maryland capitol building

Sensitive Information of Over 1.4 Million Students 'Improperly Stored' by Maryland Government

A state audit found that the personal information of over 1 million students and more than 200,000 teachers was at risk of identity theft.

A state audit found that Maryland’s education department improperly stored the “sensitive, personally identifiable” information of more than 1.4 million students and more than 200,000 teachers, leaving them at risk of having that information stolen.

The July 2 report, completed by the state legislature’s auditing office, discovered that student and teacher names and Social Security information was not encrypted — as recommended by Maryland state policy — and in “clear text,” The Washington Post reported. In addition, the databases were not “adequately protected” by the use of data loss prevention software, according to the report.

The auditors noted that the information stored by the department is most commonly used for identity theft.

“Accordingly, appropriate information system security controls need to exist to ensure that this information is safeguarded and not improperly disclosed,” the audit reads.

Maryland has already been in the headlines recently for data security issues. Earlier this month, the state reported that the names and Social Security numbers of as many as 78,000 residents from two older databases run by the state’s labor department had been accessed in a cyber attack. That information belonged to people who received unemployment benefits in 2012 or sought their general equivalency diplomas in 2009, 2010 or 2014, according to the Post.

The education department audit also found that there is not evidence that student data managed by third-party contractors was properly stored. The contracts with outside companies did not have assurances regarding data retention and backup or disaster recovery, according to the audit.

Jonathan Deveaux, the head of enterprise data protection at technology security company comforte AG, said that the report offers a “rare glimpse” into the challenges of keeping systems up to date against potential security gaps.

“The audit revealed a problem that most organizations face – reducing, or eliminating, legacy operating systems which often contain exploitable vulnerabilities,” Deveaux said. “From a logistics point of view, there are tools to help remotely upgrade operating systems. However, other factors need to be considered, such as availability of services, applications which may also need to be updated, and other resource availability.”

The report recommended that the department start encrypting its student data regardless of the age of the database and seek to ensure that existing and future agreements with outside contractors include provisions addressing data security.

Karen Salmon, the state superintendent of schools, wrote in a response to the audit that her department would most recommendations dealing with database security and computer updates would be implemented by the end of September, the Post reported. The department’s IT division would determine an appropriate encryption method as well, Salmon said.

Deveaux said the large costs of updating systems and potentially long time commitments can be intimidating for many organizations.

“With the high costs associated with cyber incidents, the fact remains that it is not easy for IT departments to keep all systems and computers up to date,” Deveaux said. “Cybersecurity providers can help organizations get to a secured-state faster by 'operationalizing' their solutions. Easier deployment, like integrations that are transparent to existing systems, will help reduce the need for service outages, minimize change requirements, and reduce resource impacts.”

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Accelerating a Pathway

    There is a new trend touting the transformational qualities of AI’s ability to deliver actionable data and predictive analysis that in many instances, seems to be a bit of an overpromise. The reality is that very few solutions in the cyber-physical security (CPS) space live up to this high expectation with the one exception being the new generation of Physical Identity and Access Management (PIAM) software – herein recategorized as PIAM+. Read Now

  • Protecting Your Zones

    It is game day. You can feel the crowd’s energy. In the parking lot. At the gate. In the stadium. On the concourse. Fans are eager to party. Food and merchandise vendors ready themselves for the rush. Read Now

  • Street Smarts

    The ongoing acceptance of AI and advanced data analytics has allowed surveillance camera technology to shift from being a tactical tool to a strategic business solution. Combining traditional surveillance technology with AI-based data-driven insights can streamline transportation systems, enhance traffic management, improve situational awareness, optimize resource allocation and streamline emergency response procedures. Read Now

  • The Progress of Biometrics

  • Next-Gen AI for Smart Cities

    The future of smart city technology is not being shaped in Silicon Valley — it is taking root in Dubuque, Iowa. With a population of about 60,000, this mid-sized city has become a live testbed for AI-driven traffic management thanks to a unique public-private collaboration led by Milestone Systems. Project Hafnia demonstrates how cities can transform urban mobility and safety through Responsible Technology—without costly infrastructure overhauls. Read Now

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.