Universities are built for openness, but that openness comes with a steep price. Higher education institutions face an average of 3,574 cyberattacks per week, the highest of any industry. With open networks, unmanaged devices, and critical research infrastructure, they have become a prime target for cybercriminals, nation-state actors, and ransomware groups.
The latest research shows that 77% of educational institutions experienced a cyberattack in the last 12 months, up from 69% in 2023. The most common attack vectors include phishing, ransomware, and account takeovers, leading to millions in unplanned expenses, compliance fines, leadership changes, and reputational damage. The mass hack of the file-sharing tool MOVEit in 2023 affected nearly 900 colleges, underscoring the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity in higher ed.
The Risks of Legacy IT and IoT Vulnerabilities
Many universities rely on outdated IT infrastructure, making them vulnerable to backdoor exploits. Legacy systems, originally designed for academic collaboration rather than security, create a patchwork of vulnerabilities. Attackers increasingly target research institutions, seeking to steal intellectual property (IP), financial data, and government-funded research.
Cybercriminals also exploit IoT-connected infrastructure such as security cameras, HVAC systems, and emergency alert networks, using them as entry points for attacks. Higher education saw the highest rate of DDoS attacks in early 2024, crippling network access and disrupting operations. A single vulnerability in an IoT device can lead to ransomware attacks, data exfiltration, or even campus-wide outages.
Ransomware in Higher Education: A Growing Crisis
In 2024, 66% of higher education institutions were hit by ransomware. Attackers lock down student records, financial systems, and research data, demanding payments that can reach millions. The University of California San Francisco (UCSF) paid $1.14 million in ransom to recover critical medical research data. Meanwhile, the University of the West of Scotland suffered a cyberattack that exposed over 1 million personal records, contributing to a $18 million financial deficit.
Ransomware attacks disrupt learning environments, delay coursework submissions, and even prevent students from accessing tuition payment systems. The financial and operational fallout from these incidents can take years to recover from.
The Impact of Remote and Hybrid Learning on Security
The shift to remote and hybrid learning has dramatically expanded universities’ attack surfaces. Students, faculty, and staff now access institutional networks from personal devices and home Wi-Fi, making social engineering attacks like phishing and credential theft easier than ever. Unsecured endpoints and personal accounts create an entry point for lateral movement across university networks, putting entire institutions at risk.
The Solution: Intelligence-Driven Cybersecurity
Traditional security solutions are reactive—they detect and respond after an attack occurs. Higher education institutions need a proactive approach that prevents attacks before they happen. Intelligence-powered cybersecurity blocks known threats at the network’s edge, eliminating risk before malicious traffic can infiltrate university systems.
A real-time intelligence-driven security model delivers:
- Automatic threat blocking: Prevents ransomware, phishing, and malware attacks before they reach users.
- Protection for IoT infrastructure: Secures critical systems, including research labs, campus security, and student data.
- Reduced alert fatigue: Stops threats before they generate alerts, allowing security teams to focus on strategic efforts.
- Lower security costs: Reduces the need for expensive SIEM storage and security infrastructure upgrades.
A Smarter Cybersecurity Strategy for Higher Education
Cyber threats are evolving, and legacy security models no longer suffice. To protect research, students, and institutional integrity, universities must adopt intelligence-powered cybersecurity that prevents attacks at scale.
