British Universities Have Many Cyber Threats

Emerging online threats and tough new penalties for data breaches are forcing universities to take cyber security more seriously than ever.  Universities are bombarded on a daily basis with information about cybercrime and security, almost to the point where it feels that little else needs to be done other than trust in the IT department’s skills and get on with life.

But does this mean students and academic staff are safe? Is their research and partner companies’ data really secure? Will an institution’s computers, libraries and facilities function without hiccup thanks to the new wave of encryption, site blocks and alerts that have arrived in recent months?

In a word, no. Universities will never be 100 per cent secure because no one is completely safe when it comes to cybersecurity. 

As Henry Hughes, deputy chief information security officer at Jisc, pointed out at a recent higher education conference: “Half of you are not doing any student training in cyber security.” Supporting this statement, he added that a Jisc survey of 22,000 students’ satisfaction at the end of their courses found that 82 per cent felt that digital skills were essential to their future careers, but less than half of the group felt that they were well prepared for the digital workplace.

This matters because we can all be victims (or at least targets) and cyber security cannot, and should not, be delegated. While you are busy thinking “it’s not going to be me, I’m not important”, that is when you leave yourself vulnerable.
IT security is not a new challenge for universities but with the new European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation it is expected that universities will become more liable for data breaches, with fines of up to 2 per cent of overall revenue or €10 million, whichever is higher.

In 2016, the UK government set out plans to commit £1.8 billion to the National Cyber Security Strategy, working with organisations from the private sector, public agencies and academia to create a national Cyber Security Centre, a Cyber Innovation Centre, and an Institute of Coding.

The University of Gloucestershire is leading discussions with a select group of universities and businesses to discuss the shape and form of this national project. The university is also now one of 17 universities helping its graduates to develop skills in writing safe and secure software, as part of the newly set up Institute of Coding.

This project has acquired greater importance thanks to a new phenomenon known as the “internet of things”. This shorthand describes the online interconnection of computing devices embedded in everyday objects, ranging from phones and fridges to home thermostats and power stations. 

Within two years it is estimated that about 26 billion devices will be connected to the internet. Cyber-attacks will have the potential to damage not just our laptops and work computers, but dozens of electrical items in our homes. As such, university staff and students need to get into good “cyber hygiene” habits. Campus visitors bring laptops and mobile phones with them, while academics frequently connect with organisations from around the world. We need to limit the number of people with administrator privileges and be wary of disgruntled insiders.

Training and education must be continuous because cybersecurity is a process, not an event. It has to be part of a university’s ongoing risk assessment. We all should think of ourselves as human firewalls within our organisations.

It is vital to make sure that systems are updated regularly and understand that security is a continuous process. Share good practice, your neighbour could be the weak link so help them, and have a plan for when it all goes wrong.

Times Higher Education:      Image: Nick Youngson

You Might Also Read: 

Oxford University’s Cyber Research:

Canadian University Hit For $12m Phishing Scam:

 

« Business AI Platform For Commercial Development
Deloitte To Invest £430 Million On Cybersecurity Defences »

Infosecurity Europe
CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

NordLayer

NordLayer

NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses — from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security. 

BackupVault

BackupVault

BackupVault is a leading provider of automatic cloud backup and critical data protection against ransomware, insider attacks and hackers for businesses and organisations worldwide.

XYPRO Technology

XYPRO Technology

XYPRO is the market leader in HPE Non-Stop Security, Risk Management and Compliance.

Authentic8

Authentic8

Authentic8 transforms how organizations secure and control the use of the web with Silo, its patented cloud browser.

Directory of Cyber Security Suppliers

Directory of Cyber Security Suppliers

Our Supplier Directory lists 7,000+ specialist cyber security service providers in 128 countries worldwide. IS YOUR ORGANISATION LISTED?

mile2

mile2

Mile2 develop and deliver proprietary vendor neutral professional certifications for the cyber security industry.

Greenbone Networks

Greenbone Networks

Greenbone Networks delivers a vulnerability analysis solution for enterprise IT which includes reporting and security change management.

Raytheon Technologies

Raytheon Technologies

Raytheon Intelligence & Space delivers solutions that protect every side of cyber for government agencies, businesses and nations.

Sasa Software

Sasa Software

Sasa Software is a cybersecurity software developer specializing in the prevention of file-based network attacks.

Cyphercor

Cyphercor

Cyphercor is a leading smartphone and desktop-based two-factor authentication (2FA) provider.

TypingDNA

TypingDNA

TypingDNA uses AI to recognise people by the way they type on desktop keyboards and mobile devices.

Savanti Consulting

Savanti Consulting

Savanti provides practitioner-led cyber security services tailored to meet each organisation’s unique requirements.

GLESEC

GLESEC

GLESEC offer a complete range of Cyber Security services from Operations & Intelligence Services to Auditing & Compliance and Simulation and Training.

Gula Tech Adventures

Gula Tech Adventures

Gula Tech Adventures invests in companies and nonprofits that help close the gap in needed technology and workforce to defend the country in cyberspace.

Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI)

Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI)

The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative is establishing Virginia as a global center of excellence at the intersection of security, autonomous systems, and data.

Guardian Digital

Guardian Digital

Guardian Digital makes email safe for business. Threat-ready business email protection. Fully supported.

Lattice Semiconductor

Lattice Semiconductor

Lattice Semiconductor solves customer problems across the network, from the Edge to the Cloud, in the growing communications, computing, industrial, automotive and consumer markets.

Cyberfort Group

Cyberfort Group

Cyberfort exists to provide our clients with the peace-of-mind about the security of their data and the compliance of their business.

LoughTec

LoughTec

LoughTec secure, manage and connect IT infrastructure for businesses and organisations throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Psybersafe

Psybersafe

Psybersafe is a hands-on, behaviour-changing training system that keeps your people and your business cyber safe.

C2 Risk

C2 Risk

C2 Risk are focussed on risk analytics for information assurance, privacy and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance).