CBT Technical Institute offers technical training and certification programs in various fields, such as information technology, cybersecurity, network administration, and more. The institute sought a partner to fill IT gaps, provide strategic solutions to bolster cybersecurity resilience, and optimize operations across its three campuses. This case study details how Thrive fortified CBT’s IT infrastructure and provided essential support, enabling seamless operations and proactive cybersecurity measures.

CBT Technical Institute faced a significant challenge when its IT supervisor departed for another company, leaving a critical void in managing its websites and servers. The workload became overwhelming with only a small team of three IT support specialists, as their focus was divided among various tasks. Realizing the need for additional support and contingency planning, CBT turned to Thrive to provide essential protection and strategic direction for its technology solutions. Thrive’s security services and ThriveCloud platform complement their internal team, ensuring comprehensive coverage and preparedness for potential disruptions.

Why Thrive Was Chosen

CBT Technical Institute chose Thrive because of its comprehensive suite of services and Thrive’s commitment to a genuine partnership. When evaluating potential partners, Thrive stood out for its adept management of services and software and robust security measures that alleviate the burden of maintaining CBT Technical Institute’s infrastructure and data security.

Thrive’s Robust Solution Offering and Collaborative Approach

Thrive’s comprehensive solution included Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) for endpoint protection, server management, and Microsoft 365 email and Exchange management and monitoring. Facing expertise gaps, CBT Technical Institute turned to Thrive for comprehensive security services, leveraging ThriveCloud. Outsourcing these services marked the beginning of the partnership, with Thrive guiding CBT through onboarding and offering expertise and support. Through collaborative efforts, Thrive ensured a seamless transition, empowering CBT to navigate its technology confidently.

Impact and Results

Thrive’s intervention at CBT Technical Institute resulted in notable efficiencies and operational improvements. Migrating servers to the Cloud and deploying new infrastructure addressed challenges linked to outdated hardware, which enhanced server management and performance. Users experienced significant improvements in service responsiveness, while Thrive’s cost-effective solutions remained within CBT’s budgetary limits. With Thrive hosting its database, the institute’s data security and resilience were fortified, ensuring robust protection and rapid recovery from disruptions, underscoring CBT’s commitment to safeguarding sensitive educational information.

Exceeding Expectations

Thrive consistently exceeds expectations, with its team going above and beyond to meet CBT’s needs. From dedicated engineers like Nick, who assist outside regular hours, to responsive project managers, CBT praises Thrive for its unwavering dedication, collaborative approach, and exceptional support. “Thrive provides a virtual solution for any company that needs protection and lacks the resources to keep moving forward. If a company doesn’t have an IT department or support to assist users, maintain servers, and ensure security, Thrive is the one that can provide that,” said Roosevelt McCullough, Database Administrator for CBT Technical Institute.

“Unlike other cloud and third-party providers that offer temporary fixes, Thrive provides a long-term solution, enabling our company to evolve and access resources and support as needed.”  ~ Roosevelt McCullough, Database Administrator for CBT Technical Institute

About Thrive

Thrive delivers global technology outsourcing for cybersecurity, Cloud, networking, and other complex IT requirements. Thrive’s NextGen platform enables customers to increase business efficiencies through standardization, scalability, and automation, delivering oversized technology returns on investment (ROI). They accomplish this with advisory services, vCISO, vCIO, consulting, project implementation, solution architects, and a best-in-class subscription-based technology platform. Thrive delivers exceptional high-touch service through its POD approach of subject matter experts and global 24x7x365 SOC, NOC, and centralized services teams. Learn more at www.thrivenextgen.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

The post Empowering Education: How Thrive Fortified CBT Technical Institute’s IT Infrastructure appeared first on Thrive.

Educational institutions are no strangers to dealing with cybersecurity threats. With a plethora of personal and financial information stored in school databases, the stakes undoubtedly are high. Unfortunately, the rapid evolution of cyber threats often outpaces the ability of an in-house team to keep up. The result? A widening gap in expertise and resources that leaves schools vulnerable to attacks that could compromise student and staff data, as well as disrupt the learning environment.

At Thrive, our expert teams take a multi-layered approach to secure an institution, preventing breaches and data threats through managed endpoint security, mail filtering, DNS filtering, and additional targeted offerings. Our goal is to make sure the right tools and processes are in place so students, teachers, and staff are set up to succeed.

What Thrive Can Do for Your Institution: 

• Security Information and Event Management (SIEMaaS): Clients benefit from a comprehensive managed and hosted SIEM solution, delivering a service-centric IT infrastructure monitoring platform. Thrive helps minimize Capital Expenditure (CapEx), ensure adherence to rigorous compliance standards, and reap the advantages of cutting-edge security threat detection—eliminating the necessity for specialized security personnel or expensive dedicated hardware on-site.
• Autonomous Penetration Testing: Thrive provides flexible options for Autonomous Penetration Testing, offering both one-time evaluations and recurring quarterly assessments tailored for educational institutions. Upon completion, clients receive comprehensive reports—a Penetration Test Results report and a Fix Actions report—detailing identified risks and the necessary steps to mitigate them.
• Vulnerability Scanning & Assessment: Thrive’s security services are tailored to address educational institution’s heightened risk of vulnerabilities, exploits, and security breaches by evaluating and documenting network and software gaps. Supported by 24x7x365 Security Operations Centers, our Vulnerability Scanning and Assessment service uncovers potential security weaknesses, assisting in devising actionable plans to remedy and minimize emerging threats.
• Disaster Recovery as a Service: Thrive delivers IT business continuity solutions aimed at reducing data loss and swiftly restoring vital systems, particularly in the face of threats such as ransomware. Our services safeguard against disruptive events that could significantly impact daily operations in and out of the classroom, ensuring educators’ access to essential records and information even during critical system downtimes.

Outsourcing IT offers cost-effective solutions that, with the help of seasoned experts, adapt to emerging threats swiftly and without disruption. As in-house resources and expertise become increasingly scarce in the face of escalating cyber threats, K-12 institutions can rely on Thrive’s Cybersecurity Solutions.

Partnering with Thrive fortifies the defenses of educational institutions, allowing them to focus on their primary mission of providing quality education to their students. The future of K-12 cybersecurity lies in collaboration, adaptability, and the strategic embrace of external support. Contact Thrive today to learn more about how our cybersecurity solutions can help you. 

The post As In-House Resources & Expertise Dwindle, K-12 Cybersecurity Teams Continue to Outsource appeared first on Thrive.

Phishing and Social Engineering

Phishing involves tricking students into revealing sensitive information such as login credentials or personal data. Social engineering manipulates them into divulging confidential information or performing certain actions that may leave them vulnerable. 60% of educational institutions reported phishing attacks, according to this 2021 Cloud Data Security Report. Attackers often target school staff or students, posing as trustworthy entities to deceive them and gain access to their private information.

Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts files and demands a ransom for their decryption. Schools are the number 2 top target for these types of attacks because they often lack a robust cybersecurity infrastructure, making them vulnerable to bad actors. Ransomware can disrupt school operations, compromise sensitive data, and hinder the learning process.

Insufficient Data Security

Schools collect and store a significant amount of sensitive information about their students, their families, and staff. Inadequate data security measures can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential identity theft.

Insecure Wi-Fi Networks

Insecure Wi-Fi networks can provide opportunities for unauthorized users to gain access to sensitive information, eavesdrop on communications, or conduct other malicious activities, leading to security breaches and data leaks.

Inadequate Staff and Student Training

Insufficient training on cybersecurity best practices for both staff and students can increase the risk of falling victim to cyber threats like phishing and social engineering, leaving theirs and other students’ data exposed.

Mitigating Cybersecurity Threats at Your School

To prevent these cybersecurity threats, school districts need to invest in a cybersecurity stack that works hard to protect their community, without breaking tight budgets. Outsourcing to an experienced education MSP, like Thrive, will ensure that all your IT needs are met. Thrive’s team of experts is able to provide 24/7 monitoring to mitigate any cyber attacks that may ensue. They are also well-versed in designing and implementing Cloud and collaboration solutions that can help modernize schools. Contact Thrive today to learn more about how you can help keep your school safe, today.

The post The Top 5 Cyber Threats Schools Are Facing (and What To Do About It) appeared first on Thrive.

What is FERPA and Why Does it Matter?

FERPA is a federal law in the United States that was enacted in 1974 to protect the privacy of student education records. FERPA applies to all educational institutions that receive federal funding, which includes most public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities.

The main purpose of FERPA is to give parents and eligible students – students who are 18 years or older or attending a post-secondary institution – certain rights regarding the privacy of their educational records.

FERPA is important in maintaining the confidentiality of educational records and ensuring that students’ privacy is respected and safe. Ensuring the confidentiality of your student records in a landscape where attacks are a constant threat should be top-of-mind for any IT department. Thrive offers cybersecurity services tailored to fit the needs of schools and their staff and students. Thrive’s Managed Endpoint Security and Response service, powered by Fortinet’s EDR platform, provides real-time security with incident response capabilities.

Beyond data breaches from cyber criminals, Thrive’s managed IT services can help schools maintain FERPA compliance and safeguard against:

• Third-Party Risks: Educational institutions will often use third-party services or vendors for various purposes, such as cloud storage or educational software. If these third parties don’t adequately secure the data they’re handling, it can expose student information to potential breaches.
• Phishing Attacks: Cybercriminals may target school employees or students with phishing emails to trick them into revealing sensitive information. This includes login credentials or other personal data that could compromise FERPA compliance.
• Ransomware Attacks: Ransomware attacks from bad actors can lock whole school districts out of their own systems and data until a ransom is paid. This can greatly disrupt operations and potentially expose student records.

Thrive understands the evolving needs of students, educators, and parents. Our goal is to make sure the right tools and processes are in place so all parties involved are set up to succeed. Being prepared for the school year will help keep your students’ data safe and focused on learning and growing in the new year. Contact Thrive to learn how we can help you keep your education environment secure.

The post Your Back-to-School Guide to FERPA and Student Data Privacy appeared first on Thrive.

However, with the rise of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Bard, and other generative AI tools, schools have a new set of vulnerabilities to be concerned about. Currently, there is no way to determine whether or not students’ personal information is being used in a ChatGPT algorithm or other apps that may be used in a classroom setting that require access to different data on school computers or personal computers owned by students. It was also discovered that a majority of educational institutions use various tracking technologies and share students’ personal information with third parties, which could include generative AI tools, increasing a potential privacy breach. 

In the U.S., students’ information is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and educational institutions have a duty to protect students’ personally identifiable information (PII). Federal funding is available to help support these initiatives as well. 

Having a fail-safe approach to protecting students’ privacy is the best way educational institutions can mitigate cybersecurity risk and eliminate threats. Understanding students’ risk exposure and proactively scanning for threats and vulnerabilities can help K-12 schools remain in compliance with FERPA and other privacy standards.

Finding a Privacy Protection Partner for Your School

Thrive’s Managed Security Information and Event Management allows schools to meet stringent compliance thresholds, and have security threat detection without the need for specialized security staff or costly dedicated hardware.

Keeping students and their data safe is a top priority, and with Thrive, you can assess your vulnerabilities and plan for the future. Hybrid and remote learning will continue to be a major part of the learning environment, along with the increased use of apps in the classroom or to assist with homework and projects.

Take the next steps to equip your school with the latest technology, software, and training towards protecting your students and their data, as well as be an active collaborator capable of adding value to your school’s IT department. Contact Thrive to learn more.

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Computer systems in schools have been the target of cyberattacks, which delay access and interrupt digital and remote learning. In other cases, ransomware threatened to steal and leak private student information unless schools paid a ransom. As schools implement more technology in classrooms, the threat landscape is ever increasing.

The cost of most ransomware losses is downtime, which can be even more expensive than the settlements. Cyberattacks can also ruin an organization’s reputation. Since private schools and other educational institutions compete for student applications, this can have a greater impact.

If a school fails to protect critical data and practice effective cybersecurity, it will reflect poorly on that organization.

The following are the main risks to educational institutions:

• Cyberattack: A person, group, or entity that generates all or some of an incident with the intent to compromise the security of a person or an organization.
• Domain Spoofing: Establishing web domains that resemble trustworthy websites to deceive users who input URLs incorrectly or click on similar URLs.
• Doxing: The act of gathering or disseminating personally identifiable information about a person online, usually with malevolent intent.
• End-of-life Software: Outdated programs and devices that no longer receive patches, security upgrades, technical assistance, or bug fixes leave users open to assaults.
• Phishing Emails: When someone poses as a reliable entity in an electronic contact in an attempt to steal sensitive information or data, such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or bank account information.

Because educational systems have limited people, funds, and resources, and as cyber threats get more sophisticated, these IT infrastructures are at serious risk.

Here are several ways that Thrive can contribute to the digital security of educational organizations.

• Thrive has a committed staff of cybersecurity engineers working around the clock to safeguard your mission-critical infrastructure.
• To avoid data loss, Thrive advises your facility to back up its data to an impartial third party.
• To reduce susceptibility, Thrive collaborates with your organization to detect security flaws.
• To identify cybersecurity threats, Thrive builds a long-term strategy by learning about your organizational goals, people, procedures, and technologies.
• Thrive delivers tailored security-managed services to safeguard your institution while reducing cyberattacks.

At Thrive, we have 700+ technical resources and IT experts with a cumulative 3,000+ years of experience managing security for educational institutions of all sizes, using the best technology to safeguard your network from online threats.

Don’t wait, contact us to learn more.

The post Vulnerability in SLED: How to Navigate Threats Targeting Education appeared first on Thrive.

The cloud eliminates the need for expensive and outdated textbooks.

College and university students, who generally need to buy new books each year for each class, spend an average of $1,200 per year on textbooks. Meanwhile, K-12 schools spend $700 per student per year—and because it’s funded through tax dollars, they’ve become a major expense to the public at large. That’s not even the worst of it; on average, textbooks tend to be nearly a decade old, teaching outdated or simply wrong information. Textbooks are often even older in low-income areas, putting these students at a distinct disadvantage.

Cloud-based textbooks can solve both problems. Digital content costs significantly less than printed material. This can save college and university students hundreds per year and help level the playing field between lower and higher-income students. Cloud-based materials can also be easily updated so students always have access to the most current learning resources.

Virtualization in cloud computing eliminates the need and cost of expensive hardware.

It used to be that every school would have a room full of on-premise servers that ran all systems and held all data. This could get expensive whenever capacity was reached and new servers had to be purchased. But with most third-party cloud providers, schools only pay for the capacity they use, much like a utility. That’s not all; in a cloud-based model, schools don’t have the expenses associated with server room cooling, electric, and maintenance, which can get very costly, especially in warm-climate states (not to mention the need to keep them cooled and operational even when not in use during the extended holiday breaks). Finally, with many schools facing overcrowding, eliminating a server room frees up valuable space!

 The cloud offers easy accessibility and mobility.

In the cloud, applications can be run on internet browsers, so schools and students don’t necessarily have to own pricey computers or laptops; an inexpensive smartphone or tablet can allow access to lesson plans, coursework, and digital textbooks. The cloud also gives teachers the ability to work from home in order to finish up their work. Rather than getting to school hours before the first bell rings and staying hours after the last bell, teachers can grade tests and homework assignments, develop course curricula, enter grades, and respond to parents from the comfort of their homes when it’s convenient for them. With the 2021 EducationWeek report revealing that over 60% of teachers are highly stressed out and describing their mental health as “not good,” this could go a long way toward helping relieve their stress, which ultimately creates a better learning environment.

Virtualized data in the cloud offers more collaboration.

The cloud offers seamless integration between schools and university departments through file-sharing across any device, so faculty no longer needs a specific medium in which to collaborate or communicate with others. For students, the power of collaboration is also key when it comes to learning and preparing for the workforce. Students can work within virtual classrooms, communicate with students far away in real-time, and combine the education of people from completely different backgrounds. And because kids frequently get sick, they won’t have to miss assignments or give up participating in classroom discussions. This may also open the door for home-schooled children to participate with other students without attending class.

The cloud eliminates costs associated with paper—while cutting the carbon footprint.

Most educators are concerned about their carbon footprint—and more and more young people are worried about the environment, too. But education is one of the worst offenders when it comes to paper usage (or more appropriately, paper waste). Edutopia did some number crunching and found that on average, a school with 100 teachers uses approximately 250,000 pieces of paper per year. Based on paper costs, that’s $25,000, and printing on that paper would be another $7,500 per year, not to mention costs of copy toner and service agreements. Through the cloud, these schools can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and put over $30,000 back into the budget each year. (It’s worth noting that eliminating individual server rooms in schools can also significantly cut back on CO2 emissions and energy consumption, also making the school greener!)

How Thrive can help

Schools, colleges, and universities can greatly benefit from virtualization in cloud computing. They can reduce costs (and when funding is constantly being cut, this is huge), promote a better learning environment for students, and create a better working environment for educators. Thrive can help K-12 schools or post-secondary institutions move to a public cloud, hybrid cloud, or virtual private cloud with ease. Contact Thrive to learn more.

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