SB 1893 Compliance with Lightspeed Systems: A Guide for Texas IT Admins

Texas Senate Bill 1893 has placed schools at the forefront of a movement toward heightened digital security. With this new bill in place, districts have until November 20, 2024, to restrict access to over 30 applications and websites, such as TikTok, on managed devices and networks.

With Lightspeed Systems, K-12 district IT admins in Texas can meet these new standards with confidence. By following these best practices and leveraging the powerful capabilities of Lightspeed Digital Insight, Lightspeed Filter, and Lightspeed MDM, you’ll keep your district fully compliant while providing a safe digital environment for students and educators alike.

Here’s a breakdown of best practices by product:

1. Lightspeed Digital Insight

• Quickly Identify and Block Prohibited Apps: See a detailed view of usage of over 30 applications impacted by the new legislation under the tag “TXSB1893 Ban” and take action to block them in Lightspeed Filter through native integrations.
• Manage and Share an Approved Apps List: Easily manage app requests and approvals for the district and share the approved apps list with parents, teachers, and other stakeholders, promoting transparency and trust.

2. Lightspeed Filter

• Block Restricted Websites and Apps: Create a custom category in Lightspeed Filter to block and monitor all websites associated with the prohibited list of apps and developers, ensuring restricted platforms are inaccessible on district networks.

Contact a Lightspeed Team Member for the full URL list!

• Mitigate Risks by Blocking Foreign Domains: To reduce exposure, block top-level domains (TLDs) from other countries (such as .ru) using wildcards. Toggle on “World” for comprehensive coverage and enhanced security.
• Block Access on IoT and Non-managed Devices: Ensure all agentless devices are compliant via Cloud DNS and/or Lightspeed SmartShield filtering.

Visit this link for a step-by-step guide on how to accomplish these best practices.

3. Lightspeed Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Restrict Access to Prohibited Applications: Block access to applications such as TikTok and WeChat on district-owned devices by removing access through the self-service portal and disabling app store downloads.

Staying Ahead in a New Era of Digital Security

As Texas schools embrace this new era of digital vigilance, Lightspeed Systems is here to support your journey, keeping student data secure and compliant every step of the way.

Contact your Lightspeed System’s representative to learn more or schedule a demo today.