006 Annual Study: The Cost of Data Breach. Ponemon Institute, LLC, 2007). How can you keep your laptops safe and costs down? Here are 10 tips. 1. UNDERSTAND THE RISKS. As schools open up their networks to their mobile users, they expose themselves to greater security risks. 2. BE PROACTIVE. If you can’t identify the weaknesses in your network’s security, someone else will. Educate yourself on the tools and techniques used today by cyber criminals as well as other security risks. Data security is a moving target that requires ongoing attention. 3. USE CABLE LOCKS ON LAPTOPS AS VISUAL DETERRENTS. However, since most cable locks can be ripped off the plastic exterior of a laptop with a strong tug, they can’t be the only theft deterrent. 4. AVOID LEAVING UNSECURED NOTEBOOKS UNATTENDED. Lock them in cupboards, notebook carts, or other secure facilities when not in use. 5. KEEP LAPTOPS INCONSPICUOUS. Laptops should be carried in inconspicuous carrying cases, such as backpacks or tote bags, instead of telltale laptop bags. 6. INSTALL ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE AND FIREWALLS. Prevent unauthorized access and protect valuable information with data encryption software. Keep all software products updated to the latest versions or patches to help minimize security holes. 7. BACK-UP VALUABLE DATA ON A SCHEDULED BASIS. Data back-up should be frequent to minimize the risk to the school in the event of loss. 8. CREATE A CONTINGENCY PLAN. Identify possible damage should a breach in security occur. Contingency plans for security should be integrated with the school’s overall disaster recovery plans. 9. USE ASSET TRACKING AND RECOVERY SOFTWARE. Install an asset tracking and recovery tool to track and recover computers that are lost or stolen, and monitor any changes or disappearances in computer memory, hard drives, or peripherals. 10. INVEST IN ADVANCED DATA PROTECTION. Network administrators should be able to track fixed, remote, and mobile computer assets and remotely wipe sensitive information in the event that a computer is lost, stolen, or nearing the end of its lifecycle. [Source: Absolute Software, www.absolute.com, makers of Computrace.] Virtual Schools Save Real Dollars The Lund Combined School is a small rural K-12 school with only 110 students. Lund has just four full-time teachers, who teach about 30 courses combined. This meant the students were limited in what courses they could take, and the teachers were maxed out. To help supplement this program, the superintendent secured funds from a Nevada competitive education grant to bring in The American Academy (TAA), an online courseware company. The students can now pick from 230+ accredited courses—and Lund doesn’t have to take on extra salaries. This is a significant savings for the school. The salary and benefits for the area total roughly $50,000 per year, per teacher. The school would need several more teachers to offer courses similar to TAA, totaling about $150,000. Comparatively, the TAA program only cost them about $2000 for the 2007-2008 school year. 16 | TECH & LEARNING http://www.absolute.com

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Tech & Learning - July 2008 Contents Editor's Desk News & Trends In the Money How They Got So Rich The Better Ways to Win a Grant What's the Big Idea? Cover Your Assets Leader of the Year

Tech & Learning - July 2008

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