As higher education continues integrating new technologies, institutions are rethinking how they manage and protect data. This shift is driven by the need to enhance operational efficiency, ensure campus safety, and uncover meaningful insights from the vast amount of information generated daily.
In this blog, we explore how data modernization, combined with advanced cybersecurity approaches like zero trust security and ransomware defenses, empowers schools to address these priorities effectively.
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Understanding Data Modernization In Higher Education
Data modernization involves upgrading how data is collected, stored, and analyzed. Higher education institutions handle various types of data, from sensitive research to student information, which includes academic, financial, and health records. In one of our recent podcasts, Chris Robinson, CTO for Storage at HPE, noted, “The security of data is as important as the data itself. Institutions need systems that ensure data is immutable and recoverable even in the face of ransomware attacks.”
Institutions often partner with experts to optimize their data strategies. For example, we collaborated with universities and colleges to assess, design, and deploy advanced infrastructure, incorporating best practices and industry-leading technologies. Their approach enables universities to enhance data protection and management, as seen in their work with numerous higher education clients.
Building Safer Campuses
Ransomware attacks can disrupt systems and compromise sensitive information. A safe campus goes beyond physical security measures; it extends into the digital realm where cybersecurity solutions play a vital role.
Robinson states, “Protecting sensitive research and student data requires implementing zero trust frameworks and ensuring continuous monitoring.” To establish a secure digital environment, institutions should consider these actionable steps:
- Implementing zero trust security frameworks: Ensure all users, devices, and applications are verified before accessing campus networks.
- Enhancing network visibility: Use tools to monitor activity and detect anomalies in real-time.
- Conducting regular security training: Educate students and staff on best practices for safe online behavior.
Collaboration with partners like WEI ensures institutions can adopt advanced solutions tailored to their unique needs. WEI’s expertise in data center refreshes and network upgrades has helped universities stay ahead of emerging threats.
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Leveraging Technology For Hidden Data Value
Modern education technology generates a wealth of often underutilized data. Institutions can unlock hidden value by analyzing data from smart boards, online collaboration tools, and hybrid learning platforms.
HPE’s GreenLake platform and Alletra systems, paired with HPE ProLiant Gen 11 servers powered by fifth-generation Intel Xeon scalable processors, enable higher education to adopt cloud-based data services and provide a single pane of glass for managing and provisioning resources. These tools empower institutions to:
- Improve student engagement: Detailed analytics enhance personalized learning approaches.
- Advance research capabilities: Trends and patterns in vast datasets accelerate academic research.
- Optimize resource allocation: Advanced analytics help institutions make cost-effective decisions.
WEI's collaborative approach has helped build long-lasting relationships with schools, where focusing on the customer leads to mutual success. Our team worked closely with colleges to refresh their data centers and networks, offering customized assessments, designs, and deployments tailored to their specific needs. This hands-on method, paired with HPE’s unified integration capabilities, ensures actionable insights while maintaining data integrity and security.
Cybersecurity Solutions For Higher Education
Today, institutions must integrate comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to protect data and ensure operational continuity. Anya Kamenetz, an education thought leader, highlights the dual responsibility of safeguarding and utilizing data effectively: “Academic records, health data, and collaborative works are integral to students’ futures. Protecting this information while leveraging it for growth is a delicate balance.”
HPE GreenLake offers systems with features like data immutability, which prevent tampering even during ransomware attacks. With HPE’s Alletra systems and ProLiant Gen 11 servers, educational institutions can establish secure environments tailored to hybrid cloud operations. Robinson explains, “Even if ransomware gets into the system, our solutions ensure data remains secure and recoverable.”
To implement adequate cybersecurity measures, institutions should adopt these key strategies:
- Data encryption: Protects sensitive information, even if intercepted.
- Immutable storage: Ensures data cannot be altered or deleted, safeguarding against ransomware.
- Proactive threat detection: HPE GreenLake uses AI and machine learning to identify and mitigate threats in real-time.
There’s a growing demand for operationalizing technology consumption, and HPE’s GreenLake platform addresses this need by offering cloud data services with centralized management. This approach, paired with a zero trust framework, enables institutions to seamlessly integrate security into every layer of their infrastructure.
The increasing reliance on technology highlights the critical need for maintaining secure and adaptable systems. HPE GreenLake’s cybersecurity, storage, and cloud solutions enable higher education institutions to address disruptions confidently and safeguard their communities.
Final Thoughts
Modernizing data systems and enhancing cybersecurity are essential for higher education institutions striving to support their academic missions and safeguard their communities. By addressing challenges proactively and partnering with experienced and recognized providers like WEI, universities and colleges can navigate this transformative era with confidence.
Contact us today to learn how our team can assist your institution in achieving its data and security goals.
Next Steps: With WEI’s expertise and HPE GreenLake’s cutting-edge tools, your organization can simplify operations—all while reducing operational strain on IT teams. Unlock the potential of hybrid cloud solutions for your enterprise. Download the free tech brief, Hybrid Cloud Innovation: Transforming IT with WEI and HPE" to take the first step towards transforming your IT infrastructure.
