Shifting from manual to digitalized operations can transform the core functionalities of an organization, helping to boost productivity and efficiency. One of the key elements is online storage of institutional data; that is where MasterSoft’s ed-tech solution, like the SIS software, ensures high security.
Besides, storing data online benefits an organization by reducing administrative workload, but makes it prone to online vulnerabilities. Adopting basic software that lacks the necessary security mechanisms leads to negative consequences like data breaches.
Understanding Data Compliance in the US Education Sector
Why is Data Security Important in Education?
Handling a considerable amount of institutional data is central to an institute’s administrative activities, and student-related data is a part of it. A student’s personal information, bank account details, residential address, academic information, and health records are essential details.
Failing to safeguard such sensitive information often causes financial fraud, identity theft, data misuse, and maligning an institute’s reputation in the long run. An educational institute’s top priority and ethical and legal obligation is to establish a highly secure data infrastructure.
On top of that, they must comply with data protection laws and national policy acts, or else they may face legal penalties. An ideal solution lies in a robust MasterSoft’s Student Information System, which protects student data through advanced data security mechanisms.
How MasterSoft Ensures Student Data Protection?
MasterSoft’s contribution to the ed-tech space has been quite extensive and pioneering, thanks to its innovative solutions such as SIS software, which utilizes the following security measures:
1. Role-Based Access (RBAC)
Segmentation of information accessibility through role-based access is a notable feature of MasterSoft’s SIS. Hence, students, parents, and administrators can log into the system to check specific data but cannot view, modify, or edit other information.
For instance, teachers can check and edit student grades and attendance, but they cannot do the same when it comes to financial information. Likewise, students can check their academic results, upcoming events, exam schedules, etc.
RBAC establishes a systematic framework for data access and configures the role-based access with the gradual expansion of institutes in the USA. In effect, it prevents data exposure and upholds information privacy.
2. Data Encryption
The ed-tech solution utilizes industry-standard data encryption both during transit (when the system processes the data) and at rest (when the system saves the data and it is not being used). Advanced encryption algorithms transform data into an unreadable format called ciphertext.
Consequently, it protects student-related information from unauthorized access, especially in case of a server breach. Furthermore, SSL/TLS encryption mechanisms protect the data in transit, securing the communication between users and the system.
What’s more, the system helps institutes meet regulatory requirements for data protection, reducing legal liability and ensuring proper handling of sensitive information. It also helps to integrate securely with appropriate ed-tech tools or platforms.
3. Cloud Infrastructure
Cloud technology powers MasterSoft’s SIS, which stores institutional data across several highly secured data centers with built-in automated backup systems. This is particularly useful during system failure, cyberattacks, or natural disasters.
The cloud infrastructure auto-backs up the data, making it easy to recover information without any loss, while ensuring robust performance and scalability. Moreover, the system supports the growth of the institute by accommodating the increasing student enrollments.
4. Data Protection Regulation Compliance
The software has been designed to comply with global and local data protection regulations such as FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and national data privacy laws. These regulations mandate that US institutes manage student data effectively, ensuring consent-based information collection and role-based data accessibility.
The system also comes with specialized tools that help to correct, delete, or share and port data to another system or server securely. Institutions can generate compliance logs and reports, highlighting their adherence to privacy laws.
Consequently, it facilitates smooth audits or legal reviews, improving transparency and accountability in data storing and maintenance processes. This is how MasterSoft assists institutes by reducing the risk of regulatory fines and strengthening trust between parents and students.
5. Regular Security Audits and Updates
MasterSoft’s internal technical experts and third-party cybersecurity specialists conduct regular security audits and updates. These security audits carry out a thorough analysis of the system, helping to identify vulnerabilities and misconfigurations. In case the process leads to determining potential security threats, the expert teams reconfigure the system, helping to eliminate them.
This security measure helps to protect the platform from cyber threats and establishes data protection’s highest standards. Furthermore, a continuous update cycle, including feature enhancements, security patches, and performance optimizations.
Such updates occur without causing any technical issues/difficulties, providing a smooth user experience while maintaining system integrity. Additionally, MasterSoft stays up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity trends and emerging online threats, thereby integrating appropriate security mechanisms.
6. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Accessing the system by obtaining student and staff members’ passwords or hacking into the system due to ineffective security measures is a major issue. However, the SIS software utilizes multi-factor authentication, or MFA, to verify the identity of users.
MFA utilizes password protection and a mobile device or authentication token to confirm the user’s credentials. In case unverified users get hold of login credentials, the system can still prevent access through the second verification method.
Multi-factor authentication is particularly important for educational institutes, wherein stakeholders (parents, students, and teachers) access the system through various devices. Hence, it provides an additional security mechanism against credential-based threats and phishing attacks.
7. User Activity Monitoring
Built-in comprehensive activity logging and tracking tools of the software identify suspicious behavior or internal threats effectively. The system keeps a record of each activity, including the accessing of student records, logging in and out, modifying financial data, etc.
In fact, these activity logs enable institute administrators to establish accountability and transparency across the software and its regular user access. Moreover, SIS software provides real-time reports and alerts, which help to detect unusual patterns.
For instance, it sends automated alerts in case of repeated failed login attempts, data exports, and data access outside normal working hours. As a result, an institute’s in-house IT team or expert can investigate the potential security breaches or information misuse. Moreover, institutes can utilize the security-based insights to update policies and training requirements.
Why is MasterSoft’s SIS Software an Ideal Solution for US Institutes?
MasterSoft’s Student Information System is a comprehensive information management tool that helps to store, collect, and maintain student-related data effectively. It provides a centralized platform with multiple benefits, such as
- FERPA-compliant software system
- Highly secured cloud infrastructure
- Secure mobile access to student-related information
- Customizable permissions
- Regular security audits
- Highly scalable solutions
Author :
Gaurav Somani,
Academic Consultant