Case Studies Proactive device security at Auburn Washburn USD

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	Proactive device security at Auburn Washburn USD

Proactive device security at Auburn Washburn USD

Technology Category	Cybersecurity & Privacy - Endpoint Security Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
Applicable Industries	Education
Applicable Functions	Business Operation Facility Management
Use Cases	Asset Health Management (AHM) Remote Asset Management Theft Detection
Services	Cybersecurity Services System Integration
Challenge	Don Williams, AW’s Technology Coordinator, describes laptop theft as costly and inconvenient; it overstretches available resources and interrupts the workflow of both staff and students. As school boards often face a rigid budget, maximizing IT investments is essential. Each time a lost or stolen asset has to be replaced, the budget is challenged. Williams explains that current economic conditions have intensified the need to get the most out of IT assets, requiring AW to be particularly “proactive and reactive” in minimizing loss and maximizing the lifespan of their computer population. Read More
About Customer	The Auburn-Washburn (AW) School District in Kansas is made up of one early childhood center, seven elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, one alternative high school, and two alternative learning centers. The first devices were introduced to classrooms in 1998. The AW School District is committed to inspiring and challenging each of its students and maintains a noteworthy reputation as one of the highest performing school districts in Kansas. As part of its dedication to education excellence, AW introduced a school computing program that provides devices to 1,400 students and staff members. Read More
Solution	To combat theft, increase theft recovery capabilities, and ensure optimal use of its fleet, AW installed Absolute across 1,400 computers before rolling out their full-scale computing initiative. Of the product features that led AW to select Absolute, Williams identifies patented Persistence® technology as a key attribute. Embedded in the core of devices at the time of manufacture, the technology ensures that the Absolute software agent is in tact, making it virtually impossible for an unauthorized user to accidentally or deliberately remove it. AW uses Absolute to closely monitor the location and activities of its fleet. Each protected device checks into the Absolute Monitoring Center regularly, providing AW with up-to-date asset reports for each device. These reports provide information about the user, physical location, and the installation of hardware and software. By setting alerts to unauthorized changes, IT can proactively identify suspicious activity and respond efficiently. With Absolute in place, AW has the tools necessary to initiate theft recovery and see that the stolen device is recovered and returned to the district. Once AW reports a theft to Absolute, the Absolute Investigations team deploys a series of forensic tools that track the laptop’s location and identify the user. This information provides police with the details necessary to make the physical recovery and return the machine to its rightful owner. “Logistically, I would much rather get a laptop back than have to replace it,” Williams notes. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Cybersecurity & Privacy - Endpoint Security

Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems

Applicable Industries

Education

Applicable Functions

Business Operation

Facility Management

Use Cases

Asset Health Management (AHM)

Remote Asset Management

Theft Detection

Services

Cybersecurity Services

System Integration

Challenge

Don Williams, AW’s Technology Coordinator, describes laptop theft as costly and inconvenient; it overstretches available resources and interrupts the workflow of both staff and students. As school boards often face a rigid budget, maximizing IT investments is essential. Each time a lost or stolen asset has to be replaced, the budget is challenged. Williams explains that current economic conditions have intensified the need to get the most out of IT assets, requiring AW to be particularly “proactive and reactive” in minimizing loss and maximizing the lifespan of their computer population.

About Customer

The Auburn-Washburn (AW) School District in Kansas is made up of one early childhood center, seven elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, one alternative high school, and two alternative learning centers. The first devices were introduced to classrooms in 1998. The AW School District is committed to inspiring and challenging each of its students and maintains a noteworthy reputation as one of the highest performing school districts in Kansas. As part of its dedication to education excellence, AW introduced a school computing program that provides devices to 1,400 students and staff members.

Solution

To combat theft, increase theft recovery capabilities, and ensure optimal use of its fleet, AW installed Absolute across 1,400 computers before rolling out their full-scale computing initiative. Of the product features that led AW to select Absolute, Williams identifies patented Persistence® technology as a key attribute. Embedded in the core of devices at the time of manufacture, the technology ensures that the Absolute software agent is in tact, making it virtually impossible for an unauthorized user to accidentally or deliberately remove it. AW uses Absolute to closely monitor the location and activities of its fleet. Each protected device checks into the Absolute Monitoring Center regularly, providing AW with up-to-date asset reports for each device. These reports provide information about the user, physical location, and the installation of hardware and software. By setting alerts to unauthorized changes, IT can proactively identify suspicious activity and respond efficiently. With Absolute in place, AW has the tools necessary to initiate theft recovery and see that the stolen device is recovered and returned to the district. Once AW reports a theft to Absolute, the Absolute Investigations team deploys a series of forensic tools that track the laptop’s location and identify the user. This information provides police with the details necessary to make the physical recovery and return the machine to its rightful owner. “Logistically, I would much rather get a laptop back than have to replace it,” Williams notes.

Impact #1	Receive alerts to changes such as a device leaving the school premises.
Impact #2	Identify the location and status of each device with no time-consuming physical inventory requirements.
Impact #3	With the help of the Absolute Investigations team and law enforcement, stolen laptops are recovered.

Impact #1

Receive alerts to changes such as a device leaving the school premises.

Impact #2

Identify the location and status of each device with no time-consuming physical inventory requirements.

Impact #3

With the help of the Absolute Investigations team and law enforcement, stolen laptops are recovered.

Benefit #1	AW installed Absolute across 1,400 computers.
Benefit #2	The school computing program provides devices to 1,400 students and staff members.

Benefit #1

AW installed Absolute across 1,400 computers.

Benefit #2

The school computing program provides devices to 1,400 students and staff members.

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Overview

Proactive device security at Auburn Washburn USD

Operational Impact

Quantitative Benefit