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

  • sapling sprouting from a cracked stone

    Lessons in Resilience: Disaster Recovery in Our Schools

    Facility managers play a pivotal role in how well a school weathers and recovers from a crisis. Whether it's a hurricane, a flood, a tornado, or a man-made event, preparation determines resilience.

  • Construction Begins on East Austin CTE-Focused High School

    The Del Valle Independent School District recently announced that construction has begun on a new CTE-focused high school in Austin, Texas, according to a news release. Del Valle High School will measure in at 473,338 square feet and have the capacity for 2,400 students.

  • Geometric abstract school illustration

    How Design Shapes Learning and Success

    Can the color of a wall, the curve of a chair, or the hum of fluorescent lights really affect how a student learns? More schools are beginning to think so.

  • Illinois District Boosts Security at High-School Stadium

    Richmond-Burton Community High School in Richmond, Ill., recently announced that it has completed the redesigned entrance to its high school stadium with a new focus on school security and community engagement, according to a news release. The district partnered with Wold Architects and Engineers on the project as part of District #157’s year-long facilities master plan.

Digital Edition