Did you know that schools are a common target for hackers that traffic people’s data? While cybercrime is a definite problem for schools, regular crime is also still a concern as well. School systems are attacked on all fronts in many communities.

So, what can you do? Do you want to restrict unauthorized access but don’t know which method is most effective? Do you need help making your records more secure or figuring out how to prevent vandalism? 

You’re not the only school that deals with security breaches, so there are some systems in place that may be able to help you. 

Keep reading to get our top 3 tips and ideas for your school security system. 

1. Create Response Strategies

Your school should be a well-oiled machine regardless of whether the day is going as planned or not. If there is a fire, school shooter, or any other type of security threat, your staff members and students should know what to do.

Part of this comes down to educating the teachers and faculty on what the procedures are, but it’s also important to update those procedures on a regular basis as needed. Have a document that details all threats, procedures, and assets that staff can easily reference.

Make sure that you have drills to help the students practice what should happen in different instances so that there is a higher level of preparedness overall. 

2. Follow FERPA and Secure Records

FERPA is a federal law that was enacted in 1974 to help protect student and personal family records. It created a lot more specifics in terms of who can access children’s information and when or why that information is accessed.

Your school has to follow these protocols to decrease vulnerability and stay within the confines of the law.

In addition to this, however, your school may also want to ensure all team members understand what this law means and how it works. This helps everyone understand the seriousness of children’s records and information.

Further, create a strategy that removes administrator rights from the backend and user systems. This will mean that a proxy or password is required for access, and you’ll also have session monitoring, reporting, and auditing to make sure that this data is not being compromised (even by accident) by teachers or counselors. 

3. Add CCTV Cameras

Many schools now have cameras installed as an easy way to monitor the perimeter, check exists, and deter crime. They can be a great way to make sure that students are safe and where they need to be in the school without staff members physically going to check.

If you’re curious about installing CCTV systems at your school, visit this page for more information on where to begin. 

Of all the school security measures, this is one of the only ones that will also let you figure out what happened after a crime has occurred. For this reason, CCTV cameras are a huge asset for your school. 

Get Serious About School Security This Year

As you can see, there are several measures that will promote better school security that you may not already have in practice. If you’re ready to make sure that students, teachers, and faculty are protected during the school day, implement one or more of these ideas for the coming school year.

Do you want to learn more about topics like this? If so, be sure to take a look at the rest of our blog for more helpful tips.