Industry: Higher Education

Services Provided: Comprehensive Information Security Policy Framework
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Background
As digital transformation accelerates in higher education, universities face growing cybersecurity threats, data privacy challenges, and compliance requirements. Global University Systems (GUS) Canada recognized the need to strengthen its information security posture to protect sensitive institutional, faculty, and student data while ensuring uninterrupted operations across its digital infrastructure.
To address these challenges, BTB Consulting was engaged to develop a robust and scalable Information Security Policy Framework to align GUS Canada’s security strategy with industry best practices and regulatory compliance.
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Objective
The goal was to create a structured, university-wide security framework that:
Enhances protection of university networks, endpoints, and cloud environments.
Ensures compliance with Canadian data security regulations and international cybersecurity standards.
Defines clear security protocols to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats.
Standardizes security policies across all campuses to create a unified security governance model.
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Solution: A Comprehensive Information Security Framework
BTB Consulting developed and implemented a multi-layered security policy framework tailored to the university’s IT infrastructure, user behavior, and regulatory requirements.

    1. Information Security Policy

• Established a university-wide security governance model, defining security roles and responsibilities.
• Set clear access control policies for safeguarding sensitive information.
• Implemented data classification standards to differentiate access to critical university information.
• Aligned security policies with ISO 27001, NIST, and Canadian privacy laws.
  
  

2. Network and Communication Security Policy
   
   

• Designed a secure architecture for university-wide IT networks, ensuring secure communication channels across multiple campuses.
• Implemented firewall configurations, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and network segmentation to minimize risks.
• Established network monitoring policies to detect and respond to security threats in real time.
  
  

3. Endpoint Security Policy
   
   

• Developed strict security controls for university-owned devices, including laptops, desktops, and mobile devices.
• Implemented endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to safeguard against malware, phishing, and ransomware attacks.
• Enforced multi-factor authentication (MFA) and device encryption to protect against unauthorized access.
  
  

4. Cloud Security Policy
   
   

• Defined best practices for securing university data in cloud environments (Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud).
• Established data protection measures including encryption, secure cloud storage policies, and identity and access management (IAM).
• Integrated automated security compliance checks to align cloud security with regulatory requirements.
  
  

5. Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan (CSIRP)
   
   

• Designed a structured framework for identifying, mitigating, and recovering from cyber incidents.
• Established incident response teams, escalation procedures, and post-incident reviews to enhance resilience.
• Conducted cybersecurity drills and awareness training for faculty, staff, and IT teams to ensure preparedness.

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Results & Impact
Improved Cyber Resilience: University systems became more secure, reducing the risk of data breaches and cyber threats.
Compliance & Governance Alignment: The new security framework aligned with Canadian data protection regulations and international cybersecurity standards.
Enhanced Incident Response Readiness: The CSIRP framework ensured a faster, more structured response to cybersecurity incidents.
Seamless Cloud & Network Security: Strengthened security controls across on-premise and cloud environments, securing sensitive university data.
Standardized Security Policies: A consistent security approach across all campuses ensured a unified security governance structure.
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Conclusion
By implementing a comprehensive, structured, and proactive security framework, BTB Consulting helped GUS Canada fortify its digital ecosystem against evolving cyber threats. The newly established security policies and response plans empower the university to safeguard its critical assets, maintain compliance, and ensure a secure learning environment for students, faculty, and staff.