Page 176 - Cyber Defense eMagazine January 2024

1. Test and Assess Existing Systems for Vulnerability

Many universities and colleges have outdated systems and minimal security safeguards. Bad actors can
exploit this situation, force their way into supposedly secure networks and access sensitive information.

Higher education institutions must examine their systems, test existing security measures and address
vulnerabilities. Acknowledging areas for improvement and staying open to adopting possible solutions
are the first steps to defending against cyberthreats.

2. Implement Rigorous Cybersecurity Measures

Cybercriminals are leveling up their game by adopting new technologies and strategies to steal valuable
information. If they are ramping up their methods to infiltrate secure systems, higher education institutions
must also recognize relevant trends and take steps to bolster their defenses.

Enabling newer cybersecurity protocols and adopting modern technologies like access control and
multifactor authentication can help universities improve their defenses against data breaches. Security
teams must monitor critical networks for suspicious activity and patterns outside normal user behavior.

3. Leverage Digital Literacy to Defend Against Cyberthreats

Cybersecurity is a collective responsibility. The quicker education institutions recognize this, the better.
University and college leaders should address security issues at every level — from students and
administrators to faculty and stakeholders. Digital literacy can be a powerful tool to reduce human errors
and prevent data breaches.

Higher education institutions must leverage their educational background to promote cyber hygiene in
the school community. Launching cybersecurity campaigns is a viable solution to addressing existing
issues. Universities and colleges must inform users of existing cyberthreats and train them to use systems
responsibly.

4. Allocate Resources for Cybersecurity

While funding can be a delicate topic for many universities and colleges, it’s high time they adapt to the
changing digital landscape. Gone are the days when passwords, firewalls and antivirus software are
enough to protect against malware and other cyberthreats. Leaders in the higher education sector must
recognize the growing risk of cyberattacks.

Universities must allocate ample resources to hire qualified professionals and implement updated
cybersecurity strategies to protect sensitive data and secure critical networks. Massive adoption of online
learning and the rise in connected devices open a new attack vector for bad actors. As learning methods
change for the better, security standards must also keep up to protect everyone’s valuable data and
sensitive information.

Cyber Defense eMagazine – January 2024 Edition 176
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