Texas Based Public School System Overhauls Computer Security After Hack Attack

Recently, Computer systems of the Houston Independent School District (HISD) were breached by a hacker

. Hacker had reportedly gained access to 10 years of private and confidential records related to students, employees, job applicants and vendors. The data includes social security numbers. With over 30,000 employees and over 2,00,000 students, Houston based HISD is the largest public school system in Texas. Therefore, the breach has put the confidentiality of thousands of personal records at risk. The breach highlights lack of vulnerability tests, continuance of outdated IT policies and lack of regular upgrades on the part of the HISD. Ironically, the attack comes a month after a similar attempt by hackers to breach the systems.

Information security breach by hackers, not only compromises the privacy, but also has financial implications on the affected individuals and institutions. Hackers can misuse the social security numbers and other personal information related to individuals in numerous ways including manipulating grades, applying for educational loans, opening new credit accounts, conducting fraudulent transactions and redirecting mails.

Often, organizations use computer forensics to collect evidence against the perpetrators of the crime. In this case, the breach is under investigation by Computer hacking forensics investigators, experts from Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and IBM.

While computers provide a faster, reliable and easily retrievable medium to store data, lack of adequate IT security mechanism may only expose loads of personal data to cybercriminals.

The HISD management has announced a complete overhaul of computer security system after the breach. The public school system intends to invest $10 million to $15 million to upgrade the ageing computer system. The HISD must also initiate changes in its IT security policy as well as computer assets purchase mechanism in accordance with the changes in the IT security environment.

Computer systems and networks of educational institutions have been subject to hack attacks in the recent past. There is always a threat of insiders acquiring access to privileged information to alter grades and rankings. Educational institutions can streamline IT security by conducting regular vulnerability assessments tests, adhering to security advisories or updates and creating awareness among students and employees.

by: Contact Press, EC-Council

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