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Cyberattacks on universities are becoming more frequent every week. What to do?
Educational institutions are becoming a frequent target of cyberattacks, facing thousands of incidents every week. According to Microsoft's May "Cyber Signals" report, this sector ranks third in terms of the number of attacks in the second quarter of 2024. On average, every major educational institution is attacked at least once a week, and the number continues to grow around the world, especially in the United States and Europe.
Universities and research institutions face more serious threats than primary and secondary schools. In Europe, 43% of universities report attacks every week, which is much higher than those for younger age groups, where the rate ranges from 13% to 16%.
One of the reasons for this vulnerability is the complex infrastructure of universities. Educational institutions combine the functions of financial, medical, housing, and even research institutions. They process large amounts of personal data, as well as potentially valuable scientific developments, which makes them a tasty target for hackers.
The vulnerability is exacerbated by a combination of modern and outdated technologies used simultaneously, as well as a shortage of cybersecurity specialists. In addition, the problem is exacerbated by the concept of BYOD, when students and teachers use their personal devices on university networks, which can become a source of threats.
In recent years, some universities have begun to implement their own Security Operations Centers (SOCs) to better counter cyber threats. For example, Oregon State University and a number of other universities, including the University of Cincinnati and California Polytechnic University, have created their own SOCs. And in Texas, the Department of Information Resources partners with local universities to protect both academic and government institutions.
Cyberattacks on universities underscore the need to strengthen data protection and modernize security systems. Without updated measures and sufficient resources, educational institutions risk being on the front lines of the fight against cyber threats, where every day can be crucial.
Source
Educational institutions are becoming a frequent target of cyberattacks, facing thousands of incidents every week. According to Microsoft's May "Cyber Signals" report, this sector ranks third in terms of the number of attacks in the second quarter of 2024. On average, every major educational institution is attacked at least once a week, and the number continues to grow around the world, especially in the United States and Europe.
Universities and research institutions face more serious threats than primary and secondary schools. In Europe, 43% of universities report attacks every week, which is much higher than those for younger age groups, where the rate ranges from 13% to 16%.
One of the reasons for this vulnerability is the complex infrastructure of universities. Educational institutions combine the functions of financial, medical, housing, and even research institutions. They process large amounts of personal data, as well as potentially valuable scientific developments, which makes them a tasty target for hackers.
The vulnerability is exacerbated by a combination of modern and outdated technologies used simultaneously, as well as a shortage of cybersecurity specialists. In addition, the problem is exacerbated by the concept of BYOD, when students and teachers use their personal devices on university networks, which can become a source of threats.
In recent years, some universities have begun to implement their own Security Operations Centers (SOCs) to better counter cyber threats. For example, Oregon State University and a number of other universities, including the University of Cincinnati and California Polytechnic University, have created their own SOCs. And in Texas, the Department of Information Resources partners with local universities to protect both academic and government institutions.
Cyberattacks on universities underscore the need to strengthen data protection and modernize security systems. Without updated measures and sufficient resources, educational institutions risk being on the front lines of the fight against cyber threats, where every day can be crucial.
Source
