Home » Security Bloggers Network » 5 Easy Ways Schools Can Celebrate Data Privacy Day

5 Easy Ways Schools Can Celebrate Data Privacy Day

by Alexa Sander on January 28, 2025

It’s January 28th, and that means it’s Data Privacy Day! It’s an annual celebration of all things data protection, raising awareness about data privacy best practices and making sure everyone—from individuals to school districts—takes steps to stay safe online. Since it began in 2007, there’s been massive growth in public awareness and big changes in privacy laws and frameworks. Let’s keep that momentum going!

Navigating data privacy gets trickier each year. For schools, this means figuring out how to protect students, staff, and families. So, why not take this Data Privacy Day as a chance to give your online habits a quick tune-up? It’s easier than you think.

How to Celebrate Data Privacy Day

Here are five simple things your school’s IT team can do today to honor Data Privacy Day and up your data protection game. Hackers see student data as a goldmine—so let’s make sure they don’t strike gold at your school.

1. Take Inventory of Where Student Data Is Stored

Start by reviewing what data your district stores. Don’t forget to check on data collected by edtech tools and third-party apps—they’re part of the picture too. Understanding where all this data lives is key to spotting gaps in security. Here are some examples of data to track:

Student personal information and academic records
Staff and faculty data, including payroll details
Administrative and financial records
Digital learning materials
Communication logs between staff, students, and parents

2. Back Up Your Data

Data backups are your safety net! A 3-2-1 backup strategy works wonders:

Three copies of your data
Two copies on different on-site devices (like a primary system and a local backup drive)
One copy off-site, ideally in the cloud

Don’t have time for manual backups? No problem—you can automate them! Backup-as-a-Service (BaaS) providers can take care of this for you, freeing up your IT team’s time.

Pro tip: A backup is only as good as your ability to restore it. Schedule regular tests and review logs to ensure everything’s working.

3. Document a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan

Think of this as your game plan for when the unexpected happens. An incident response plan helps your district respond quickly to attacks, minimize downtime, and protect valuable data like Social Security numbers, financial records, and phone numbers.

Need help getting started? Use our free incident response plan template with checklists, response steps, and more!

4. Check Your Web Filter

Web filters are a must-have under the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), which requires public schools to block harmful online content. But are your filters doing the job? Here’s how to fine-tune them:

Define your filtering policy: Be clear about what you’re blocking and why.
Get teacher input: Your instructional staff knows what students are up to online—use their insights to improve your filtering policy.
Review and update regularly: As times change, so do online threats. Keep your filters updated.
Go multi-layered: Combine web filtering with tools like Cloud Monitor for a more robust defense.

Not sure which filtering solution fits your district? Download our free guide for tips on making the best choice.

5. Perform Google and/or Microsoft 365 Security and Browser Audits

Finally, don’t overlook cloud security and browser audits. These audits help spot vulnerabilities, track user behavior, and ensure compliance with privacy laws. ManagedMethods’ tools Cloud Monitor and Content FIlter make this process a breeze, giving you peace of mind while protecting sensitive data.

Claim your free cybersecurity and safety audit from ManagedMethods here!

Ready…Set…Celebrate Data Privacy Day!

Celebrating Data Privacy Day doesn’t have to be complicated. By taking these five proactive steps, your district can make strides in keeping student and staff data safe. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s make this year’s Data Privacy Day one to remember—you’ve got this!