CyPro, a leading name in cyber security for fast-growing businesses, has released a new report, Degrees of Security, offering a deep dive into the state of cyber security at UK universities.
The report, based on key research with 22 major UK universities, provides a comprehensive analysis of how these institutions are organising, funding, and resourcing their cyber security efforts. Are UK universities preparing effectively for the cyber threats they face, or are they falling behind?
CyPro’s Degrees of Security report arrives at a crucial time, adding weight to the ongoing conversation about cyber security within higher education. The report highlights critical gaps in how some universities are managing their defences and offers practical, tailored strategies to help institutions keep pace with the evolving cyber threat landscape.
The report also reveals how the broader macro-economic environment is exacerbating cyber risks for UK universities. Financial pressures caused by public funding cuts, changes to student loan repayment rules, tuition fee caps, loss of EU research funding, and increasing global competition for students are all putting these institutions under strain.
In response, universities are being pushed to expand their commercial horizons and adopt new business models at speed. International collaborations, overseas growth, and unrestricted data sharing for research purposes are all raising their cyber risk at a time when they are becoming more vulnerable.
However, the report identifies several opportunities for universities to improve their cyber security posture. As institutions adapt to the financial pressures and shift towards trans-national education and partnerships, they have a chance to update their identity governance systems to support this expansion, enhancing both institutional growth and the digital experience for students at home and abroad.
Jonny Pelter, Partner at CyPro, remarked: “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 dynamic cyber security partner, known for supporting the needs of high-growth businesses throughout their journey. Their goal is to provide leadership teams with the peace of mind that their digital assets are safe, allowing them to focus on growth. CyPro specialises in supporting the unique requirements of academic institutions and other fast-growing organisations, ensuring they can scale securely.
