Safer Networks, Safer Schools

safe school network

Maintaining a safe network for operational information was a concern for Red Wing Public School District. FRSecure helped them by preforming a multi-phased security assessment to help ensure safety and security.

Red Wing Public School District in Red Wing, Minn., wanted an information security partner to help identify vulnerabilities. Recent news events of major firms being breached prompted a desire for the district to be proactive in protecting its information and network.

The district also considered the number of devices, buildings and education staff as compared to the number of technology staff charged with keeping the network operational and information safe. Kevin Johnson, director of Buildings and Grounds explains, “It is our mission to educate and we want to give our students the best education possible and technology is a vital tool to that end… there have been major breaches of large corporations who have hundreds of technicians dedicated, we have two technicians. If these corporations are having trouble, are we as secure as we think we are?”

Credibility in FRSecure came from TV appearances and radio interviews with founder and CEO Evan Francen after large information security breaches were discussed on major news outlets. However, it was an onsite visit that persuaded the district to select FRSecure. Johnson elaborates, “We had your team come down and talk with our staff. The conversation was technical; network configuration, current security measures, management practices and the like. Through the conversation it was pretty clear your team was a good fit and what we needed.”

FRSecure completed an objective multiphased assessment, which included an examination of the technical (internal and external) and physical security controls. The immediate result of the assessment enabled the district to pinpoint vulnerabilities within their system. Another result of the assessment was that it transitioned the district away from a reactionary information security posture with unknown challenges to a proactive posture with a systematic handling of known vulnerabilities. Johnson adds.

Red Wing Public School District values its relationship with FRSecure. “An information security assessment is not a one-time event but rather a long term engagement that is ongoing and requires a strong partner. FRSecure is that for us,” concludes Johnson.

www.frsecure.com

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • USC Launches Major AI Initiative After $200M Gift

    The University of Southern California in Los Angeles, Calif., recently announced that it has launched a “transformational” new AI initiative thanks to a $200M gift, according to a news release. The project will leverage AI toward breakthroughs and innovations in subjects like the health sciences, business, security, and the arts.

  • Stanford Online Reveals New Immersive Learning Studio

    Stanford Online recently marked its 30th anniversary with the announcement of a new immersive learning studio, according to a university news release. The studio takes advantage of AI-powered and immersive learning technologies to continue delivering personalized and faculty-led education.

  • Higher Ed is Betting on New Buildings While Quietly Undermining Their Campuses — Here’s Why

    In this climate, the owner’s representative has changed from a delivery-focused advisor to a strategic campus partner. Institutions are increasingly relying on owner’s reps not just to manage, cope, schedule, and budget, but also help evaluate whether a project should proceed at all.

  • abstract illustration of school gym

    How the Gymnasium Can Serve as a Model for Learning Space Design

    Multipurpose gyms work because flexibility was built into the brief from the start, not retrofitted later. The same logic applies to academic spaces.