FileCloud Empowers Educational Institutions
Educational institutions face unique challenges in providing secure, accessible file sharing solutions. Rapid shifts toward virtual learning prompted IT managers to reimagine how students, faculty, and staff access critical resources remotely. This evolution presents both opportunities and challenges for educational technology infrastructure.
The Evolution of Remote Learning Needs
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated what was already becoming inevitable: the need for robust remote access solutions in education. Virtual learning platforms are no longer supplementary—they're essential components of modern education. This shift requires IT managers who are tasked with maintaining education IT infrastructure to develop systems that maintain security while ensuring seamless access to resources.
For educational institutions, the stakes are particularly high. The protection of student data, the integrity of academic programs, and operational efficiency all depend on implementing the right remote file sharing solution. These concerns are formalized in key education industry regulations, including COPPA and FERPA, and contextualized in resources like the Higher Education Community Vendor Assessment Toolkit (HECVAT).
Educational Institutions Need Comprehensive Remote File Sharing Solutions
Educational institutions have specific requirements to be able to support their students, faculty, and staff and fulfill their organizational mission. The remote file sharing solution needs to be flexible, secure, and functional. That means providing an access structure that recognizes the unique use cases of students, professors, aides, administrators, and staff. A secure remote access solution makes that all possible without having to rifle through filing cabinets or connect to a network through a VPN.
Cybersecurity & Compliance Support
Academic institutions have already proven to be a target for cyber criminals. Any remote access solution for these organizations needs to be able to provide a robust and evolving solution, supporting industry best practices and regulatory requirements. Furthermore, the solution needs to deliver information on usage and activity, with reports and audit logs, to meet evolving compliance requirements.
Infrastructure Modernization
Schools, universities, and institutes often have complex IT infrastructures, stemming from the integration of a variety of applications, tools, and hardware components over the years to meet developing needs. The remote file access and sharing solution needs to consider existing structures and either integrate with them or replace their function. The ideal solution would help streamline some of these processes and modernize the overall IT infrastructure.
Sharing & Collaboration
The whole point of enabling secure access is so people (students, faculty, staff, etc.) can exchange information and collaborate on joint initiatives, such as the collection of homework or group project preparation to grant application drafting to curriculum and department budget reviews. Information needs to be accessible so it can be used.
How FileCloud Delivers Secure File Sharing for Schools
FileCloud offers a comprehensive solution tailored to educational institutions' unique requirements. Unlike VPN-dependent systems, FileCloud provides secure remote file sharing that integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure.
Discover how CalArts leveraged FileCloud to provide secure remote access with scalable storage.
Streamlined Integration with Current Systems
FileCloud works with your institution's established IT framework:
- Flexible deployment models for on-premises or cloud-based
- Integrates with Windows file shares and storage appliances.
- Leverages existing Active Directory credentials.
- Preserves NTFS permissions, even for off-campus access.
- Provides fine-tuned controls, security settings, and records retention policies to support compliance.
Enhanced Collaboration for Students and Faculty
The platform facilitates secure file collaboration for students and instructors:
- Team Folders allow instructors to create dedicated spaces for classes or projects.
- Granular permissions ensure students access only appropriate materials.
- Document upload simplifies homework submission and feedback.
- File locking prevents version conflicts during group projects.
- Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace integrations offer familiar file interfaces.
- Workflow automation streamlines collaboration processes with file routing and notifications.
Comprehensive Security for Educational Data
FileCloud's robust security features protect sensitive educational information:
- 256-bit AES encryption for stored files
- SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit
- Two-factor authentication and Single Sign-On options
- Automatic virus scanning of uploaded files
- Endpoint device protection
- Detailed audit trails for compliance reporting
Beyond basic file sharing, FileCloud offers tools that help IT managers provide a robust remote access solution:
- Sync clients ensure files are updated across devices.
- FileCloud Desktop provides a familiar interface for accessing remote files.
- Mobile apps extend access to smartphones and tablets.
- Full-text search capabilities simplify resource location.
- Workflow automation reduces administrative overhead.
- Detailed reporting and analytics provide visibility into system usage.
Supporting Your Educational Institution's Future
As educational models continue to evolve, deploying a flexible, secure remote file sharing platform becomes increasingly critical. FileCloud adapts to changing needs, supports IT infrastructure modernization, and scales with your institution's growth.
By implementing FileCloud, educational IT managers can provide the secure remote access their students, faculty, and staff need without compromising security or adding unnecessary complexity.
Ready to see how FileCloud can transform secure file sharing at your educational institution?
Contact us today to learn more about our specialized solutions for education.
By Katie Gerhardt
Jr. Product Marketing Manager