HECVAT QUAL-02: Third-Party Data Sharing
Full Question: "Will institutional data be shared with or hosted by any third parties? (Any entity not wholly owned by your company is considered a third-party.)"
Version: HECVAT Full v3.0.6
Weight: 10 out of 40
Risk Level: High Risk
Why This Matters
Third-party data sharing is a critical concern in higher education technology due to the sensitive nature of institutional data. Educational institutions must protect student information, research data, and other confidential information from unauthorized access or misuse. When EdTech vendors share data with third parties, it increases the potential attack surface and introduces additional compliance requirements. Understanding and managing these third-party relationships is crucial for maintaining data security, privacy, and regulatory compliance.
Key Considerations
- Data Protection Regulations: Compliance with FERPA, GDPR, CCPA, and other relevant data protection laws when sharing data with third parties.
- Security Measures: Ensuring that third parties have adequate security controls and practices in place to protect institutional data.
- Data Ownership and Control: Maintaining clear ownership and control over institutional data, even when shared with or hosted by third parties.
- Transparency: Providing clear information to educational institutions about which third parties have access to their data and for what purposes.
- Risk Assessment: Conducting thorough risk assessments of third-party vendors and their data handling practices.
Best Practices for Compliance
Implement these best practices to ensure compliance with HECVAT QUAL-02:
- Robust vendor risk management processes
- Clear data sharing agreements and contracts
- Regular audits of third-party access
- Data encryption in transit and at rest
- Data minimization practices
- Detailed documentation of all third-party arrangements
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Related HECVAT Questions
- QUAL-01: Institutional Data Usage
- THRD-01: Third-Party Service Providers
- THRD-02: Third-Party Risk Assessment
Additional Resources
- EDUCAUSE: Data Sharing and Third Parties in Higher Education (opens in a new tab)
- NIST SP 800-171: Protecting CUI in Nonfederal Systems and Organizations (opens in a new tab)
- Cloud Security Alliance (CSA): Cloud Controls Matrix (opens in a new tab)
FAQ
Get Expert Help
Navigating the complexities of third-party data sharing in EdTech can be challenging. Our HECVAT Pro services offer expert guidance to ensure your compliance with QUAL-02 and other critical HECVAT requirements. Contact us today for a personalized consultation and streamline your path to HECVAT compliance.