Canberra’s second largest college, Radford College, is doubling down on protecting private student, teacher and parent information in its custodianship, at a time when cyber attacks and data breaches continue to make headlines.
Earlier this month, the College announced it had implemented Castlepoint’s explainable AI (XAI) platform to underpin its information management and governance framework, allowing the school to remain compliant with industry regulations and reduce risk as it executes on its Digital On Demand strategy.
Given that the school enrols about 2,200 students per year and employs 300 full time stuff plus up to 200 part time coaches and contractors, it’s perhaps no surprise that it places a particularly strong emphasis on governance and compliance.
“Cybersecurity is a critical element of compliance and security of information,” David Perceval, Chief Operations Officer at Radford College told The Educator.
“Whilst we can never be 100% cyberattack foolproof, we have implemented a number of measures to strengthen our systems and networks, provided training and undertake regular testing.”
Perceval said the biggest threat to cybersecurity is humans’ interaction.
“Additionally, with the fast-changing pace of technology, the College is constantly monitoring, reviewing and strengthening its approach to cybersecurity.”
Perceval said staff awareness and training are critical in the collection and management of student and staff data.
“There are numerous methodologies and systems available for schools to implement and strengthen the approach to governance for the schools’ systems and information,” he said.
“Schools do work together to understand the requirement for networks and information to ensure the most up to date thinking has bene incorporated into our approach.”
Perceval said the big shift in thinking in the past few years is acknowledgement of School Boards and Executive that investment is required in these areas.
“Schools often focus on spending the maximum dollar on the education of students, which is exactly what we are here to do,” he said.
“However, understand that investment is required for Governance and Compliance to provide assurance the College manages its security and information appropriately.”
Perceval said implementing Castlepoint as the College’s Information Management System is a significant step in the College’s journey.
“It will provide the College ability to manage records from one location and assist in maintain information in a more efficient manner,” he said.
“Prior to implementing Castlepoint as the solution, the College developed an Information Management Framework and Policy, identifying the College’s approach to information management.”
A part of the framework and policy is the concept of ‘Digital on Demand’, says Perceval.
“The College is currently introducing Digital (or Digitize) on Demand in select units of the College and will look to move to Digitise on Demand moving forward in late 2024,” he said.
“This will be a significant shift from the heavily paper based systems the College has used to date. By digitising on demand, we will ensure we are maintaining the records we are required to keep, ensuring greater control over our information, and allowing for greater compliance.”
As AI continues to advance, Perceval said Radford College is embracing this technology for both staff and students, and maintaining integrity of education and College values.
“We are very mindful of the impact of AI on students and staff, and acknowledging the risks, will embrace AI where appropriate,” he said.
“The Information Management framework, policy and system will guide the risk appetite for AI, in addition to the College’s Cybersecurity framework.”