Applying the Standards Framework in Education? Work together!
The best education for every student. We dare say that this is the mission of every school in the Netherlands. Helping a student develop in the way that suits them best, so they get a strong start in life, that is the goal. Every school does that in its own way. And yet certain things must be done in the same way. The standards framework forms a set of guidelines for organizing your information security and privacy processes. That is also the direct challenge in education. How do you make sure everyone is aligned? Without losing sight of the standards framework? With the goal of safe and practical education for every student? You do that by involving the right people, deploying the right resources, and above all by working together effectively.
What is the IBP FO standards framework?
In modern education, where more and more is digital, digital security is becoming increasingly important. Cyber incidents, data breaches, and stricter laws and regulations make information security and privacy a permanent part of the educational organization.
The Information Security and Privacy Standards Framework for Primary and Secondary Education (IBP FO) was developed to help school boards, school leaders, and IT teams with this. The standards framework provides concrete guidelines for structurally organizing information security and privacy. Not as standalone measures, but as part of your organization.
Information security is about protecting personal and other information. The goal is to ensure that only authorized individuals can access the information and that the information remains accurate and unchanged.
Privacy goes one step further. It involves requesting consent and informing people about what happens to their data.
From rules to control: governance as the foundation.
Applying the standards framework starts with governance. In other words, clear rules and responsibilities. Good governance means it is defined:
who gets access to which systems and data;
who is responsible for granting, changing, and revoking rights;
how decisions are documented and monitored.
By thinking this through properly in advance, you prevent ad hoc solutions and different ways of working per school or department. Those are often exactly the weak points in information security and privacy.
When you work with SPEYK, we make sure that no question remains unanswered in the governance policy. Then we look at the best resources to deploy. One example of such a resource is Identity & Access Management (IAM).
Our partner SPEYK supports schools in drafting and implementing this governance. Not only on paper, but translated into practice. Only then do you look at which resources are the best fit to support it.
How can Identity & Access Management help?
Identity & Access Management occupies a central place within the standards framework. This is clear from the fact that an entire chapter is devoted to this topic, and from the repeated references to it throughout the standards framework.
With Identity & Access Management you strengthen information security. It enables you to determine precisely who gets access and permissions to various systems and user accounts. This is essential to prevent sensitive information, such as student contact details, from being viewed without authorization by teachers, students, or even malicious actors.
With IAM, you ensure that:
There are structured procedures for granting access.
The history of access grants is traceable, so it is always clear who granted access.
Responsibility for granting access and permissions does not rest with one person.
A response plan is ready to enable efficient action in an emergency.
At Tools4ever, we have 25 years of experience in IAM solutions for schools. We would be happy to explain exactly how this works in our webinar.
Stronger together than alone
You do not have to apply the standards framework on your own. After all, a lot is involved. That means a lot comes your way. That is why it is important to work with the right partners. SPEYK and Tools4ever work together, each with its own expertise in a specific area. This allows you to focus on what you do best. You, as an education professional, can focus on delivering high-quality education for students. And on creating a pleasant way of working for support staff and employees. SPEYK is committed to the proper implementation of governance. And Tools4ever to the proper implementation of available resources. Together, we have more than 50 years of experience in information security, privacy, and IAM. By acting as partners, you have fewer concerns and can let go of certain peripheral matters, without giving up oversight.
Would you like not only to read about it, but also to see how Tools4ever and SPEYK work together? And experience what the benefits are for you? Then join the online webinar on Thursday, June 4
This blog was created in collaboration with SPEYK.