Higher education institutions must prioritize risk management to prevent disruptions that impact students, faculty, and operations. Handling large volumes of personal, financial, and academic data makes them particularly vulnerable to security breaches.
By establishing security protocols, adopting advanced software, and forming compliance committees, institutions can strengthen their risk management strategies and respond effectively to evolving threats.
Additionally, board management software plays a crucial role in cybersecurity for higher education institutions—it can either fortify defenses with secure, reliable tools, or expose the organization to potential threats.
What is Cybersecurity Risk Management?
Cybersecurity risk management involves evaluating vulnerabilities and threats that could compromise an organization’s digital systems. It includes creating and enforcing policies, deploying security tools, and developing contingency plans.
Cybersecurity risk management is typically overseen by a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or other senior executive responsible for the organization’s enterprise risk management. A compliance manager ensures the organization adheres to internal and industry regulations to protect sensitive data and prevent security risks.
In higher education, cybersecurity risk management is not only vital to protect sensitive student and faculty data, but also internal documents and research. Institutions must ensure executive leaders understand the board of directors’ role in compliance issues.
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5 Cybersecurity Risks in Higher Education
Advanced meeting software strengthens cybersecurity risk management by providing secure communication channels with end-to-end encryption. For example, AGB OnBoard regularly performs intrusion monitoring and penetration testing to help higher education institutions remain a step ahead of potential threats.
1. Data Breaches and Unauthorized Access
Data breaches occur when unauthorized individuals gain access to confidential information, often due to cyberattacks or security vulnerabilities. These individuals may seek access to data to steal sensitive information for financial gain, commit fraud, or exploit the institution.
Breaches can result in financial setbacks, identity theft, legal ramifications, and weaken stakeholders’ confidence in the organization’s responsibility.
2. Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware attacks involve a cybercriminal using malware that locks the victim’s files or system, demanding payment in exchange for restoring access.
Ransomware attacks can cause network downtime while investigators and other professionals work to resolve the issue, resulting in a significant impact on operations and business.
3. Phishing
Perhaps the most common cybersecurity topic, phishing is a form of cyber fraud where attackers masquerade as legitimate organizations or people to deceive victims into sharing sensitive information.
They may ask for login credentials, bank account details, or other personal information. Phishing attacks are typically delivered through fake emails, websites, and even phone numbers. Users need to be cautious about clicking suspicious links, as well as emails or phone numbers requesting out-of-the-ordinary information.
4. Insider Threats
Insider threats in cybersecurity arise when staff or third parties exploit their access to confidential information for malicious purposes.
These threats can result in data breaches, unauthorized access, or system vulnerabilities and can go undetected for longer periods than external attacks. To prevent insider threats, organizations should enforce robust access restrictions and regularly audit activities.
5. Outdated System Vulnerabilities
Outdated systems refer to technology that’s no longer maintained, serviced, or updated, leaving organizations susceptible to security vulnerabilities and technical malfunctions.
In the digital age, updating systems regularly is vital to defend against emerging security threats and to take advantage of new features and improvements. Software evolves frequently to address bugs, enhance user experience, and to remain proactive on ever-changing security challenges.
Board Management Made Easy with AGB OnBoard
Staying ahead of cybersecurity risks in higher education protects valuable student and faculty data while fostering a safe, innovative learning environment. By proactively addressing threats, institutions can build a resilient, future-ready space that supports learning.
Robust meeting software like AGB OnBoard strengthens cybersecurity by securing connections, enabling multi-factor authentication, and encrypting data.
Beyond improving security, AGB OnBoard streamlines processes with tools that eliminate tedious tasks, such as the compliance committee agenda template. Ultimately, boards should focus on strategic priorities—not system failures or software bugs that disrupt operations.
Take the step now to enhance your security and ensure regulatory compliance across your higher education institution. Request a free trial today.
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About The Author
- Josh Palmer serves as OnBoard's Head of Content. An experienced content creator, his previous roles have spanned numerous industries including B2C and B2B home improvement, healthcare, and software-as-a-service (SaaS). An Indianapolis native and graduate of Indiana University, Palmer currently resides in Fishers, Ind.
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