Moving forward, higher ed IT teams will need to pay more attention to data authenticity. Tips for verification include the following:
- Embrace risk-based data validation
- Prioritize verifying system inputs
- Be extra careful when selecting systems and service providers
- Archive data frequently
- Stop overlooking data integration
As always, enhancing endpoint security and multifactor authentication is vital. Research data is a primary target for cyberattacks, and that isn’t likely to change anytime soon. When it comes to research security, don’t forget to consider end-user receptiveness. More training is often required since academic researchers may not be accustomed to the latest security practices.
The Future of Student Data Privacy and Governance
Students have increasingly higher expectations when it comes to how colleges and universities use their data. To meet these demands, higher education institutions will need more robust data governance plans and clearer privacy protections.
To achieve this, universities and colleges need adequate privacy management tools. Without a good privacy management solution, it is difficult for institutions to conduct institutional audits of their current compliance with privacy regulations. Universities and colleges should be regularly reviewing contracts with vendors to verify they are in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and HIPAA regulations.
MORE ON EDTECH: Protect data privacy in a remote learning landscape.
In its report, EDUCAUSE recommends that institutions invest in more advanced privacy management tools — for example, dashboards that allow students to easily view and update their data settings.
The University of Michigan’s ViziBLUE program is a good example of how a university can bring its data transparency policy to a higher level that students now expect. The program not only explains to students how their data is used but also advises students on how to change their data settings if they are uncomfortable.
Another notable example is The Ohio State University’s privacy team, which establishes a strong foundation for trust and communication by hosting privacy workshops for first-year students.
If an institution really wants to go above and beyond, complying with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation standards — before U.S. laws require schools to do so — can signal to prospective students that your institution is managing data responsibly and proactively.