CISO Blueprint for Higher Education

In higher education cybersecurity, there's a lot you can't control. The threat landscape is constantly shifting, budgets are tight, and users can be, shall we say, unpredictable. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence is rapidly ushering in a new generation of cybersecurity threats, from AI-generated phishing emails to AI-powered ransomware.

But don't despair!

This blueprint will offer four steps to help you focus on what you can control so you can begin to build a robust cybersecurity program that delivers real value to your institution.

Starting with the IT Security Architecture in the Mirror

Before you can begin improving how your security architecture protects your organization, you must assess your program's current tools, policies, and practices.

• Identify and document assets: Create a comprehensive inventory of all hardware, software, and data storage locations, paying close attention to where sensitive data is stored and how.
• Analyze existing security controls: Evaluate the effectiveness of current security measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access controls.
• Assess security awareness: Do your end-users know what suspicious behavior looks like and what to do if they observe it? Do they know how to create strong passwords and why these measures are important?
• Review incident response plan: Evaluate your incident response plan. Is your communication plan up-to-date, with accurate contact information for all current stakeholders?
• Identify vulnerabilities: Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify weaknesses in your systems and applications. Do you have abandoned user accounts lurking on your network, waiting to be exploited? Is your security infrastructure plagued with broken integrations, insufficient controls, and poor visibility?

Define your Ideal Target State

Now that you've taken a good, hard look in the mirror and assessed your current security program, it's time to envision your ideal future state and define a target state architecture. Like building a home, you need a well-defined blueprint designed for your organization's needs, goals, and appetite for risk.

• Needs: Defining your target state architecture requires a deep understanding of your institution's business needs. What are the core functions and services that your institution provides? How does technology support those functions and services? For example, a university with a strong online learning program will have different security needs than one primarily focusing on traditional classroom instruction. Likewise, a community college with limited financial resources will need an efficient strategy with predictable costs. Understanding these needs will help you prioritize security investments and ensure your architecture supports the institution's core mission.
• Goals: Aligning your security architecture with your business goals demonstrates the value of cybersecurity to institutional leadership and ensures that stakeholders see your program as a strategic asset. Consider your institution's strategic objectives and how cybersecurity contributes to your ability to achieve them. If your institution has a goal of attracting and retaining more students, your security architecture should prioritize protecting student data and ensuring a frictionless user experience that is safe and secure.
• Risk Appetite: What level of risk is your institution willing to accept? This is a complex question of critical importance. Some institutions may be more risk-averse than others, which will influence the security measures you implement. For example, a research university with highly sensitive intellectual property may have a lower risk appetite than a small liberal arts college.

Cultivate a Security-First Culture

Cybersecurity is not just the responsibility of the CISO. It is everyone's responsibility. Each end-user and device is part of your overall attack surface – a brick in the wall of your defense. Whether your users are a security vulnerability or an asset is up to you.

To build a strong security culture, you need to:

• Provide security awareness training as part of your onboarding process.
• Reinforce the importance of security to all members of your institution through regular communications.
• Offer ongoing professional development to promote security awareness.
• Make it easy to report security incidents.
• Develop comprehensive security policies and procedures that are well-written, readily accessible, and updated regularly.
• Recognize and reward individuals and teams for implementing and promoting good cybersecurity practices.

How We Help

At KeyData Cyber, we specialize in end-to-end identity security, with over 100 trained experts with decades of experience supporting industries across North America. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation of your organization's identity security program. We'll help you take stock of your current defenses, identify your institution's unique needs, and chart a course to a more secure future.