HSM IT ServicesEducation
School authorities, private and charter schools, and post-secondary departments in Alberta support students, staff and families on shared networks with sensitive records. HSM IT Services helps education organizations keep classrooms connected, protect student information and manage devices at scale.
Schools and education organizations manage a large number of users and devices relative to their IT staff. Classrooms rely on laptops, Chromebooks, tablets, interactive displays and wireless networks that must work the moment a lesson starts. Administrative teams use student information systems, finance and payroll software, and communication platforms to stay in touch with families. Private and charter schools often run these systems with one or two people, while post-secondary departments may have needs that sit outside central IT.
Education is a common target for ransomware and data theft because organizations hold records about students, families and staff, and because open networks and many users create opportunities for attackers. Phishing aimed at staff and compromised student accounts are frequent issues. Schools also need content filtering, appropriate access controls and a plan for lost, damaged or stolen devices, all while keeping technology easy enough for teachers and students to use.
Privacy obligations vary by type of organization. School authorities and public post-secondary institutions are public bodies under Alberta's Protection of Privacy Act and Access to Information Act, while independent schools and other private organizations may fall under PIPA. Student records are also subject to requirements under the Education Act. Whatever the framework, schools need sound safeguards, sensible retention practices and clear processes for responding to incidents and information requests. Clear roles between administrators, teachers and IT support make these processes easier to follow.
Risks we see most
Ransomware and data theft
Attackers target student and staff records, and an attack can disrupt classes, report cards and payroll.
Phishing aimed at staff
Teachers and administrators receive large volumes of email, making them common targets for credential theft.
Compromised student accounts
Weak or shared student passwords can be used to access other accounts, send spam or reach sensitive resources.
Device loss and damage
Large fleets of student and staff devices are easily lost, damaged or stolen, and must be tracked and secured.
Overloaded or open Wi-Fi
Wireless networks that are poorly designed or insufficiently segmented can fail during class and expose internal systems.
How HSM IT Services helps
- Wireless network design and management for classrooms, gyms and common areas
- Device management for laptops, Chromebooks and tablets, including deployment and recovery
- Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace administration with appropriate student and staff controls
- Content filtering, email security and multi-factor authentication for staff
- Backups for student information, finance and shared files
- Security cameras and door access control for buildings and entrances
Rules and standards that apply
- Alberta Protection of Privacy Act and Access to Information Act for school authorities and public bodies
- Alberta Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) for private organizations where applicable
- Education Act (Alberta) and Student Record Regulation
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm your obligations with your lawyer or regulator.
Services for this sector
Managed IT Services
Our Managed IT Services puts all your technology under one phone call: computers, networks, cloud, cybersecurity, phones, printers, cabling, cameras and access control. We monitor, maintain and support it all for a predictable monthly fee, so problems are caught early and your team can focus on the business.
Learn moreNetwork and Firewall Management
Our Network and Firewall Management designs, secures and maintains the switches, Wi-Fi, firewalls and internet connections your organization depends on. We monitor performance, keep firmware current and review firewall rules so your network stays fast, stable and difficult for attackers to move through.
Learn moreDesktop Support
Our Desktop Support keeps your staff's computers, monitors, docking stations and peripherals working properly from setup to retirement. We image and deploy new devices, troubleshoot hardware and software problems, manage warranties and securely wipe old equipment, so every workstation is consistent, secure and ready for work.
Learn moreAccess Control Systems
Our Access Control Systems design, install and manage electronic door access using cards, fobs and mobile credentials. Because we also manage your IT, door access is integrated with staff onboarding and offboarding, so new employees get the right access on day one and departing employees lose it immediately.
Learn moreQuestions we hear
Can you help us manage hundreds of student devices?
Yes. We use central management tools to deploy, configure, update and track devices, so new devices can be ready quickly and lost or stolen devices can be locked. We can also help you plan refresh cycles and set up simple processes for repairs and loaners that teachers can follow.
Which privacy law applies to our school?
It depends on how your school is organized. School authorities and public post-secondary institutions are generally public bodies under Alberta's Protection of Privacy Act and Access to Information Act, while some private organizations fall under PIPA. We recommend confirming with your privacy advisor, and we help put the technical safeguards in place either way.
Can you work during school breaks?
Yes. We schedule larger projects such as network upgrades, device refreshes and server changes for summer and other breaks to avoid disrupting classes. During the school year, we focus on fast support and stability, especially around the start of term, exams and reporting periods.