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Educational institutions have large amounts of critical data at risk like any other organization. Hence, Wi-Fi security and the right solutions are vital for such organizations. This article will examine the importance of Wi-Fi security solutions for educational institutions and explore effective strategies to safeguard their critical data from today’s cyber threats.

Wi-Fi networks have become an integral component of the day-to-day operations of educational institutions, highlighting the critical need for robust security measures to mitigate potential cyber threats. This extensive reliance on technology brings a new set of challenges for IT administrators, as the security of these networks is constantly at risk. Hence, educational institutions must choose the most robust Wi-Fi security solutions to protect their critical information assets.

This article discusses the key considerations when choosing the best Wi-Fi security solutions for educational institutions and the importance of staying ahead regarding security threats.

Critical Information Assets That are at Risk in Higher Education

Educational institutions have a wide range of critical information assets at risk of being compromised in today’s world, which is increasingly digitized. These assets may include student and faculty records, intellectual property, financial data, and other confidential and sensitive information. 

The risks associated with such assets can range from data breaches and identity theft to ransomware and malware attacks. Therefore, educational institutions must proactively protect their critical information assets. That includes implementing robust security measures such as data encryption, secured Wi-Fi connection, firewall protection, and regular security audits.

Wi-Fi Security: Significance for Schools, Colleges, and Universities 

The importance of Wi-Fi security in educational settings should not be underestimated. Wi-Fi has become an essential part of the digital learning environment, and its security is vitally important for the safety of educational institutions like schools, colleges, and universities. These institutions must have strong Wi-Fi security measures to prevent malicious attacks on their networks that could potentially lead to a data breach. 

That is particularly true for universities, which often store sensitive research data on their networks. By implementing robust Wi-Fi security measures, such as authentication, encryption, password policies, and other security policies and procedures, universities can protect their research data and ensure their networks remain safe from malicious activity.

Choosing the Most Effective Wi-Fi Security Solutions: Key Considerations

You will come across many options when selecting the most effective Wi-Fi security solutions. Understanding the following key considerations in the selection process is critical to ensure the most efficient and secure outcome.

Choosing an AI-Driven Solution

One of the more recent options available for Wi-Fi security is using an AI-driven solution. Such a solution can provide many benefits, including improved network performance and enhanced security. AI-driven solutions are specifically designed to detect and prevent malicious activity on a Wi-Fi network. Using machine learning algorithms, these solutions can quickly detect and block malicious activity and provide real-time reporting and alerting of potential threats. 

AI-driven security solutions can integrate automated and intelligent threat detection, analysis, and response capabilities into the security infrastructure. That provides a higher level of protection for Wi-Fi networks by allowing faster and more accurate detection of malicious activity and the ability to respond to potential threats in real time. Furthermore, AI-driven security solutions can continuously learn and adapt to changing network environments, allowing organizations to stay ahead of the latest threats.

Wireless Network Security Protocol

When it comes to wireless network security, choosing an effective and reliable solution is paramount. Different security solutions offer various levels of protection and come with multiple features and capabilities.

The three main types of Wi-Fi security protocols include Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), and Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2). Each option offers different levels of protection and has advantages and disadvantages.

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)

Wired Equivalent Privacy, commonly known as WEP, is a security protocol used on a Wi-Fi network to provide an encrypted connection between a wireless access point and a client. WEP was first introduced in 1999 but has since been replaced by more secure protocols, such as WPA and WPA2. However, WEP is still commonly used in older Wi-Fi networks or networks with a limited budget.

The encryption protocol used by WEP is based on the RC4 stream cipher. As a result, it is vulnerable to several attacks, such as replay attacks, weak IVs (initialization vectors), and key cracking. These vulnerabilities are amplified when the WEP key is short or weak.

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)

Wi-Fi Protected Access, often called WPA, is a security protocol to protect wireless networks from unauthorized access. WPA advances the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) protocol, the original security standard for wireless networks. WPA was created to address the vulnerabilities of WEP and provide a more secure and robust protocol for wireless communications.

WPA uses encryption and authentication to protect communications over a wireless network. The encryption is implemented through TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol), designed to dynamically generate a new encryption key for each data packet transmitted.

Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2)

WPA2 is an IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11i protocol released in 2004 as an advanced security protocol for wireless networks, replacing the older one. WPA2 provides more security than WPA by employing the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to encrypt data and authentication.

WPA2 also increases the strength of a wireless network by using a longer and more complex key that requires authentication from both the wireless access point and the client.

Selection of a Trusted Solution Provider

Another critical consideration when looking for the most effective Wi-Fi security solutions is to choose a trusted solution provider. It is of paramount importance as the security of the Wi-Fi network will depend on the quality of the solutions provided.

It is vital to ensure that the solutions being used comply with applicable security regulations while providing the necessary levels of protection. Additionally, they should be designed to minimize the risk of malicious attacks and protect data and confidential information. The provider should also have a comprehensive support system to assist in the event of an issue or problem.

Migrating from WPA2 to WPA3, and Why Does it Matter?

WPA3 offers a more secure and reliable Wi-Fi network than the older WPA2 protocol. WPA2 and WPA3 are two widely used security protocols in Wi-Fi network systems. Migrating from WPA2 to WPA3 is increasingly becoming necessary for many organizations.

WPA2 was first introduced in 2004 and is still used by many organizations despite its known vulnerabilities. WPA3, on the other hand, was designed to address these vulnerabilities, as it is based on a more advanced security protocol called Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE). This protocol uses more robust encryption algorithms and provides more secure authentication methods than WPA2. WPA3 includes an “Individualized Data Encryption” feature, which provides a unique encryption key for each user, making it even more secure.

Best Practices for Wi-Fi Security in Educational Institutions

The following are the best practices all educational institutions must adopt to ensure the security of their Wi-Fi network and critical data assets.

• Implement strong password policies and best practices for secure Wi-Fi network usage.
• Use advanced encryption protocols like WPA2 or WPA3 to secure the institution’s Wi-Fi network.
• Utilize firewalls and WAF (Web Access Firewall) to protect an institution’s on-premise and cloud infrastructure and create a secure barrier for adversaries.
• Regularly patch and update existing networks, devices, and operating systems.
• Use anti-phishing, antivirus, and antimalware software solutions that leverage AI (Artificial Intelligence).
• Limit access to certain services and sites by leveraging whitelisting and blacklisting to control the ingress and egress traffic.
• Implement a guest and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) remote access policies, start implementing a zero-trust approach, and limit access to the network from non-school devices.

As educational institutions become increasingly connected and digitalized, they must ensure they have the most secure Wi-Fi and network through efficient security solutions. By selecting the correct security protocols, restrictions, and authentication mechanisms, educational institutions can ensure that critical information and students’ data remain fully protected. Also, risk assessments are vital to ensuring that all possible vulnerabilities are identified and rectified, allowing for a securely connected environment.

About Columbia Advisory Group:
Columbia Advisory Group (CAG) is a leading Information Technology (IT) consulting firm. CAG’s team has assessed and helped improve the performance of more than 300 technology organizations and IT departments, including many higher education institutions, state agencies, and Fortune 50 customers. Practice specialty areas include Infrastructure, IT Service Management, Cybersecurity, and A/V Services. CAG improves business outcomes with IT insights and expert technical support. Based in Dallas, Texas, CAG works extensively with clients throughout the U.S. Contact us at info@columbiaadvisory.com.

References

1. Efforts Solutions. Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven Smart Wi-Fi. Retrieved February 16, 2023, from Efforts Solutions IT website: https://effortz.com/ai-driven-smart-wifi/
2. Irei, A. & Scarpati, J. (2022, December). Wireless security: WEP, WPA, WPA2 and WPA3 differences. Retrieved February 16, 2023, from Networking website: https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/feature/Wireless-encryption-basics-Understanding-WEP-WPA-and-WPA2
3. Kerravala, Z. (2019, March 6). Why Wi-Fi needs artificial intelligence. Retrieved February 16, 2023, from Network World website: https://www.networkworld.com/article/3355237/why-wi-fi-needs-artificial-intelligence.html
4. Leininger, L. (2022, August 1). 2022 Public Wi-Fi Statistics: How do we use it and is it safe? Retrieved February 16, 2023, from Highspeedinternet.com website: https://www.highspeedinternet.com/resources/public-wi-fi-statistics
5. Metzler, S. WPA3: The ultimate guide. Retrieved February 16, 2023, from SecureW2 website: https://www.securew2.com/blog/wpa3-the-ultimate-guide
6. Security Uncorked. Wi-Fi security: WPA2 vs. WPA3 – security uncorked. (n.d.). Retrieved February 16, 2023, from Securityuncorked.com website: https://securityuncorked.com/2022/08/wifi-security-wpa2-vs-wpa3/
7. Mordor Intelligence. Wireless Network Security Market. (n.d.). Retrieved February 16, 2023, from Mordorintelligence.com website: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/wireless-network-security-market
8. The Best Practices for School Network Security in 2020. Smile Business Products. https://www.smilebpi.com/the-best-practices-for-school-network-security-in-2020/
9. Hommel, W., Metzger, S., & Steinke, M. (n.d.). Information Security Risk Management in Higher Education Institutions: From Processes to Operationalization. Retrieved February 17, 2023, from Eunis.org website: https://www.eunis.org/download/2015/papers/EUNIS2015_submission_48.pdf

Higher education Registrar Offices play a crucial role in maintaining and updating student records, which include academic, personal, and financial information. With the advancement of technology, most colleges and universities use Ellucian Banner and Degree Works software to manage and store these records. However, managing these systems can be challenging, especially with the increasing complexity of the software. This is where the benefits of having access to a consultant who performs both functional and technical work on Ellucian Banner and Degree Works come into play.

Increased Efficiency

A consultant who is knowledgeable in both the functional and technical aspects of Ellucian Banner and Degree Works can provide Registrar Offices with the support they need to increase their efficiency. They can help streamline processes, automate tasks, and provide guidance on best practices, saving time and reducing errors.

Improved Data Management and Governance

Registrar Offices have access to a vast amount of sensitive and confidential student data. A consultant can assist with data management ensuring that data is stored and processed securely and accurately. They can also assist with data migration and integration, making it easier for Registrar Offices to transfer data from one system to another.   This can expand to include the larger process of data governance to help ensure the quality and reliability of the data.

Enhanced User Experience

Ellucian Banner and Degree Works are complex systems; navigating them can be challenging. A consultant can help Registrar Offices to understand the software better, providing training and support to ensure that users can perform their tasks effectively and efficiently.

Improved Integration

Ellucian Banner and Degree Works integrate with other systems, such as enrollment and financial aid systems. A consultant who is knowledgeable in both functional and technical aspects of the software can assist Registrar Offices with the integration of these systems, ensuring that data is exchanged and processed correctly.

Cost Savings

Hiring a consultant who performs both functional and technical work can save Registrar Offices money in the long run. They can assist with troubleshooting and resolving technical issues, reducing downtime and the need for additional support. They can also provide training and support to ensure that users are able to perform their tasks effectively, reducing the need for external support.

In conclusion, Higher Education Registrar Offices that have access to a consultant who performs both functional and technical work on Ellucian Banner and Degree Works can benefit from increased efficiency, improved data management, enhanced user experience, improved integration, and cost savings. These benefits make it easier for Registrar Offices to manage student records and provide a better experience for students, staff, and faculty.

About Columbia Advisory Group:
Columbia Advisory Group (CAG) is a leading Information Technology (IT) consulting firm. CAG’s team has assessed and helped improve the performance of more than 300 technology organizations and IT departments, including many higher education institutions, state agencies, and Fortune 50 customers. Practice specialty areas include Infrastructure, IT Service Management, Cybersecurity, and A/V Services. CAG improves business outcomes with IT insights and expert technical support. Based in Dallas, Texas, CAG works extensively with clients throughout the U.S. Contact us at info@columbiaadvisory.com.

A common challenge in higher education often centers around managing technology lifecycles, which can be crucial. Technology is constantly evolving and improving, and hardware can quickly become outdated. At times, even before it has been installed and put into service. In addition, every capital equipment purchase incurs expense costs regarding support agreements, labor for supporting assets, configuring assets, patches, etc.

Technology departments continually work towards addressing the challenges which include, but are not limited to:

• • Planning changes, upgrades, and budgeting, including depreciation of assets.
  • Management and justification of unplanned cost per incident (i.e., fix on failure) due to asset failure and replacement.
  • Mitigating risk related to security, reliability, performance, usability, obsolescence/maintainability, etc.
  • Addressing audit findings for at-risk assets no longer supported by the vendor.
  • Elevating resource skill sets, knowledge and maintaining technical relevance.

Refreshing technology is of vital importance. The inhibitors to these challenges are often external: IT models driven by departmental projects and CAPEX budgets inherent in a cost center model.

One example of refreshing hardware’s importance is seen in the aviation industry, as outlined in a recent Wall Street Journal article. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a “Notice to Airmen” (NOTAM) warning pilots and airlines about the potential risks of using older navigation hardware. The NOTAM stated that some older navigation hardware might not properly process satellite signals transmitted by the next generation of GPS satellites. This highlights the importance of regularly upgrading and refreshing hardware to stay current with the latest technology and ensure systems function properly.

The higher education market greatly benefits from a managed approach to upgrading and refreshing hardware. With the growing emphasis on technology in classrooms, universities and colleges must ensure that their hardware is up to date to provide students with the best possible learning experience. This includes upgrading and refreshing equipment such as computer labs, classrooms, and lecture halls. Obsolete computer equipment will no longer be able to support the current Operating Systems (OS), thus no longer be supported for security patching. They may also not support modern software. Upgrading hardware also allows institutions to adopt new and innovative teaching methods, such as online and blended learning, which are becoming increasingly popular.

Higher Education can mitigate some of these costs by leveraging cloud technologies for servers. Using capital server purchases requires purchasing hardware to meet peak demand, thus, over-purchasing capacity is needed for only 20% of the year. Cloud technologies can provide right-sized servers with in-place server “upgrades” or “downgrades” dynamically. This provides better cost management. It also offers the advantage of reducing the number of servers where a single, more powerful computer can be used to consolidate multiple smaller servers, thus lowering overall cost and support effort.

Yet some hardware assets live on the campus, such as external and in-building network infrastructure and classroom technologies. Failure to keep up with network technologies can translate into poor performance with newer laptops/phones/tablets, etc. In addition, known security vulnerabilities in obsolete equipment pose a significant risk. Cybersecurity audit findings for obsolete network equipment can cost millions of dollars to retrofit.

In conclusion, upgrading and refreshing hardware is essential to maintaining any system’s reliability and efficiency. This is particularly true in industries that rely heavily on technology, such as aviation, commercial, and higher education markets. Staying current with the latest hardware allows businesses and organizations to improve efficiency, stay competitive and provide the best possible service to customers and students.   Staying current with technology is a strategic and financial decision.  Can businesses afford to wait to invest in technology only after failure?

Leaders need to pay attention to the technology mix within their organization.  As technology stacks reach their peak simultaneously, the organization’s resources will be consumed by operational plays while contributing little to strategic development.   Consequently, leaders face the challenge of escaping the trap of rigidly staying too long with a set of successful technology ventures.  New technology platforms are always needed, and the skills to transform from old to new are demanded.

About Columbia Advisory Group:
Columbia Advisory Group (CAG) is a leading Information Technology (IT) consulting firm. CAG’s team has assessed and helped improve the performance of more than 300 technology organizations and IT departments, including many higher education institutions, state agencies, and Fortune 50 customers. Practice specialty areas include Infrastructure, IT Service Management, Cybersecurity, and A/V Services. CAG improves business outcomes with IT insights and expert technical support. Based in Dallas, Texas, CAG works extensively with clients throughout the U.S. Contact us at info@columbiaadvisory.com.

Software selection is a crucial process for organizations looking to enhance their productivity and efficiency. The right software can streamline processes, automate manual tasks, and provide valuable insights into business operations. However, making the wrong selection can lead to frustration, wasted resources, and a negative impact on productivity. At CAG, we do many software selection projects for clients as a standalone or part of more extensive managed service agreements. In this blog post, I will discuss some of the dos and don’ts of software selection we have learned over the years.

Do’s of Software Selection

Buy In:
Ensure you have the right stakeholders involved and committed to the process. Educate them on why the process is necessary, how long it will take, and what their time commitment will need to be.

Define your requirements:
Before searching for the right software, you must define your requirements. This includes identifying the specific business problems you want to solve and the features and capabilities required to address them.

Consider your budget:
Software selection involves making a significant investment, so it’s essential to consider your budget. Determine how much you’re willing to spend and look for software that offers the needed features within your budget constraints.

Consider alternatives:
Upgrading or adding capabilities to existing systems, better user training, and/or enhanced support. Sometimes the best solution is already there and needs to be better utilized.

Research potential vendors:
Do your research on potential vendors. Look for a vendor with a proven record, a compelling reputation, and a history of providing high-quality software solutions.

Evaluate vendor support:
Consider the level of support you’ll receive from the vendor. Look for a vendor that offers excellent customer support, including training, technical support, and maintenance.

Don’ts of Software Selection

Don’t rush the process:
Software selection is a complex process that requires careful consideration and research. Don’t rush the process, or you may make a hasty decision that you’ll regret later.

Don’t forget about scalability:
When selecting software, it’s important to consider the future. Don’t forget to look for software that is scalable, so you can continue to use it as your business grows.

Don’t forget about the soft costs:
Large-scale organizational change can cause a lot of uncertainty with users, negatively impacting productivity and your vendors and customers.

Don’t overlook security:
Security is a critical concern in today’s digital world, and some organizations also have regulatory requirements for security. Don’t overlook this factor when selecting software, as a security breach can seriously affect your organization.

Don’t rely solely on vendor presentations:
Vendor presentations can be misleading, and it’s important to do your research.

Expect the unexpected:
Users will find potential solutions that haven’t been considered until the middle of the process, and vendors who have capabilities that weren’t surfaced in the research will pop up.  Maintain your process, but make sure you have a way of managing added information that comes up during the process.

In conclusion, the software selection process is critical to the success of any organization. By following the do’s and don’ts of software selection, according to Gartner, organizations can make informed decisions that will lead to enhanced productivity, efficiency, and profitability. The key is to take the time to involve stakeholders in the process, define your requirements, research potential vendors and options, and carefully evaluate and plan for the impact the solution will have on the organization. With careful consideration and diligence, organizations can find the right software to meet their needs and achieve their goals.

About Columbia Advisory Group:
Columbia Advisory Group (CAG) is a leading Information Technology (IT) consulting firm. CAG’s team has assessed and helped improve the performance of more than 300 technology organizations and IT departments, including many higher education institutions, state agencies, and Fortune 50 customers. Practice specialty areas include Infrastructure, IT Service Management, Cybersecurity, and A/V Services. CAG improves business outcomes with IT insights and expert technical support. Based in Dallas, Texas, CAG works extensively with clients throughout the U.S. Contact us at info@columbiaadvisory.com.

Salesforce Education Cloud is a cloud-based platform designed specifically for the education industry. It provides tools and resources that can help educators, administrators, and students manage, track, and analyze academic data, as well as communicate and collaborate more effectively. Some specific use cases for Salesforce Education Cloud include:

1. Student and academic data management: Education Cloud can be used to store and manage student records, including demographics, grades, transcripts, and other relevant information. This can help educators and administrators keep track of student progress and identify areas for improvement.
2. Course and program management: Education Cloud can be used to create and manage courses and programs, including schedules, curricula, and assessments. This can help educators and administrators track student progress and ensure that students are meeting academic goals.
3. Collaboration and communication: Education Cloud provides platform for collaboration and communication, such as group chat and file sharing, which can be used by educators, students, and administrators to work together more effectively.
4. Analytics and reporting: Education Cloud includes a range of analytics and reporting tools that can be used to track student progress and identify areas for improvement. This can help educators and administrators make data-driven decisions about how to best support student success. 

There are several reasons why higher education institutions should consider implementing Salesforce Education Cloud:

1. Improved student engagement: Salesforce Education Cloud provides tools and resources to help higher education institutions better engage with their students. By using the platform, institutions can track student interactions, provide personalized support, and keep students informed about important updates and events. This can help to improve student satisfaction and retention rates.
2. Increased efficiency: Salesforce Education Cloud can help higher education institutions streamline their operations and increase efficiency. By using the platform, institutions can automate many administrative tasks, such as scheduling, course registration, and student record-keeping. This can free up time and resources that can be better utilized in other areas of the business.
3. Enhanced collaboration: Salesforce Education Cloud also provides tools and resources to help higher education institutions improve collaboration and communication between faculty, staff, and students. By using the platform, institutions can easily share documents, collaborate on projects, and communicate with students in real-time.
4. Better data management: Salesforce Education Cloud can also help higher education institutions improve their data management processes. By using the platform, institutions can easily store and access student data, such as transcripts, enrollment records, and course schedules. This can help to improve decision-making and better track student progress.
5. Configuration: Salesforce Education Cloud is highly configurable, which means that higher education institutions can tailor the platform to meet their specific needs. Institutions can choose which features and modules to use and can integrate the platform with other systems and tools.

In conclusion, Salesforce Education Cloud can provide numerous benefits to higher education institutions, including improved student engagement, increased efficiency, enhanced collaboration, better data management, and customization. By implementing Salesforce Education Cloud, higher education institutions can streamline their operations and better serve their students.

About Columbia Advisory Group:
Columbia Advisory Group (CAG) is a leading Information Technology (IT) consulting firm. CAG’s team has assessed and helped improve the performance of more than 300 technology organizations and IT departments, including many higher education institutions, state agencies, and Fortune 50 customers. Practice specialty areas include Infrastructure, IT Service Management, Cybersecurity, and A/V Services. CAG improves business outcomes with IT insights and expert technical support. Based in Dallas, Texas, CAG works extensively with clients throughout the U.S. Contact us at info@columbiaadvisory.com.