New Pioneering Report from CyPro Reveals the Realities of UK Universities’ Cyber Defences

LONDON, UK. September 5th, 2024 - Cyber security specialists CyPro, known for taking care of cyber security for high-growth companies, have released a new report, “Degrees of Security”. 

The report, developed through vital research with 22 leading UK universities, provides a thorough analysis of how UK universities are currently structuring, funding, and resourcing their cyber security teams and capabilities. Are UK universities setting themselves up for success or failing to keep pace with the building cyber threat?  

 

CyPro's “Degrees of Security” report is a timely and significant contribution to the discourse on cyber security in the higher education sector, highlighting the urgency of addressing these emerging threats. The insights have identified fundamental gaps in how some universities are approaching their cyber security. It provides pragmatic strategies tailored to the unique needs of higher education institutions to try and ensure they keep pace with the changing cyber threat landscape. 
 

The report cites that the wider macro-economic environment is worsening the risk position for UK universities as they face unprecedented financial challenge from public funding cuts, student loan repayment thresholds, tuition fee caps, loss of EU research funding and increasing global competition for students. 

 

This is pushing universities to broaden their commercial horizons and quickly pivot to new business models. New partnerships, overseas expansion and uninhibited data sharing for better research collaboration are all significantly increasing universities' risk profile at a time when they are becoming increasingly vulnerable. 

 

The report also identifies several emerging opportunities for universities to strengthen their cyber security. As universities respond to the wider financial pressures on the sector, adapting their growth strategies towards trans-national education channels and partnership models, there is an opportunity to update identity governance systems ready for this expansion, not only enabling university growth but also improving the digital experience of students both at home and on international campuses. 
 

Jonny Pelter, Partner at CyPro said: "Universities are custodians of vast amounts of highly sensitive data and intellectual property, often with national security consequences, making them prime targets for cyber attacks. 

"Our “Degrees of Security” report provides academic institutions with the insights necessary to re-evaluate their own security posture and make corrections in strategic approach to keep pace with the threat. It is an essential resource for anyone charged with the responsibility of safeguarding the digital assets of their University." 

 

CyPro is a new and exciting cyber security partner, known for taking care of cyber security for high-growth companies, at every stage of their journey. Their mission is to provide peace of mind to small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) leadership teams, enabling them to focus on growth in the knowledge that their digital assets are safe and secure. CyPro are experts in supporting the unique needs of academic institutions and other high-growth organisations, enabling them to scale their businesses securely. 

ENDS