Top Hat: Advancing Data Protection in Educational Technology with GovRAMP

Why did your organization become a GovRAMP member? 

As an educational technology company handling sensitive student data, we joined GovRAMP to demonstrate our commitment to robust cybersecurity practices. By adopting GovRAMPs standardized approach to security verification, we strengthen our security posture and foster trust with our higher education clients, assuring we meet their rigorous data protection needs.

What advice do you have for other providers progressing through the GovRAMP process? 

Start early and involve your whole team. Treat the GovRAMP journey as an opportunity not just for compliance, but also to enhance your organization’s overall security practices. By utilizing GovRAMP's resources and engaging with its community, you can foster a secure environment that benefits both your organization and your clients.

How do you stay up to date with the evolving cybersecurity landscape? 

We prioritize continuous learning through industry conferences, webinars, and partnerships with cybersecurity experts. Our team regularly engages in training to stay informed on emerging threats and best practices in the educational technology industry, helping us proactively protect sensitive data and adapt to new cybersecurity challenges.

How has GovRAMP benefited your organization so far? 

Implementing GovRAMP standards has streamlined our security verification, enabling us to work more efficiently with our higher education clients. By proactively identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, we’ve strengthened our security posture and deepened our clients’ trust in our ability to protect their data.

Please share any specific lessons learned from your GovRAMP journey. 

Among the key lessons learned was the importance of thorough documentation. Keeping detailed records of security practices and being prepared to showcase them is invaluable. Building a security-first culture across departments is critical not only for compliance but also for fostering ongoing cybersecurity resilience.

What cybersecurity-related events, conferences, or webinars do you recommend for industry professionals? 

For top security insights, consider attending conferences like Black Hat USA, RSA, and AWS re:Inforce. IAPP provides webinars, the P.S.R Conference, and privacy and security training. Additionally, GovRAMP webinars and the annual GovRAMP Cyber Summit offer valuable insights into government security requirements and emerging cybersecurity trends.

How can other members or organizations collaborate with your company on cybersecurity projects? 

We're open to partnerships that enhance data privacy in educational technology. We are especially interested in collaborations focused on addressing the unique security needs of remote and hybrid learning environments, where safeguarding data is essential to the learning experience.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the GovRAMP community or the broader cybersecurity community? 

As education technology evolves, so must our approach to cybersecurity. We encourage ongoing dialogue and knowledge sharing within the community to ensure we are collectively prepared to address new and emerging threats and protect sensitive educational data. 

About Top Hat 

Top Hat provides software and content for teaching and learning to higher education institutions. We offer interactive response tools, editable textbooks, and content personalization solutions to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.