In today’s world, enhancing physical security in schools is not just a priority—it’s a necessity. Whether responding to new laws like Alyssa’s Law or upgrading old, ineffective technology, schools face a big challenge: finding the funds for these important safety updates. At IKON Edutech Group, we specialize in helping K-12 schools integrate advanced safety solutions effectively and affordably. Preparing for …
Bridging the Divide: A Look at the U.S. Department of Education’s 2024 National Educational Technology Plan
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Education unveiled its 2024 National Educational Technology Plan (NETP), titled “A Call to Action for Closing the Digital Access, Design and Use Divides.” This comprehensive plan outlines a strategic roadmap for ensuring all students have equitable access to powerful learning experiences empowered by technology. At IKON Edutech Group, a leading IT consulting firm …
Important Update for New York Schools: NYSED Comprehensive Data Security Reviews
The New York State Education Department’s Information Security Office (NYSED) has announced a significant initiative that will affect all Local Education Agencies (LEAs) across the state. NYSED will begin a thorough examination of the data security measures currently employed by schools. This initiative aims to bolster the overall security framework of LEAs, ensuring that student and staff data are adequately …
Suspect Your Computer Has Been Hacked? Do These 5 Things Now!
As leaders in K-12 education, the security of your school’s digital environment is paramount. Vigilance against cyber threats protects school operations and ensures compliance with strict student data privacy laws such as FERPA and New York State Education Law 2-D. The initial reaction when you suspect your computer or network has been compromised is to panic. However, swift response to …
April 2nd Webinar: Secure Student Data and Ensure Email Compliance with Trustifi
In today’s digital-first education landscape, safeguarding student data and achieving compliance with federal and state regulations like FERPA and NYS Ed Law 2-D are paramount. This concise guide offers insights into the cyber threats targeting educational institutions, outlines strategies for robust data protection, and highlights how Trustifi’s email security solution empowers schools to meet these challenges head-on, regardless of their …
April 2024 Email Changes: What Schools Need to Know About Gmail and Yahoo’s New Email Requirements
Beginning in April 2024, Gmail and Yahoo! will implement new, stricter email standards – turning what were previously considered email best practices into mandatory requirements. School leaders and IT professionals within the K-12 education sector should take note.
Federal Laws that Protect Student Data
In the digital age, the protection of student data has become a paramount concern for K-12 school leaders. As educational institutions increasingly incorporate technology into their curricula, they also inherit the responsibility of safeguarding their students’ privacy. To navigate this complex landscape, it’s crucial for educators to be well-versed in the federal laws designed to protect student data. This article …
What K-12 School Leaders Should Know About OpenAI’s Chat GPT
Recently, we wondered what K-12 school leaders should know about Open AI’s ChatGPT. So, we asked it. Here is its answer. K-12 principals and executive directors should be aware of several key aspects when considering or implementing OpenAI’s ChatGPT in an educational setting. Here are some important considerations: 1. Data Privacy and Security – Understand how ChatGPT processes and handles …
LIVE WEBINAR ON 2/29: NYSED Information Security Office Data Security Review
Did you know that on January 16, 2024 NYSED announced it will be conducting comprehensive reviews to assess what data security controls schools have in place to protect the Personally Identifiable Information (PII) of students, faculty, and staff? As part of our ongoing commitment to data security in education, IKON Edutech Group invites you to join us for an informative …
NYSED Website Privacy Monitoring: 10 Easy Pitfalls to Avoid
In 2023, NYSED’s Office of Data Privacy & Security monitored the websites of 115 school districts and 5 charter schools, finding that most of these organizations were eager to comply with privacy requirements and provide the necessary information to parents and eligible students. However, in their enthusiasm, some schools and districts overloaded their websites with excess information by including links …
