Partner Talks: Mark Orchison Unpacks Cybersecurity Challenges in Independent Schools

Talking Technology with ATLIS

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Resources:

• Unicef The Case for Better Governance of Children’s Data: A Manifesto
• Joan Learning About Streamberry Terms and Conditions | Black Mirror Season 6 Episode
• GDPR
• COPPA
• FERPA
• Common Sense Media: 2023 State of Kids' Privacy
• Connect with Mark Orchinson on LinkedIn

How do schools keep up with the ever-changing world of cybersecurity and data privacy trends? Our guest, Mark Orchison, CEO of 9ine, offers an international perspective on data privacy regulations and cyber trends from working with schools around the globe.

Orchison joins the podcast for a conversation exploring the intricacies of cybersecurity in independent schools, emphasizing its importance alongside the growing fascination with AI. It became clear that while AI garners significant attention, cybersecurity remains a critical, ongoing challenge that schools continuously grapple with.

Co-host Hiram Cuevas shared insights into the daily discussions about cybersecurity in his school, highlighting its integration into various aspects of school operations. Examples include discussions in the business office about cyber renewals and subscription services. This ongoing engagement with cybersecurity issues, even when not overtly labeled as such, speaks to its embeddedness in the fabric of school administration. "It’s a daily battle, balancing security with accessibility," Cuevas reflects.

Co-host Bill Stites suggests, "It's about creating a culture where security is second nature," advocating for foundational security practices that can significantly strengthen a school's digital defenses. His approach goes beyond immediate solutions, integrating cybersecurity into various school management decisions such as new services and data storage.

The episode also touched upon the concept of Zero Trust architecture in cybersecurity, unpacking its relevance and application for independent schools. Orchison elaborated on this, explaining how the ATLIS 9ine Tech Academy initiative he's involved in is designed to empower tech directors with practical knowledge and skills for implementing robust cybersecurity measures in their schools.

The co-hosts discussed the evolving landscape of cyber insurance in the context of education, noting the significant changes post-pandemic. Orchison's insights into the insurance industry's response to the heightened risk of cyber attacks in education were particularly enlightening. He explained how the pandemic dramatically increased malware encounters in the education sector, prompting insurers to rethink their strategies and policies.

The conversation also ventured into the realm of student data privacy, focusing on schools' ethical and moral obligations to protect student information. The co-hosts discussed the varying levels of data protection laws across different states and countries and the implications for schools in managing vendor relationships and ensuring compliance.

As the episode draws to a close, it becomes evident that the journey of integrating technology in education is complex, requiring collaboration and a collective commitment. Christina Lewellen wraps up the episode with a powerful message: "This is a shared journey, one where every voice matters in shaping a secure, informed, and digitally literate educational environment."

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