Why Universities Must Prioritize Cybersecurity Awareness Now

In an increasingly digital academic world, universities have become attractive targets for cybercriminals. At CyberStreams, we help higher education institutions stay ahead of rapidly evolving tech threats that can severely disrupt learning, research, and operations.

In 2023 alone, cyberattacks on higher education surged by an alarming 70%, marking it as the “worst ransomware year on record” (Malwarebytes, 2024). According to the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR), there were 1,780 reported incidents, including 1,537 confirmed data breaches. Universities are being hit hard, and the stakes have never been higher.

Why Universities Are Prime Targets

Higher education institutions store vast amounts of sensitive data: student records, research, financial information, and more. Unfortunately, this makes them magnets for hackers. A high-profile example was the 2023 MOVEit breach, which impacted over 900 U.S. schools due to vulnerabilities in file transfer systems.

Ransomware gangs like LockBit and Rhysida have targeted universities, demanding multi-million-dollar ransoms. The financial impact is staggering, averaging $4 million per breach, but the damage doesn’t stop there. Attacks can also:

• Interrupt classes and exams

• Compromise personal and institutional data

• Tarnish an institution's reputation

Consider the University of Michigan, which had to shut down its internet services during a 2023 cyberattack, disrupting life for over 230,000 students.

The Challenges: Open Cultures, Old Tech, and Limited Budgets

Universities often operate with open-access environments, legacy systems, and constrained IT resources. This makes them uniquely vulnerable. Shockingly, 30% of education sector users fall for phishing scams, double the global average.

Even more concerning is the lack of awareness. Many schools still don’t implement basic cybersecurity frameworks like the UK’s NCSC 10 Steps to Cyber Security, leaving gaping vulnerabilities.

How Universities Can Fight Back

Cybersecurity awareness must be embedded in every aspect of campus life. Here are three essential steps:

1. Launch Regular Phishing Training

Short, frequent training sessions (2–5 minutes) and simulated phishing drills can reduce successful attacks by up to 90%. Phishing is the entry point for most academic data breaches, teaching students and staff how to spot and report suspicious activity is essential.

CyberStreams offers weekly micro-trainings to keep cybersecurity top of mind.

2. Audit Systems and Vendor Risks

Outdated systems are an open door for cybercriminals. Conduct thorough audits to identify gaps, and evaluate third-party vendors using tools like HECVAT (Higher Education Community Vendor Assessment Toolkit).

Universities that use HECVAT consistently achieve stronger security ratings, and CyberStreams can guide your institution through the entire process.

3. Engage Leadership Proactively

Cybersecurity must go beyond the IT department. Boards and senior leadership need to champion a formal cybersecurity strategy. Currently, only 50% of institutions have one in place, leaving many vulnerable.

CyberStreams helps align leadership with best practices through strategic consulting and board engagement.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue, it's a campus-wide priority. As digital threats grow in volume and sophistication, higher education institutions must respond with urgency, strategy, and education.

Don’t let a cyberattack derail your mission.

Start with three steps:

• Train your campus community with targeted microlearning.

• Evaluate and modernize your systems and third-party partnerships.

• Get your leadership team actively involved.

At CyberStreams, we’re here to help you take these steps. Let's work together to secure your university's future.