FERPA Compliance Solutions For Your Business
Protecting sensitive student data is critical for any organization that manages education records. At CATS Technology Solutions Group, we understand the complexities of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and how essential it is to safeguard student information. We provide comprehensive solutions to ensure your institution complies with FERPA, protecting student privacy and minimizing risks.
Full Audit and Remediation
Our process begins with a thorough audit of your systems and procedures. Based on the findings, we provide a detailed report identifying areas of non-compliance and a roadmap for achieving full FERPA compliance. From identifying gaps to implementing changes, we offer consulting services to see your remediation efforts through to completion.
Physical Safeguards
Address the security of locations and devices where student records are stored. Key standards include:
- Access Controls: Restrict physical access to file rooms, servers, and devices containing student records.
- Workstation Security: Ensure workstations with access to student data are protected from unauthorized use.
- Device Management: Establish protocols for handling, storing, and securely disposing of devices that contain sensitive information.
Technical Safeguards
Focus on securing electronic education records and controlling access to them. FERPA emphasizes the importance of protecting student information during storage, access, and transfer. Key standards include:
- Access Control Systems: Limit access to digital records based on roles and permissions.
- Encryption: Protect data during transmission and while at rest.
- Audit Trails: Monitor access to and changes in student records to ensure accountability.
- Authentication Mechanisms: Verify the identity of users accessing education records.
Administrative Safeguards
Include policies and procedures that govern the handling of education records and ensure compliance across your workforce. These include:
- Policy Development: Establish and regularly update FERPA-compliant data-handling policies.
- Employee Training: Educate staff on FERPA regulations, secure practices, and reporting protocols.
- Data Access Management: Ensure that only authorized personnel access student records.
- Incident Response Plans: Develop strategies for addressing data breaches or other security incidents.
- Third-Party Agreements: Execute contracts with service providers to ensure they meet FERPA compliance standards when handling student data.
Why CATS Technology?
With our extensive IT and compliance expertise, CATS Technology makes achieving FERPA compliance seamless for your institution. Our proactive approach includes:
- Comprehensive audits to identify vulnerabilities.
- Tailored action plans for remediation.
- Ongoing support to implement physical, technical, and administrative safeguards.
- Training and resources to keep your staff informed and compliant.
Take The First Step
Secure a Free Assessment to Evaluate Your Current Environment