If there is one thing that we have learned over the last several years in cybersecurity, it’s that every organization — regardless of industry — is at risk from cyberthreats. No institution is safe.
Unfortunately, however, some sectors — particularly education— have fallen far behind in their efforts to effectively combat cybercrime.
According to one new study, 77 percent of educational institutions are not prepared for today’s IT risks. 79 percent, in fact, do not use any software for information security governance or risk management. 72 percent do not have any dedicated employees responsible for cybersecurity maintenance. And 77 percent perceive employees to be the biggest threat to system security and availability.
Only 23 percent of education institutions consider themselves to be well-prepared to beat IT risks.
So, why are so many educational institutions struggling with their cybersecurity initiatives? 74 percent cite a lack of budget; 54 percent cite a lack of time; and 44 percent cite insufficient participation of senior management.
Here is our take on this important issue:
Cybersecurity is a major issue that impacts all members of an educational institution including families, faculty, administrators and even vendors. Institutions therefore have an enormous responsibility to protect their sensitive data. There should be no exceptions to this, regardless of an organization’s management, budget or level of in-house IT knowledge.
Educational institutions that lack the resources to maintain cybersecurity on their own are strongly encouraged to seek assistance from third party companies offering managed security services. Apex Technology Services, for instance, is a managed services provider serving Greater New York City and beyond. Apex can provide the guidance and support that is necessary for combating today’s sophisticated hackers.
Remember: School communities deserve the strongest level of cybersecurity possible. To learn more about how Apex can protect your institution, click here.
A new breed of hacktrepeneurs has awoken and they have little to fear and everything to gain by infecting as many companies as possible and extorting money from them. Apex Technology Services stands ready to protect your company regardless of whether it’s located in New York City; White Plains, New York; Connecticut; Australia; Europe; or anywhere else. Our full suite of cybersecurity and IT support services is at your disposal, enabling you to spend less time worrying about and more time growing your business.
To ensure your security, consider one of our most popular services — Auditing & Documentation — which pinpoints vulnerabilities in your infrastructure, process flow and internal security procedures.