Managed Services Archives

The Benefits of Outsourcing Project Management: A Strategic Approach for Business Success

Posted on June 27, 2023November 11, 2024 by Claude Bird

If you’re reading this, chances are that your organization is already juggling a multitude of tasks, projects, and deliverables. With the increasing complexity of the business landscape, the question becomes: How can companies manage their growing portfolio of projects more effectively? The answer may surprise you, – Outsourcing Project Management. While it might seem counterintuitive to place such a critical part of your operations in the hands of an external entity, there are compelling reasons why this could be a strategic decision for your business. Let’s take a quick look at some of the reasons why Outsourcing Project Management might make sense for your business.

Focus on Core Business Functions

I don’t think I would get much pushback when it comes to the need to allow our internal resources to focus on core business functions. That is to say, if my business is in Marketing, I would want to focus my resources and attention on Marketing activities. Outsourcing Project Management allows companies to devote more time and energy to areas that directly contribute to revenue generation, customer acquisition, and business expansion. While advances in technology certainly aide in business growth, the implementation of technological capabilities would be delivered more effectively by Outsourcing to a company whose business is Project Management.

Specialized Skills and Expertise

In addition to being able to focus on your Core Business, companies also benefit from specialized Skills and Expertise that may not already be on their payroll. Outsourcing project management provides access to a pool of experts who specialize in project planning, execution, and evaluation. These professionals have a deep understanding of project methodologies, risk management, and quality assurance. They bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience that your internal team may not have. This results in more efficient project delivery, cost savings, and ultimately, a better return on your investment.

Cost-Efficiency

Outsourcing can help manage and reduce costs in several ways. It eliminates the need for extensive training or upskilling of in-house staff, thereby saving on training costs and reducing the downtime associated with such training. Also, since the outsourced project managers are not your employees, your company can save on costs associated with benefits, taxes, and overhead expenses.

Risk Management

Outsourced project management teams come with deep experience and tools to anticipate, evaluate, and manage potential project risks. These could range from timeline delays, budget overruns, or scope creep. By actively managing these risks, the outsourced project management team can increase the chances of project success.

Increased Flexibility and Scalability

Flexibility is a significant advantage of outsourcing. It enables your organization to adapt more efficiently to changes in the business environment or project requirements. You can upscale or downscale the project management resources as needed, without the long-term commitments of hiring full-time employees. This flexibility allows companies to remain agile, responding more effectively to market changes and customer demands.

Access to Latest Technology and Best Practices

Outsourcing partners invest in the latest project management tools and stay updated on best industry practices to stay competitive. This means your projects will benefit from the latest advancements and practices in project management without your company having to invest directly in acquiring these tools or training for them. Another cost-saving benefit.

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, the strategic use of resources can be the key differentiator between success and mediocrity. Outsourcing project management may seem like a bold step, but the benefits it brings in terms of cost savings, risk management, scalability, and access to specialized expertise make it a worthy consideration.

Remember, the aim isn’t to lose control over your projects but to gain more efficient management of them. Outsourcing project management is a strategic decision that, when done right, can bolster your operational efficiency and strategic goals. It’s about letting the experts do what they do best, so you can focus on what you do best – running your business.

Claude Bird

Project Management Office Lead

About Columbia Advisory Group

Founded in Dallas in 2012, Columbia Advisory Group LLC (CAG) is an established IT consulting firm renowned for delivering cost-effective, meaningful, and practical IT solutions that solve complex business problems. Our seasoned teams offer comprehensive insight across diverse regulatory and economic environments, providing unbiased, straightforward analysis and recommendations. We pride ourselves on our deep understanding of IT while remaining software and hardware-agnostic. Regardless of your organization’s growth trajectory or economic landscape, we at CAG are adept at adapting to your unique needs and complexity, offering tailored solutions to drive your success.

Contact us at info@columbiaadvisory.com.

Empowering Higher Education Identity and Access Management with Microsoft Azure Active Directory

Posted on June 22, 2023December 6, 2024 by Ernest Bricker

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, safeguarding sensitive systems and user data is paramount for organizations of all sizes. Among the myriad options available, Microsoft Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) stands out as a web-based identity and access management solution. This powerful tool enables universities to efficiently manage user authentication, access control, and security across multiple cloud-based platforms. In this blog, we explore the compelling reasons why higher education institutions should consider implementing Azure AD for a comprehensive identity and access management system.

Strengthening Security with Advanced Features

Azure AD empowers organizations to extend their authentication processes beyond local accounts and into the cloud. By leveraging advanced features such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), two-step verification (2SV), and conditional access policies (CAP), universities can effectively shield users from unauthorized access attempts, both online and in physical locations. These additional layers of security ensure that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive data. Let’s delve into the actions of a potential hacker and how Azure AD can block their efforts:

Preventing Brute-Force Attacks: Hackers often exploit compromised password files from data breaches on the dark web to carry out brute-force attacks on email accounts. Azure AD mitigates this risk by emphasizing the importance of using unique passwords for each account, effectively countering such malicious attempts.
Safeguarding Email Accounts: By enabling MFA for email accounts, universities can prevent hackers from changing email passwords and locking legitimate users out. This extra layer of protection safeguards valuable information.
Fortifying Phone Carrier Security: Hackers often exploit information found within emails to discover the user’s phone carrier and attempt unauthorized access. By implementing carrier services that require phone call approval for account changes, universities can significantly bolster security.
Employing MFA Across Accounts: With Azure AD, universities can implement MFA for each account, ensuring that a stolen phone number or compromised email cannot be exploited access intellectual and financial resources.
Eliminating Account Takeover: By diligently applying MFA protocols, universities can prevent hackers from using texted or emailed codes to bypass passwords, change account credentials, and gain control over vital resources such as banking, social media, e-commerce platforms, and other essential services.

Seamless Integration with Third-Party Applications

Microsoft Azure AD seamlessly integrates with popular third-party applications widely utilized by higher education institutions, such as Google Apps, Office 365, and Salesforce CRM. This integration enables users to log in effortlessly using their existing credentials, eliminating the need to remember separate usernames and passwords for each application. By embracing the single sign-on capabilities offered by Azure AD, universities can streamline their authentication processes and enhance the user experience.

Enhanced Accessibility and Minimal Deployment Effort

As a web-based system hosted offsite within Microsoft’s own data centers, Azure AD ensures superior availability when compared to traditional on-premise solutions. Staff members can securely connect from any location and device, facilitating productivity and enabling remote collaboration. Additionally, most universities already have access to Microsoft tools like Office 365 and SharePoint through educational discounts, making the deployment of Azure AD a seamless process with minimal effort and cost for university IT teams.

Microsoft Azure Active Directory offers higher education institutions an ideal combination of scalability, security, and cost savings for effective identity and access management. By implementing Azure AD, universities can bolster their security posture, seamlessly integrate with existing applications, and enhance accessibility for staff members. With its robust features, Azure AD empowers universities to manage user permissions efficiently, both within and beyond the classroom environment.

About Columbia Advisory Group

Contact us at info@columbiaadvisory.com.

Securing Texas: Columbia Advisory Group’s Impact on Statewide Cybersecurity

Posted on June 13, 2023November 11, 2024 by Brad Hudson

Over the past few years, Columbia Advisory Group (CAG) has been instrumental in helping improve the State of Texas’ cybersecurity posture. CAG has completed over 200+ Texas Cybersecurity Framework (TCF) assessments of State of Texas Agencies and Higher Education Institutions. The TCF is a NIST 800-53/171-based framework assessment for the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR). The TCF offers a uniform language for addressing and managing cybersecurity risk cost-effectively, aiming to bolster cybersecurity without imposing additional regulatory burdens on agencies. The TCF is aligned with the NIST framework, offering five continuous functions that concurrently manage cybersecurity risks: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. These functional areas are encapsulated within 42 total security control objectives, guiding organizations in identifying, assessing, and managing their unique cybersecurity risks.

CAG’s proficiency in handling these functions has been a cornerstone in successfully implementing the TCF. By comprehensively navigating through these security control objectives, CAG has enabled valuable insights into each agency’s cybersecurity posture, leading to the identification and resolution of potential vulnerabilities.

The TCF also incorporates a maturity model that helps organizations better understand, manage, and reduce cybersecurity risks. The concept of “maturity” in this context refers to the degree of implementation and optimization of processes, ranging from ad hoc practices to actively optimized processes. CAG’s adeptness in determining the maturity level of each security control objective has significantly aided the agencies in progressing towards higher maturity levels, thereby enhancing their cybersecurity readiness.

CAG’s extensive involvement in the execution of TCF assessments illustrates a deep understanding of the framework and a capacity to apply it effectively across a diverse range of agencies, including the TxDOT, Texas Tech University, Health and Human Services, PUC, Texas Parks, and Wildlife and the Secretary of State among others. CAG delivers up to 40 TCFs annually via an MSA with a Texas-based multinational service provider on the DIR contract.

CAG’s expertise and commitment to bolstering Texas’s cybersecurity landscape provide a compelling case study of a successful public-private partnership. CAG’s approach to the TCF has dramatically improved the digital resilience of the Texas public sector, demonstrating the potential for such collaborations to manage large-scale cybersecurity challenges successfully.

The story of CAG’s work with the Texas DIR illustrates how a public-private partnership, when underpinned by a deep understanding of an effective cybersecurity framework, can significantly enhance the security posture of public sector entities. The benefits of this approach extend far beyond cybersecurity readiness, fostering a more informed workforce that remains the first line of defense against cyber threats.

Brad Hudson

Cybersecurity Practice Leader

About Columbia Advisory Group

Contact us at info@columbiaadvisory.com.

Five Common IT Project Management Mistakes

Posted on June 1, 2023November 11, 2024 by Claude Bird

IT project management is complex, and mistakes are common. However, certain mistakes can have significant consequences, such as project delays, cost overruns, and even project failure. Over the next few blogs, I will discuss five common IT project management mistakes and provide a few insights that can help avoid some of the pitfalls. These discussions will include the following:
1. Poor Project Scope Definition
2. Inadequate Risk Management
3. Ineffective Communication
4. Deficient Resource Planning
5. Lack of Project Governance
This blog will focus on Poor Project Scope Define

Poor Project Scope Definition

Poor scope definition is one of the most common IT project management mistakes. Scope refers to the objectives, deliverables, and tasks that define the boundaries of a project. In other words, scope describes what, why, when, and budget of the project. Just imagine being told by your supervisor “go build a RED widget, and I need it tomorrow” … Where would you start?… You get the point? Failure to clearly define the scope of an IT project leads to unexpected outcomes, missed deadlines, cost overruns and maybe moreover a negative hit to your brand due to customer dissatisfaction. A clear scope definition ensures that the project objects are clearly understood by both the requester and the project team. It helps to create shared expectations between the parties and sets the boundaries of the project and prevents “scope creep”.

Scope Creep (also known as “requirement creep” or “feature creep”) happens when the key stakeholders continually change the requirements of the project over the project lifecycle. Please note that scope creep can also happen due to misunderstanding and miscommunication within the project team. That said, Scope Creep is not always a bad thing. Customer needs evolve over time and delivering a project that answers their needs often means altering the scope. Scope creep is, therefore, a reality that every good project manager expects and plans for and should be ready to control (Agile).

Now that we understand a bit better the downside of a poorly defined project definition, let’s look at some ways we can minimize the negative effects:

Involve stakeholders early in the project planning process. The sooner the better, having a understanding the “why” of the project will facilitate better understanding and make it easier to build consensus.
Clearly define the project objectives upfront and Write Down your deliverables. The project objectives should be written and serve as the contract between the stakeholders.
Define a change management process and enforce it. Let’s face it, no matter how well a project is defined, change will happen. A good It project manage will have an agreed upon change management process. As stated above, not all changes in a project’s lifecycle are bad.

Well defined project definition will help to reduce the overall project cost, it will facilitate on-time delivery, it will ensure quality, and paramount to it all ensure a satisfied customer. There are many books and whitepapers written on the importance of a good project scope definition. Below are a few resources should you want to do a bit more research on the topic:

Forbes Advisor – Scope Creep: Definition, Examples & How To Prevent It

Wrike – How to combat the 4 Main Sources of Scope Creep

Project Scope Management: A Practical Guide to Requirements for Engineering, Product, Construction, IT and Enterprise Projects (Best Practices in Portfolio, Program, and Project Management) (ISBN-10 1482259486)

Inadequate Risk Management

IT projects are inherently risky. Failure to adequately manage these risks can lead to delays, cost overruns, and even project failure. According to Kaplan and Fried, “risk is a part of everything. The key is to acknowledge it and face it head-on” (Kaplan and Fried, 2010).

To avoid inadequate risk management, IT project managers should identify potential risks early in the project planning process. This can be done through techniques such as brainstorming and risk mapping. Once risks have been identified, IT project managers should prioritize them based on their likelihood and impact on the project. Mitigation strategies should then be developed and implemented to reduce the likelihood and impact of these risks.

Poor Communication

Effective communication is critical to the success of any IT project. Failure to communicate effectively can lead to misunderstandings, missed deadlines, and project failure. According to Kaplan and Fried, “communication is key, but over-communication is even better” (Kaplan and Fried, 2010).

To avoid poor communication, IT project managers should establish clear lines of communication with stakeholders early in the project planning process. Regular project status updates should be provided to stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. Additionally, IT project managers should establish a communication plan that outlines the frequency and method of communication.

Inadequate Resource Planning

IT projects require a significant number of resources, including time, money, and personnel. Failure to adequately plan for these resources can lead to delays, cost overruns, and project failure. According to Kaplan and Fried, “resources are finite. Make sure you know what you need before you start” (Kaplan and Fried, 2010).

To avoid inadequate resource planning, IT project managers should conduct a thorough analysis of the resources required for the project. This can be done through techniques such as resource leveling and resource allocation. Additionally, IT project managers should develop a resource plan that outlines the required resources and their availability throughout the project lifecycle.

Poor Project Governance

Poor project governance is another common IT project management mistake. Governance refers to the framework of policies, procedures, and guidelines that ensure that a project is executed effectively and efficiently. Failure to establish proper project governance can lead to project failure.

According to Kaplan and Fried, “governance is a system of checks and balances” (Kaplan and Fried, 2010). In other words, proper project governance ensures that the project team is accountable for their actions and that the project is aligned with the needs of the business or stakeholders.

IT project management is a complex process that requires careful planning, execution, and monitoring. Common IT project management mistakes, such as poor communication, lack of planning, inadequate resource management, failure to manage risks, and poor team management, can lead to project failure. Project managers must be aware of these mistakes and take steps to avoid them. By doing so, they can increase the chances of project success and deliver quality IT projects on time, within budget, and with the highest quality.

Claude Bird

Project Management Office Lead

About Columbia Advisory Group

Contact us at info@columbiaadvisory.com.

Redefining Outsourcing: Embracing the Future with Co-Managed Delivery

Posted on May 23, 2023November 11, 2024 by David McLaughlin

Outsourcing is a world where businesses attempt to walk the tightrope between cost savings and efficiency. As companies evolve and markets become more competitive, maintaining this balance becomes an intricate dance, particularly with the increasing complexity of technology infrastructure. This is where co-managed delivery of managed services comes into play – a hybrid solution that merges the benefits of in-house IT management and outsourced services. This blend offers businesses the perfect balance they’re seeking. Let’s delve into the advantages, role, and potential of co-managed delivery of managed services in reshaping the future of outsourcing.

Unpacking the Power of Co-Managed Delivery

Co-managed delivery strikes the ideal balance, incorporating outsourced service providers’ flexibility, experience, and cost savings with the control, ownership, and accountability intrinsic to in-house IT management. Consider these advantages:

Control and Ownership: With co-managed delivery, businesses can retain control over strategically important processes and resources, keeping ownership in-house while outsourcing non-core functions such as helpdesk support, security monitoring, network management, infrastructure management, and backup services.
Scalability: Since most managed services providers have the ability to scale resources up and down quickly, Co-managed delivery provides an adaptable model, enabling businesses to scale the scope and extent of services as needed to support seasonal increases or decreases in volume and capacity
Focus on Core Competencies: By taking non-core functions off their plate, businesses can zero in on their primary strengths and more effectively manage costs without compromising the quality and reliability of IT.

The Co-Management Partnership: Collaboration at Its Best

In a co-managed model, the IT provider acts as an ally, partnering with the business to share the responsibility and ownership of IT management. This calls for a collaborative approach in which the IT provider functions as an extension of the internal IT team, ensuring seamless integration and optimal resource utilization.

The Perks of Embracing Co-Managed Delivery

Embracing co-managed delivery of IT services is a strategic move that offers numerous benefits to organizations. This model, which combines the strengths of both in-house IT departments and managed service providers, is a robust solution for the dynamic needs of today’s businesses. One of the main perks is risk reduction. With expertise from external service providers, businesses can better manage IT risks and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. The second is increased agility; the co-managed model allows organizations to adapt to changing needs swiftly, enabling them to scale operations up or down as required. Quality improvement is another major advantage, with managed service providers offering round-the-clock monitoring, response, and support, enhancing IT service reliability. Finally, the potential for cost savings is significant. Through optimal resource usage and leveraging the IT provider’s expertise and infrastructure, businesses can achieve substantial savings without compromising on the quality of their IT services.

Driving Factors Behind Co-Managed Delivery’s Popularity

The rise in co-managed delivery’s popularity is driven by several factors, including the escalating complexity of technology infrastructure, the quest for cost savings and efficiency, and the ongoing IT talent crunch. Co-managed delivery addresses these challenges by providing the expertise and resources businesses need, allowing them to focus on their core competencies.

The Future of Outsourcing: A Co-Managed Delivery Landscape

As businesses become more dependent on technology, the demand for a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective IT management model will only increase. Co-managed delivery is that model – a solution that optimizes IT infrastructure while maintaining control and accountability. It’s not just the new standard for outsourcing – it’s a win-win solution that positions businesses to achieve their strategic goals.

Co-managed delivery of managed services is indeed a game-changer for businesses of all sizes. By partnering with an IT provider in a co-management model, businesses can enhance the quality and reliability of their IT services, manage risk effectively, and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. As we look to a future that is increasingly technology-driven, co-managed delivery seems set to become the new norm. Are you ready to step into the future of outsourcing?

David McLaughlin

Chief Executive Officer, CAG

About Columbia Advisory Group

Contact us at info@columbiaadvisory.com.

Data Analytics: A Key to Improving Student Retention and Success in Universities

Posted on May 16, 2023November 11, 2024 by John D'Annunzio

Universities face an ever-increasing challenge of improving student retention and success, as well as reducing student loan debt. To tackle this challenge, universities can leverage the power of data analytics. By analyzing data related to student behavior, academic performance, and other factors, universities can gain valuable insights into what drives student success and how to support students effectively.

One major benefit of using data analytics in higher education is improved student retention. By analyzing data on student behavior and academic performance, universities can identify students who may be at risk of dropping out and intervene early to provide them with the support they need to persist. For example, Degree Analytics provides a retention analytics tool that uses machine learning to identify at-risk students based on factors such as GPA, course selection, and engagement with campus resources. By addressing these issues early on, universities can improve retention and reduce the number of students who drop out or take longer to graduate.

Another benefit of using data analytics in higher education is improving student success and on-time graduation rates. Universities can use data to understand what factors contribute to student success, such as academic preparation, engagement with campus resources, and personal factors. Based on this information, universities can design and implement programs and initiatives that support student success and improve on-time graduation rates.

Additionally, data analytics can also help universities reduce student loan debt by providing valuable insights into the cost of higher education. By analyzing data on student spending and borrowing patterns, universities can identify areas where they can reduce costs and make higher education more affordable for students. For example, Gartner predicts that by 2023, 40% of higher education institutions will use predictive analytics to optimize student loan and financial aid decisions, resulting in reduced student loan debt.

Data analytics is a powerful tool that can help universities improve student retention, success, and on-time graduation rates, as well as reduce student loan debt. By leveraging the power of data, universities can gain valuable insights into what drives student success and design programs and initiatives that support students effectively. It is essential for universities to embrace data analytics and use it to make data-driven decisions to improve the student experience and outcomes.

John D'Annunzio

SVP Business Development

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.

Why IoT Strategy Matters in Gas Pipeline Networks

Posted on May 11, 2023November 11, 2024 by Brad Hudson

The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) has led to greater connectivity and improved efficiency across numerous industries, including the gas pipeline network. However, increased reliance on IoT devices also presents new cybersecurity challenges. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the Colonial Pipeline incident as a case study to highlight the importance of cybersecurity in IoT devices used in gas pipeline networks.

The Colonial Pipeline: A Wake-Up Call

In May 2021, Colonial Pipeline, one of the largest fuel pipelines in the United States, fell victim to a ransomware attack that forced a shutdown of its operations (The New York Times, 2021). This cyberattack led to gasoline shortages and price spikes across several states, emphasizing cybersecurity’s crucial role in maintaining the safety and security of gas pipeline networks.

IoT Devices: The Weakest Link?

IoT devices, designed primarily for ease of use, can often be the weak link in the cybersecurity chain for gas pipeline networks (CISA, n.d.). Many of these devices are connected to the internet and possess limited processing power and memory, making it challenging to update their security features. In the Colonial Pipeline incident, hackers exploited the company’s IT infrastructure vulnerability to access its systems, underlining the need for robust cybersecurity measures for IoT devices within gas pipeline networks.

Addressing the Challenge: A Multi-Layered Approach

To ensure the security of IoT devices in gas pipeline networks, it is crucial to adopt a multi-layered approach that includes both physical and software-based security measures (CISA, n.d.):

1. Physical Security Measures: Implementing firewalls, access control systems, and network segmentation can help limit the spread of potential cyberattacks, reducing the risk of hackers accessing sensitive information or compromising pipeline control systems.
2. Software-Based Security Measures: Encryption, secure protocols, and regular software updates are critical for safeguarding IoT devices in gas pipeline networks. Encryption protects sensitive data from being intercepted or stolen, while secure protocols like SSL/TLS ensure communication between devices remains private and tamper-proof. In addition, regular software updates help address known vulnerabilities and enhance overall system security

The Colonial Pipeline incident is a stark reminder of the need for robust cybersecurity measures in the gas pipeline network. As IoT devices play an increasingly important role in monitoring and controlling pipelines, it is essential to protect them from cyberattacks by adopting a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity that incorporates physical and software-based security measures.

Sources:

The New York Times. (2021). A Cyberattack Forces Shutdown of a Top U.S. Pipeline. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/08/us/politics/cyberattack-colonial-pipeline.html

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). (n.d.). Internet of Things (IoT) Security. Retrieved from https://www.cisa.gov/iot-security

Brad Hudson

Cybersecurity Practice Leader

About Columbia Advisory Group

Why Data Governance Is Important to Higher Education

Posted on May 9, 2023November 11, 2024 by Dwight Moore

Data is an Asset

Data is a critical asset to higher education institutions, especially in today’s digital age where vast amounts of data are being collected and analyzed to inform decision-making. According to the Education Data Initiative, college enrollment peaked in 2010 and statistics indicate enrollment has declined 9.6% by 2020. In addition, the U.S. Census Bureau indicates the number of postsecondary eligible 18-year-olds will decrease starting in 2025. Data is continuing to play a critical role for postsecondary institutions to remain competitive, to make informed decisions about programs, to bring about strategic decisions and to allocate resources effectively.

Over the past decade, technology use in postsecondary education has increased significantly, driven by factors such as the growth of online and blended learning, the adoption of learning management systems (LMS), the use of mobile devices and apps, and the integration of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The more technology used, the greater the sources of information for analysis, and thus increasing complexity. Managing data effectively will be mandatory to leverage data effectively.

Data Governance is a Crucial Aspect of Data Management

Data governance refers to the management of data assets to ensure accuracy, availability, integrity, and security. It encompasses policies, procedures, and practices that define how data is collected, stored, accessed, and shared across an organization. In higher education, data governance ensures that data is being used effectively to support student success, research, and institutional effectiveness. The Educause 2023 Horizon Action Plan recognizes the importance of data governance and recommends that higher education institutions prioritize this area.

There are several reasons why data governance is essential to higher education.

First and foremost, it ensures data accuracy and consistency. With so many data sources and systems in use across campuses, it is essential to have a standardized approach to data management to avoid inconsistencies and errors in reporting. This ensures that data is reliable and trustworthy, which is crucial when making decisions that impact students and the institution as a whole.
Second, data governance promotes data security and privacy. Higher education institutions collect and store vast amounts of sensitive data, including student records, financial information, and research data. Data governance policies and procedures help ensure that this data is secure and protected from unauthorized access or use.
Third, data governance enables effective decision-making. By establishing clear guidelines for data collection, analysis, and reporting, institutions can ensure that data is being used effectively to support decision-making at all levels of the organization. This can lead to better student outcomes, more efficient operations, and improved institutional effectiveness.
Finally, data governance promotes transparency and accountability. By establishing clear policies and procedures for data management, institutions can ensure that all stakeholders understand how data is being used and why. This promotes trust and accountability, which is essential in an era where data-driven decision-making is becoming increasingly prevalent.

In conclusion, data governance is critical to higher education institutions. By ensuring data accuracy, consistency, security, and privacy, promoting effective decision-making, and promoting transparency and accountability, data governance enables institutions to use data effectively to support student success and institutional effectiveness. As recommended by the Educause 2023 Horizon Action Plan, higher education institutions should prioritize data governance to ensure they are making the most of their data assets.

Dwight Moore

SVP Technical Services

About Columbia Advisory Group

Why is Organized Crime Targeting Higher Education with Ransomware?

Posted on May 4, 2023November 11, 2024 by Brad Hudson

Eastern European organized cybercrime organizations are intentionally targeting US Higher Education institutions with ransomware attacks because they believe that these organizations are vulnerable and easy targets. The goal of these attacks is to encrypt the organization’s data, making it inaccessible to the users, and then demand a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key.

Higher education institutions are particularly vulnerable to ransomware attacks because they have large amounts of sensitive information, such as personal data, research data, and financial information, stored on their networks. They also have limited budgets and resources, which makes it difficult for them to implement and maintain effective security measures. Additionally, many higher education institutions have outdated systems and software, which are more susceptible to exploitation.

The cost-effective approach to preventing ransomware attacks on higher education institutions involves a combination of technical and non-technical measures.

Educause recommends institutions implement a comprehensive security framework that includes the following elements:

• Network security: This includes the use of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software to prevent unauthorized access to the network.
• Endpoint security: Including the use of antivirus software and other security tools on end-user devices, such as computers and smartphones, to protect against malware infections.
• User awareness: Instituting training and communication educating users on safe computing practices, such as avoiding suspicious email attachments and not downloading software from untrusted sources.
• Data backup and recovery: This involves regularly backing up important data and having a disaster recovery plan in place in case of a security breach.
• Incident response plan: Institutions need a plan in place for responding to security incidents, such as ransomware attacks, to minimize the impact of the attack and reduce the recovery time.

Gartner recommends that institutions also implement the following measures:

• Application control: Protocols controlling the execution of software on end-user devices to prevent the execution of malicious software.
• File integrity monitoring: This involves monitoring the changes to files on the network to detect and prevent unauthorized changes.
• Security information and event management (SIEM): Systematically collecting, analyzing, and reporting on security-related data to detect security incidents and respond to them.
• Vulnerability management: Regularly scanning the network for vulnerabilities and patching them to prevent exploitation.

In addition to these technical measures, it is important for higher education institutions to have a culture of security, where data security is considered a top priority and all employees are trained on safe computing practices.

As Eastern European organized cybercrime organizations continually target US Higher Education institutions with ransomware attacks, the large amounts of sensitive information stored on their networks are vulnerable. A cost-effective approach to preventing these attacks involves a combination of technical and non-technical measures, such as network security, endpoint security, user awareness, data backup and recovery, and incident response planning. It is important for higher education institutions to have a culture of security and to educate their employees on safe computing practices.

Brad Hudson

Cybersecurity Practice Lead

About Columbia Advisory Group

My Data is a Mess

Posted on May 2, 2023November 11, 2024 by Tim Taylor

It just happens, the nature of the beast, inherent in its nature, and dangerous if misused. I’m talking about Data Sprawl inside your organization. Who’s to blame? No one. It happens and gets worse over time, and data sprawl occurs with the best of intentions.

Your organization’s data gets pulled into so many directions, dumped in silos, manipulated by dozens of departmental perspectives, and driven by departmental budgets and projects. Gaining control of your organization’s data is difficult at best. Organizations and management spend countless dollars and lost time interrogating the data until it confesses.

Uncontrolled speed, competition, disruptive technologies (AI, Machine Learning,…) , new business models, and evolving customer experiences continually force established businesses to remain relevant, adopt or adapt. The ecosystem is an unfriendly place. Insight, predictability, intelligence reports, and decisions need great data in a timely manner to remain relevant.

Managing data and information within an organization must be an orchestrated activity between IT and the business units. The pitfalls and internal tensions of objectivity, unbiased perspectives, collaboration, expertise, and access need to be overcome. Not an easy task for an internal department or department.

Just start. Begin by creating a good data strategy and governance program, a PLAN. A good plan requires 3 fundamentals: Executive Support, and Timeline and Funding. Orchestration of the plan often requires external expertise and consulting to address the pitfalls and internal tensions.

It pays for itself in the lost time trying to interrogate the data alone. Allocating good money to secure sprawling data silos that provide poor data. Allocating energy toward a good data strategy is energy well spent.

Building a successful data strategy requires a deep understanding of technology, business objectives, and data governance. Consulting partners can provide you with the expertise, objectivity, collaboration, and cost savings you need to build a data strategy that works. If you want to gain a competitive edge and drive innovation, consider working with a consulting firm to help you develop your data strategy.

Tim Taylor

ITSM Director