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Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security CARES Act on the desk.
October 13, 2020

Only 15% of CARES Act Funds Used

Only 15% of CARES Act Funds Used

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CARES Act Funding Use Deadline

Claim your FREE Temperature Scanning Cameras and Mobile Wifi Systems for your K-12 Schools in Alabama!

Here are the facts…

Through various funding mechanisms provided by the State, districts in Alabama have an extraordinary opportunity to enhance their schools in the areas of planning, preparedness, and safety.

  1. There is $170 million for schools in Alabama to use to help with the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
  2. Your trusted partner at nSide provides many of the things in which this funding can be used, such as:
    1. nSide|Live – build a surveillance system at your school that can be shared to first responders.
    2. nSide|Live + ETS – remotely take temperatures, detect objects (such as weapons), and move your existing cameras to the cloud to be shared with first responders.
    3. nSide|Fleet + WiFi – equip your buses with WiFi and enhance tracking capabilities.
CONTACT US NOW!

This is what it says…

Source: https://www.alsde.edu/COVID19%20Updates/ALSDE-CARES-FAQ-2020.pdf

List of funding for schools: Funding for schools.

What are the K-12 funding opportunities and what did/will Alabama receive from the CARES Act?

The funding opportunities that impact K-12 education in Alabama are the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund and the Education Stabilization Relief Fund. Decisions on the use of the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Funds will come from the Governor’ administration. The ALSDE administers the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund of which Alabama is projected to receive approximately $217 million. The statute requires that this funding be delivered on a formula basis to LEAs based on their proportionate share of the state’s total Title I funding allocation.

This is what you can do…

How may LEAs spend their Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds?

Below are a few of the ways LEAs may spend their funds:

  1. Coordination of LEA preparedness and response efforts to improve coordinated responses with other agencies to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.
  2. Activities to address the unique needs of low-income children or students, children with disabilities, English learners, racial and ethnic minorities, students experiencing homelessness, and foster care youth,
  3. Developing and implementing procedures and systems to improve LEA preparedness and response efforts
  4. Planning for and coordinating during long-term closures, including how to provide meals, technology for online learning, guidance on IDEA requirements, and ensuring other educational services can continue to be provided consistent with all applicable requirements.
  5. Purchasing educational technology (including hardware, software, and connectivity) for students served by the LEA that aids in regular and substantive educational interactions between students and their classroom teachers, including assistance technology or adaptive equipment.

This is what it can turn into…

nSide|Fleet + WiFi adds value beyond the purpose of mobile hotspots for remote learning. It adds BusSOS™ technology to be used in all situations, allows for fleet tracking and maintenance management, and the ability to add digital, cloud-based cameras. If nSide|Fleet + WiFi is already implemented in your district, these upgrades can happen at a reduced cost. 

nSide|Live + ETS provides opportunities to fully integrate existing camera systems with the nSide School Safety Platform. The ETS solutions use the same EagleEyeNetworks products that are used to add cameras to the cloud for sharing through the nSide Platform. This solution fits directly with one of the Alabama SAFE Council Report recommendations for physical security: “Surveillance Systems Linked to Law Enforcement”.

The State of Alabama has provided emergency funding through the Coronavirus Relief Fund for acquiring these solutions, but ONLY FIFTEEN PERCENT of the funds allotted for Education Health and Wellness and Educational Remote Learning Devices have been expended throughout the State. The deadline for using this funding opportunity is December 15, 2020.

All of these current or future upgrades are possible and become easy fixes if a school uses their CARES Act funding. Don’t deprive your district of this opportunity!

CONTACT US NOW!
October 13, 2020
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Group of children with face mask back at school after covid-19 quarantine and lockdown.
October 2, 2020

nSide Newsletter 2020-Q3

nSide Newsletter 2020-Q3

In the 3rd quarter of this year, many schools across the country started back to instruction one way or another. We have been with you every step of the way and will continue to do so. With COVID-19 and the unprecedented nature of schooling this year, we have presented several solutions to help mitigate this transition, keeping the future in mind beyond the pandemic. These tools keep you in one platform, keeping you organized under one umbrella without having to worry about remembering credentials to other applications. These tools also have applicability beyond COVID-19, helping to keep your schools safe, organized, and functioning at its best. Lastly, the State of Alabama has provided emergency funding through the Coronavirus Relief Fund for acquiring these solutions, but ONLY FIFTEEN PERCENT of the funds allotted for Education Health and Wellness and Educational Remote Learning Devices have been expended throughout the State. The deadline for using this funding opportunity is December 15, 2020.

Below is a highlight of what we developed over the summer.

nSide|Fleet + WiFi

  • We offer a mobile WiFi solution that gives your students the best opportunity for distance learning. The mobile Wifi solution can be installed on school buses and our team can provide a plan for deployment throughout your community. Our tech solutions ensure a safe learning environment and we provide the best-in-class solutions all together in one platform. As an added bonus, we have implemented our BusSOS™ solution, which is an emergency panic button that connects directly to E-911 call centers to provide a location of the emergency.

nSide|Live + ETS

  • Our new nSide|Live + ETS product uses cameras, installed with thermographic imaging, to scan the temperatures of up to 1000 people in an hour. As multiple students are scanned, while maintaining social distance, our system will automatically detect temperatures above 100°F with use of infrared cameras and AI systems. The system locates and scans each person’s eye ducts, providing the core and most accurate body temperature possible. Rather than expose door monitors to face-to-face screening, this solution will immediately send alerts of any raised temperature to the administrators.

Beyond COVID-19

All of these current or future upgrades are possible and become easy fixes if a school uses their CARES Act funding. Don’t deprive your district of this opportunity!

Districts and School That Have Partnered with nSide in Q3-2020

SolutionParnership
nSide|EdgeFort Payne City Schools
nSide|EdgeHuntsville ACSTE
nSide|Fleet+WiFiMacon County Schools
nSide|Fleet+WiFiCoffee County Schools
nSide|Fleet+WiFiVestavia Hills City Schools
nSide|Fleet+WiFiWinston County Schools
nSide|Fleet+WiFiHenry County Schools
nSide|Fleet+WiFiBullock County Schools
nSide|Fleet+WiFiFairfield City Schools
nSide|Fleet+WiFiCovington County Schools
nSide|Fleet+WiFiDallas County Schools
nSide|Fleet+WiFiChilton County Schools
nSide|Fleet+WiFiRussellville City Schools
nSide|LiveTuskegee Institute Middle School
nSide|LiveFort Payne City Schools
nSide|LiveAutauga County Schools
nSide|LiveUniversity of Montevallo – Palmer Hall
nSide|Live+ETSFlorence City Schools ETS
nSide|LiveHuntsville ASCTE; Cameras
nSide|LiveFranklin County Schools
nSide|LiveUniversity of Montevallo
nSide|LiveSylacauga City Schools
nSide|LiveThomasville City Schools
October 2, 2020
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August 11, 2020

nSide Releases Elevated Temperature Screening for Schools

nSide Releases Elevated Temperature Screening for Schools

nSide|Live + ETS

As schools begin to reopen, temperature checks are becoming a critical demand in the welcoming of students to in-person, classroom curriculum. Many schools are seeking the best routes to mitigate risks and engage in biological hazards planning. In an attempt to follow these plans and curb the spread of COVID-19, these temperature detecting technologies will provide an opportunity to care for students that are unable or unwilling to continue distance learning. 

But the question being raised is: How can schools safely scan the temperature of each student that walks in the door? In an effort to save your school’s time, and maintain the safest measure of social distancing possible, our team is partnering with a new Eagle Eye solution. 

We are committed to helping schools ensure the health of all students, so after extensive research we are equipping a new, nSide|Live + ETS (Elevated Temperature Screening) product to support efforts necessary to tend to this pandemic. Typical protocol for scanning temperatures will include checkpoints prior to students stepping on buses, as well as lobby check points for students approaching the main entrance. In doing so, schools have the ability to send students to a designated isolation area, with a school nurse, until the student may be dismissed without threat of potential spread. 

Our solution uses cameras, installed with thermographic imaging, to scan the temperatures of up to 45 students at once. As multiple students are scanned, while maintaining social distance, our system will automatically detect temperatures above 100°F with use of infrared cameras and AI systems. nSide|Live + ETS locates and scans each person’s eye ducts, providing the core and most accurate body temperature possible. Rather than expose door monitors to face-to-face screening, this solution will immediately send alerts of any raised temperature to the administrators. By locating people with symptoms of COVD-19 before they enter the school, everyone stays safe and healthy – 100% passive and in real-time!

When students wear glasses, the detection will jump to the forehead to read temperatures, and this screening can take place while a steady stream of students and faculty step through the door. Our team at nSide is here to supply schools with the smartest and safest solutions, and we confidently believe that this technology will further protect all students, teachers, administrators, and staff. As communities begin tailoring their approach to COVID-19, we hope to be of help and reassurance that our schools can operate in the safest manner possible.

If you have any questions regarding this new solution or are in need of any guidance resources for schools reopening, please contact our team by emailing help@nside.io or by phone at +1 (800) 604-1822.

August 11, 2020
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nSide Quaterly Newsletter Q2-2020
July 1, 2020

nSide Newsletter 2020-Q2

nSide Newsletter 2020-Q2

Every quarter, we send out the best of what we’ve done here at nSide. This recap covers even more ground than usual, as we’ve found ourselves pushing the limits to what we can achieve as a team. After extensive testing, our latest technologies have been presented to take your school’s safety measures to the next level. Our platform continues to evolve amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, so we have offered up what we know to be the smartest and most efficient solutions. In the wake of this outbreak, our team has been assessing and providing every resource possible to support your needs. We hope that by unifying these tools into our platform, you might be able to rest in the assurance that nSide is your one-stop solution for any school safety concern.

Our team is always here to assist you in emergency situations, and we recognize that this quarter is unique to experiences that we’ve had in recent years. However, there is much to celebrate in your school’s immediate response and care for students! We will continue to find innovative ways to build up this community and provide you with relevant, accurate information to come. As always, growth is great! Below you can find an assortment of our latest news and most engaged social media posts from March leading up to June. If you have any questions about these updates, please don’t hesitate to contact us at help@nside.io. Thanks for spending this quarter with us!

New Technologies

Surveillance – We are proud to announce that we are now partnered with Verkada to bring your school the latest in video surveillance technology and emergency planning. Every K-12 public school in Alabama has access to and utilizes nSide – The School Safety Platform. Now, all of your video surveillance cameras can be viewed in one platform for sharing with other school officials, law enforcement, E-911 and emergency responders! These video surveillance cameras can also integrate with your existing maps and floor plans. We can perform an assessment of your school’s camera needs and let you personally experience the additional layer of protection this system provides for faculty, staff, and students.

Mobile WiFi – In addition to our new video surveillance technology, we are also offering a Mobile Wifi Solution! We hope to provide your students with the best opportunity for distance learning, as we recognize that every school district across the state can benefit from easily accessible hotspots. This new solution can be installed on school buses or at any specific location that your administrators deem necessary. Our goal is to save you time by providing speedy technologies and connectivity that makes e-learning a breeze, all while unifying systems together in one platform. As always, we at nSide believe that ensuring a safe learning environment is top priority to guarantee the health and success of all students, and we are here to help.

Blog Posts

Top Reminders

As you prep for the new school year, you might notice the sections in the EOP page are now yellow. These are reset on July 1, 2020. The yellow shading on the EOP and the Notice button indicates it is time for your annual EOP review. If the Notice button also has a specific entry, you will need to address that issue along with the review. The green shading on the EOP means that it is up to date for the current school year. As always, let us know if we can help!

Top Tweets

Top Instagram Posts

Beautiful day for mounting a Point-to-Point connection with the new Verkada 4K Cameras! We’re wrapping up on the Notasulga High School football field.

A little throwback from Decatur’s Lockdown training!

Our team has been out mapping Houston County Schools for our latest partnership! We are so thrilled with the beginnings of this project.
July 1, 2020
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Canva-Police-Car-in-the-City
April 24, 2020

nSide Partners with Macon County Sheriff’s Office

nSide Partners with Macon County Sheriff’s Office

MACON, AL – March 30, 2020 – After over a decade of providing the safety platform for schools across the southeast, nSide Inc. has branched out to new beginnings. Sheriff Andre’ Brunson has partnered with the nSide team to turn Macon County into a virtual setting for surveillance throughout office and jail perimeters. 

Upon taking office as sheriff of Macon County in 2015, Sheriff Brunson had served as a former deputy for 23 years and as School Resource Officer for the local district. With an extensive background of maintaining public safety, he understands the implications of not being properly prepared. His team began this project with nSide in hopes to speed police response time, through the use of remote access and real-time coverage for any potential emergency event. 

When invited to share his experience, Brunson recalls his plan to take initiative with nSide for years. He notes that throughout his time serving as an SRO, he often checked the nSide platform when incidents arose. He states, “I had this dream of when I became sheriff that I could have this system in my office to protect the school system. You know, I could watch the cameras from here just in case we had a school shooter or something going on inside the school. I would have an advantage by seeing it here in my office.”

The department received an installation of 49 new surveillance cameras over the course of four days. The department has also contracted nSide to place smart TV’s, in-office and in dispatch, for easy camera viewing beyond typical capabilities on web and mobile devices.

When asked what led him to this partnership Brunson remarks, “One of the things that I pride myself on is I love dealing with the kids. I love dealing with the school system, and that’s what got me into nSide.” 

nSide looks forward to continuing this relationship with the Macon County police department and supplying local law enforcement with technologies to keep schools safe. For more information on this project, contact Dr. McKinney at help@nside.io or at 1-800- 604-1822.

April 24, 2020
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covid-6
March 24, 2020

Pandemic Planning for Your Community

Pandemic Planning for Your Community

In the wake of this outbreak, many of us have begun asking questions about our role in COVID-19 awareness and prevention. As a school safety company, the nSide team is always here to help communities amid crisis situations. We understand that this is a concerning and stressful time for many, so we’ve put together a review of CDC recommendations that is applicable to both school systems and community members alike.

As of today (March 24, 2020 at 3:00 pm), there are 44,183 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the US, and 196 confirmed cases in the state of Alabama. Click here to see the coordinating list of confirmed cases, per county, in Alabama. 

List of symptoms and emergency warning signs provided by the CDC:

These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure (based on the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses).

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face

Household Planning

Along with awareness of symptoms, the CDC recommends creating a household plan. In the event that you or someone you live with falls ill, it’s best to be prepared in advance. Designate a sick room or space, where you can safely quarantine with low risk of physical contact with others. It’s suggested that two weeks worth of over the counter medications and food are stocked, along with a process for having food delivered if possible. Guidelines also advise arranging any needs for communication among friends and family, as well as organizing childcare plans if needed. In addition to preparing your surroundings, it is necessary to take proper care of emotional health and communicate with others if you begin to feel a decline take place. Isolation due to quarantine can lead to anxious or depressive moods, so establishing emotional support is equally as important as assembling your household plan.These strategies are simple in nature but far-reaching in any effort to care for your home.

In addition to this, the CDC recommends we actively engage in social distancing. Many of us are in current practice of this and abstain from groups of people or large gatherings of any sort. But if you’re wondering how much social distancing does for you and those around you, their guidance would encourage you to consider the rapid pace at which coronavirus has spread. It is never our desire to evoke fear or panic for anyone, however we do recognize that grasping the communicable nature of this illness is a crucial element to pandemic planning. Maintaining this practice and limiting physical contact is one of the most significant things you can do to support any plan. As unfortunate as it feels at times, social distancing is in fact the best way to care for your friends and loved ones right now.

Pandemic Planning for Schools

The CDC also stresses that pandemic planning be assessed as seriously as the day-to-day management of warning signs. Remaining informed about the local coronavirus situation is one of the most critical steps that your schools can take to properly recover from this pandemic. With oncoming news and school closures extending each day, maintaining awareness and a consistent stream of communication with your team is a foundational piece of your school’s plan of action.

Likewise, it’s essential that your faculty continues to communicate with households as often as they receive new information. Once ensured that information is factual and from a reliable source, it needs to be distributed as quickly and sensitively as possible among guardians. In crafting this circle of communication among school communities, you have the opportunity to effectively carry out a culture for school safety within your district.

Finally, as you aim to respond and recover from this event, the students and children in your home should remain the central concern. Adjusting to a new routine and new learning experience can be difficult for many children to take on. As any educator knows, a large portion of caring for students goes beyond their education. Partnering with public health officials to maintain health and meal services for students, while publicly announcing the implementation of these projects, will bolster the support system for many students at home.

Our team is always here to assist you in emergency situations, and we recognize that this pandemic is unique to any experience we’ve had in recent years. Although we can’t be sure of what’s to come, our priority for maintaining your school’s safety is unwavering. We will continue seeking innovative ways to build up this community and provide you with relevant, accurate information to come. As always, if we can be of further assistance to you please feel free to reach out at help@nside.io. If there is anything else we can do to help you cope with these transitions, please do not hesitate to connect with our team.

Links to Relevant Resources

Last week, we released links to our S2:E1 Podcast, School Pandemic Resources Page, Pandemic Planning Assessment, and Public Health Planning folders within the nSide platform. These resources are available with the intent to guide your next-steps and encourage you along the way. We ask that you contact us at resources@nside.io for any questions or additional materials you might find helpful!

March 24, 2020
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February 21, 2020

Password Management

Password Management

We all know the exasperated eye roll that follows a “wrong password, try again” pop-up. It’s your fourth login attempt and, short of entering your seventh grade Yahoo password, there isn’t a combination you haven’t tried. 

Expired passwords, too many login attempts, and unique password requirements often leave us with several different versions of password combinations for sites. We know that writing them down on that coffee stained sticky note is tempting, but hear us out. Password managers are a simple and practical tool for the storage of your sensitive data. In the last 2 years, our Customer Success team has been asked about passwords an average of 17 times a month, equating to a need for help every other day. As frustrating as it can be, we at nSide recognize the value of administering password management, and we’re here to help you stay organized. 

Sites often demand specific requirements for username and password settings, such as uppercase letters or special character rules. And although it seems easier to only have one username/password combination, this approach will result in leaving your accounts at risk of cyber attack. If an attacker breaches even one of your accounts, they will undoubtedly try the same combination to poach information from your remaining records. So, not only do password managers keep all of your account information in one place, they also work to prevent others from acquiring your personal information.

Many users are not familiar with resources designed for this issue, hence the large amount of questions we receive in this area. Luckily, there are both free and acquirable password management applications such as LastPass, Dashlane, and Bitwarden that can get you on the right path.

Our Solution

Regardless of your selected password manager, the first choice you need to make is setting a master password. This master password is the only password you will have to remember going forward, so it’s crucial that you choose one strong enough to ensure the safekeeping of your password database. If you determine it’s best to write it down, we suggest that you store it in a safe, confidential space for the purpose of protecting your data. Of course, it’s important to note that whether you decide to physically store your master password or devote it to memory – you maintain that it won’t be lost. As with all passwords, losing it means going through a series of difficult channels to attain or reset it once more. The misplacement of this singular password also means the misplacement of your collected passwords. It might sound a bit intimidating, but it is this very function that protects your stored data from being viewed by anyone without access to the master password.

Upon setting and storing your master password, it’s likely you will need to start shifting your prior account passwords to more secure ones. Many password managers have the option to generate new passwords for you that are both unique and strong in form, and as they are changed, you will have the ability to arrange them according to category of business. This frees up your time spent searching for sensitive information and provides you with an organized structure to eliminate guesswork.

The only step left in your password management system is the simplest yet: remain up-to-date. Don’t forget to continue creating and storing your account information in the system, because the moment you lose track is the moment you become susceptible to losing track of your data. As you continue building your online accounts, remember that you now have an archive to preserve them for you!

Applications

While a great deal of password managers are accessible, we believe that the three below offer diverse values according to your individual or organizational preference. So, in this next section we’ll look at reliable options and leave it to you to choose what best meets your needs.

LastPass: Upon logging in, you’ll find that you can enter every unique username and password you have for business, social media, and team folders. After creating an account with LastPass, you can utilize the LastPass Security Challenge, which identifies the weak and duplicate passwords you should focus on changing. LastPass has a clean and easy to navigate site, which creates a space where you can readily retrieve passwords, via copy and paste. This manager is accessible via smartphone, computer, or cloud to ensure that you always have access to login information. 

Dashlane: Dashlane has a Security Dashboard built-in, similar to LastPass, and provides users with additional help to figure out the strength or weakness of their passwords already in place. Their membership offers the option to sync your dashlane data to every device automatically and autofill username and passwords for every account. Dashlane provides instant security alerts to your phone or computer whenever sites are breached, and its mobile app is handy for smartphones and tablets.

Bitwarden: Bitwarden is known to be a free and open-source password manager that stores data via encryption to the app. It offers cloud syncing for accessibility on any handheld device, as well as accessibility for MacOS, Windows, and Linux desktops. Bitwarden’s site states that data is encrypted through “salted hashing,” a process by which data is secured at a random value, ensuring that not even the Bitwarden team has access to your sensitive information. 

A secure password manager means accessing your account details across all devices, syncing your data, and attaining peace of mind that your information is secure. nSide, Inc. is passionate about taking the next step for safety among schools and personnel. Our team leverages a password management system as a means to our own data security, and we are strong advocates for creating habits that support prevention before recovery. As we continue to discuss tools that safeguard your information, our hope is that you will no longer need to worry about losing or recovering data. Above all, nSide wants to provide you with effective plans to promote a balanced and well prepared environment. 

As always, if you have any questions about password management or improving cybersecurity, our team is here to help!You can reach the nSide help team via live chat or by email at help@nside.io.

February 21, 2020
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October 24, 2019

ALSDE, ALEA and nSide Announce Launch of AEASE Program

ALSDE, ALEA and nSide Announce Launch of AEASE Program

MONTGOMERY, AL – October 22, 2019 – Members of the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE), Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), and nSide announced the official implementation of a new program for mass communication systems within schools. After assessing local and district wide systems, nSide proposed an effort to expand connection across a broad scope of officials while minimizing the disruption of existing procedures at-hand.

This project, named the Alabama Emergency Alert System for Education or AEASE, is a mass notification system that aims to integrate school systems into one unifying platform. AEASE, powered by nSide|Notify, is a critical foundation for the following: threat assessment, tips, direct alerts to 911 call centers, event analysis, trend spotting, and the progression of future tactics.

Dr. Steve McKinney, nSide Founder and CEO, shared this remark, “We have created a network that leverages every mass communication system, in every school in the state of Alabama, and hooks them all together into a singular network that allows first responders, from the state level to the local level, to have a better picture of what’s going on in real time.”

McKinney advised Alabama schools to complete their next-step, by adding a phone number to their existing rapid notification system. In turn, allowing the new platform to receive all emergency alerts for widespread data compilation and alerts communication. Alabama is first in the nation to utilize this safety platform and begin establishing fluid communication between law enforcement and schools in the event of any emergency. 

nSide looks forward to the completion of phase one and their continued collaboration with ALEA and ALSDE. For more information on this project, contact Dr. Steve McKinney at help@nside.io or at 1-800- 604-1822.

Watch the Full Press Conference:

October 24, 2019
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October 15, 2019

Cybersecurity Month: School Approach

Cybersecurity Month: School Approach

In light of October as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NACM), we feel that acknowledging the risks of educational data storing is of imminent concern. In every school district and local institution, there is a dependency on systems to protect the privacy of students and staff. Disregarding potential threat and proper response, is likely to leave your institution vulnerable to cybersecurity breaches or attacks. We understand the reliance and necessity of these data systems for daily school functions, and we desire to help our community better plan for the protection of their educational content. We hope to share a few helpful insights as to what cybersecurity means for your schools, how to craft preventive habits, and why the merge of this practice into your Emergency Operation Plans is crucial. 

Threat Awareness

When approaching cybersecurity, it’s important to note that these threats are occurring more frequently between K-12 schools. This is, in part, is due to growth in digitalization of school administrative tasks and coursework. However, many schools fall victim to cybersecurity without initial realization. Taking time to consider the very real possibility of an attack, and what it means to your school specifically, will help in the discipline of maintaining well-monitored schools. So, what do these threats look like? They manifest in a multitude of ways, but listed below are some of the most often seen cases.

Data breaching – In this instance, sensitive or confidential data is hacked and at risk of being shared. For schools, this threat poses a serious hazard to exposure of student information or institutional banking accounts. Which, in turn, is capable of leading to crime such as identity theft and extortion of money from institutions.

Internal threats – These internal attacks take place more often than we suspect, and it is easy to fall susceptible to them. Two types of internal threats exist and must be acknowledged. The first, is that of employees corrupting permissions access and sharing unauthorized information (sometimes seeking to steal resources.) The second, and more common case, occurs when team members are not well versed in handling physical devices or sensitive systems. For example, faculty that is negligent or uninformed of privacy control has the potential to fall victim to scam targeting or misplacement of important documents.

Physical security – It is possible for cybersecurity to become a means of physical security, when cyber threats are targeted towards specific people or groups. This overlap is not to be taken lightly, when considering the health and well-being of others at risk. If a cyber criminal has internally or externally received personal information of health records, email addresses, or physical addresses, cybersecurity progresses to physical security. For instance, with this access criminals have the potential to pose threats of cyberbullying or physical violence.

Proactive Steps

Due to the nature of these risks, we find it necessary to consider best practices and resources available to you. Our team at nSide desires for your organization to be prepared in every situation, so we have identified a few practical ways that you might be able to prevent, properly respond, and promptly recover from these attacks.

  1. Cultivate a culture of risk assessment. Train employees to recognize threats and follow in appropriate next steps.
  2. Keep track of employees that have access control and withdraw permissions to any faculty member that transfers or withdraws from the system entirely.
  3. Change passwords to data regularly and limit any recurring words or phrases.
  4. Familiarize your team with patterns that exhibit cybercrime scams and behaviors.
  5. Stay acclimated to the monitoring of data, by regularly practicing and evolving plans. 

EOP Integration Steps

Emergency Operation Planning is just one tool of many that nSide has accessible to organizations. Within the context of cybersecurity, EOP integration is of significant use. Because of this, it is important to understand the ways in which your cybersecurity is integrated into a plan. In short, this model provides a process for deliberate protection and readiness against all threats. This is a foundational resource for your school’s security to build upon. You might ask yourself, is my EOP updated and inclusive of cybersecurity plans?

The following steps are sourced from a “A Companion to the School Guide,” by the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (5).

Our Support

As districts and schools spread awareness of cybersecurity month and the urgency of this message, our team will be here with additional resources to assist you along the way. We believe that understanding threats, and our role in best practices for them, is critical to the execution of these situations. Additionally, we know that the community at large has a responsibility in training, monitoring systems, and responding to risk. Navigating these threats might seem like a daunting task, but we are here to help! As the month of October progresses, we will continue to share valuable tips to consider in your security steps and daily functions.

If you are curious about EOP features within nSide, or need help merging cybersecurity practices, we would love to discuss what tools are available for the benefit of your school safety. You can always reach us via live chat or by email at help@nside.io.

October 15, 2019
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August 27, 2019

The School Safety Summit for Alabama — December 2019

The School Safety Summit for Alabama — December 2019

Hello!

You’re invited to the 2019 School Safety Summit of Alabama. The Summit is an excellent opportunity to network with first responders and education officials, while brushing up on the latest school safety advancements and resources. This year, we have a diverse group of presenters for the topics most important to today’s K-12, college, and university administrators.The conference will be held December 2nd — 3rd, in Orange Beach, AL. Early registration begins now, so be sure to reserve your spot!

A couple of topics to be presented and discussed by subject matter experts are:

  • State Initiatives on Prevention, Communication, and Response
  • Threat Assessment and Crisis Prevention
  • Signs and Wayfinding
  • Mental Health First Aid
  • Stop the Bleed and Tourniquet Use

Registration is Open!

The Early Bird Special goes until December 1st! There is a $10 savings to everyone who registers and pays before then.

Register Here!

We have negotiated great room rates with multiple hotels for the period of December 1–4, 2019 in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area!

When? December 2nd, 8:00 am to December 3rd 5:00 pm, 2019

Where? Orange Beach Event Center at the Wharf

Hotel Accommodations? CLICK HERE

August 27, 2019
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