Latest Education security and school security News

Christ's Hospital boarding school controls USB with DeviceLock
posted on 09/01/2008

Christ's Hospital is an independent boarding school for up to 850 boys and girls, aged 11-18. Originally founded in the City of London by Edward VI for poor children, Christ's Hospital moved to its purpose-built premises near Horsham in 1902. Today, the School and its Charitable Foundation are major contributors to the local economy, employing around 450 staff and sharing its 500-seat Theatre and Health and Fitness Club with the local community. In a School of almost 850 full-time boarders who have access to a wide range of programmes for educational purposes day and night, it is essential the systems are protected against security breaches, often caused by a simple desire to explore the network or download programs. A particular problem is the prevalence of personal consumer electronics, such as mobile phones, cameras, and music devices, all of which present themselves as USB devices, and in particular, as USB file stores. Pupils were able to introduce programmes, photographs and music... [more]

New off-line access control system for smaller sites
posted on 09/01/2008

Abloy UK has launched Smartair electronic locks, an off-line access control system suited to smaller sites, initially to a hand-picked selection of the country’s top installers. Abloy UK commercial director Tabitha Morton explains the thinking behind this novel launch strategy: “Installers are an extremely important element within the commercial security market, and it was very clear to us that they merited their own pre-launch activity for this important, mid-range addition to Abloy UK’s access control portfolio. “Once we have fully briefed this initial group of around 15 installers, we hope to add a further 50 installers to our Smartair access control system network. I would be happy to hear from any installers eager to take advantage of the opportunities brought about by this latest addition to our range of access control products and systems.” Smartair electronic locks are a robust and cost-effective access control option particularly suited to smaller office buildings. RFID co... [more]

Checklist for a Layered Approach to Laptop Security
posted on 08/01/2008

Here is a quick checklist of best practices for protecting data on mobile assets: 1. Understand the risks. As organisations open up their networks to their mobile workforce, partners, customers and others, they expose themselves to greater security risks than when traffic was mostly internal. 2. Be proactive. If you cannot identify the weaknesses in your network’s security, someone or something will exploit those vulnerabilities. Educate yourself on current security risks, including the tools and techniques used by cyber criminals. Data security is a moving target that requires ongoing attention. 3. Use cable locks on laptops as visual deterrents. Most cable locks can be ripped off the plastic exterior of a laptop with a strong tug. Like ink-filled garment security tags in clothing stores, cable locks leave a mark when removed by force, but are ineffective at preventing many thefts. 4. Avoid leaving unsecured notebooks unattended. Lock them in cupboards, notebook carts... [more]

Engate Technology Announces Significant Growth in 2007
posted on 07/01/2008

Engate Technology Corporation has announced that 2007 marked a successful year for the company, with major customer wins, innovative technology and product launches, strategic OEM and channel partners, and the addition of key personnel to accelerate strategic growth. In 2007 Engate achieved several milestones: - Demonstrated the company’s continued leadership and technology innovation with the industry’s first network profiling anti-spam solution that has achieved 99% accuracy and the lowest rate of false positives; - Expanded customer footprint with increased wins in enterprise, small to mid-sized business and service provider markets, including WebCrossing, Software Development Forum, Network Child Care Services, and New Revenue Solutions, to name a few; - Launched the Engate Global Anti-Spam Channel Program for value-added resellers, technology OEMs and managed service providers; - Signed an OEM agreement with Net Integration, a provider of all-in-one small business serv... [more]

Protect critical information: think beyond the hacker
posted on 07/01/2008

This year’s Gartner report states that IT security over-protects the wrong assets, over-reacts to the unexpected and over-spends. Security 3.0 is here; a clearer eyed approach to risk management that applies resources appropriately and moves away from the ‘bolting on’ that’s ruled our approach to security for too long. Businesses and the UK Government really need to start asking themselves where the real IT security threats lie. Repeatedly we hear of threats relating to people hacking into networks and Hollywood reinforces this fear - just look at the latest Die Hard movie. Of course, it is important to focus our attention on the issue of network hacking, but this is not the complete picture in the security world. The reality is that hacking is a complex process and requires intricate timing. After all, how great is the chance of a hacker intercepting information at the very time you are sending it over the internet? And how likely is it he or she will know what network and location ... [more]

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