What Can You Do to Protect Your Institution’s Private Data?

Author: Nelnet Campus Commerce

Blog Post

Everyone at your institution deserves peace of mind.

As one of the most targeted sectors, higher education institutions face relentless cyber threats. According to a recent report, 79% of higher education institutions experienced ransomware attacks in 2022, with more than half paying the ransom.

From protecting confidential student demographic data to keeping financial information secure, maintaining high security standards is crucial for your institution. So how do you keep your student data safe? Here are some tips for things to keep in mind with your data.

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is one of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorized access to your institution’s data. It provides an extra layer of protection beyond just a password, requiring additional verification like a code from a mobile app. Implementing MFA in your security protocol can be a strong line of defense against unauthorized access to your sensitive accounts.

Regularly Update and Patch Systems

Cyber threats often exploit outdated software and system vulnerabilities. Ensuring that all software and operating systems are updated with the latest patches can help close security gaps and prevent breaches.

Conduct Cybersecurity Awareness Training

Educating faculty, staff, and students on phishing, password hygiene, and data privacy is essential. Most breaches occur due to human error, so awareness training can greatly reduce the risk of attacks.

Protect Your Institution with Nelnet Campus Commerce

Choosing the right partner is also crucial for keeping your institution’s information secure. Nelnet Campus Commerce is committed to providing a robust cybersecurity infrastructure tailored to protect institutions from digital threats with:

Vulnerability Management:
We perform continuous vulnerability scans across our infrastructure, ensuring swift identification and remediation of any security gaps.
Cloud Asset Security:
We employ ongoing cloud asset scanning to detect and address vulnerabilities and misconfigurations that could lead to unauthorized access.
Application Security:
Our application security measures include code scanning and regular penetration testing. We use both human and automated methods to uncover potential vulnerabilities proactively.
Compliance with Industry Standards:
Nelnet adheres to industry-leading standards, including PCI DSS 4.0, SOC 1 Type II, GDPR, and CCPA. We undergo regular audits led by our dedicated internal audit team to maintain the highest levels of compliance and trust.
Dedicated Security Operations Center (SOC):
Our SOC is staffed with certified security analysts who monitor and respond to threats around the clock, using active and passive threat-hunting techniques.
Employee Cybersecurity Training:
Comprehensive cybersecurity and privacy training is provided to all employees. Our Security Champions program offers advanced, hands-on training to strengthen security practices throughout the organization.

Partnering with Nelnet Campus Commerce gives you a dedicated cybersecurity team that is committed to protecting your institution’s data.

Visit our Security and Compliance page to learn more about how institutions can navigate today’s digital landscape.

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