Student data protection, research compliance, and educational privacy requirements for Massachusetts schools and universities.
Massachusetts is home to over 100 colleges and universities, including Harvard, MIT, Boston University, and Northeastern. The state has approximately 1,850 K-12 schools serving over 950,000 students. Educational institutions must protect student data under FERPA while also complying with Massachusetts data security regulations. Research institutions often handle sensitive federal research data requiring additional cybersecurity controls.
All companies in Massachusetts, including those in the education & research sector, must comply with Massachusetts data security and privacy regulations:
Pro Tip: Start with 201 CMR 17.00 - Massachusetts' foundational data security regulation that applies to all businesses handling personal information of Massachusetts residents.
These frameworks are legally required for education & research companies. Non-compliance can result in significant penalties, fines, and legal consequences.
Standards for the Protection of Personal Information of Residents of the Commonwealth
Massachusetts comprehensive data security regulation requiring businesses to protect personal information of Massachusetts residents.
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 93H - Notification of Security Breaches
Massachusetts law requiring notification of security breaches involving personal information.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 USC 1232g, 34 CFR Part 99)
Federal law protecting privacy of student education records and granting parents and eligible students rights to inspect, amend, and control disclosure of education records
While not legally mandatory, these frameworks represent industry best practices for education & research companies. Implementing these can improve security posture, build customer trust, and provide competitive advantages.
National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework Version 2.0
Voluntary framework providing guidance for organizations to manage and reduce cybersecurity risk through a common language and systematic approach.
Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in Nonfederal Systems and Organizations
Federal standard establishing recommended security requirements for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in nonfederal systems and organizations, mandatory for defense contractors and federal contractors handling CUI.
Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (15 USC 6501-6505, 16 CFR Part 312)
Federal law protecting online privacy of children under 13 by requiring website and online service operators to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children
Additional frameworks that may apply depending on your specific business operations, client requirements, or industry partnerships.
Follow this recommended sequence to achieve compliance as a Massachusetts education & research company.
Begin with 201 CMR 17.00 (data security) and M.G.L. c. 93H (breach notification). These apply to all Massachusetts businesses and form the foundation of your compliance program. Prepare for MDPA compliance (effective 2025).
Address all mandatory frameworks for the education & research sector. These are non-negotiable legal requirements with enforcement and penalties.
Strengthen your security posture with recommended frameworks. While not mandatory, these can differentiate your company, win customer trust, and may become requirements for certain contracts or partnerships.
Compliance is not a one-time project. Maintain ongoing monitoring, conduct regular assessments, update policies as regulations change, and train employees continuously. Use MyRHC to track your compliance status and stay informed of regulatory updates.
Get started with MyRHCMyRHC provides comprehensive tools and guidance for Massachusetts education & research companies to navigate complex compliance requirements.