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Technology has evolved, and with it, attackers and ill-intended actors have become more sophisticated. Nowadays, thugs don’t have to break into spaces to steal money or faculty resources. All they need is weak passwords and unaware users.

If you want to do something shady, it’s enough to send out a phishing email impersonating university officials, and some of the recipients will do it for you. Or, you can launch a ransomware attack that locks down the entire campus network.

Even a compromised student portal can mean delayed class schedules, stolen financial aid info, or leaked personal data. Worse, when key systems go down, campus safety and operations are put at serious risk.

The best move right now is for campus leaders and administrators to boost cybersecurity and increase awareness among students. If you don’t know where to start, we have a few tips, so stay tuned until the end. 

Why Awareness is the First Line of Defense

Most cyberattacks don’t happen like you see in movies. They’re as simple and boring as someone (student or staff) clicking on a fake “reset your password” email.

According to a Stanford University and Tessian study, 88% of data breaches are caused by human error. That’s why awareness is the true frontline defense. No matter how advanced your firewalls or encryption protocols are, they’re only as strong as the people using them.

As a campus leader, you have a big opportunity here. Simple steps, like integrating cybersecurity briefings into student orientation, launching monthly email reminders, or even gamifying security with inter-departmental phishing simulations, can turn passive users into informed defenders.

And don’t forget your student organization leaders. Their group chats, shared drives, and event sign-up forms are all potential access points for bad actors. Work with everyone to host a “Cyber Smart 101” crash course for student leaders once a semester, and campus security will improve.

Work with IT Specialists

Your university IT department is a strategic partner in the fight against cyberattacks, so try to build a strong relationship with them. Pay attention to their recommendations, schedule regular check-ins, and make sure they’re the first to know in case an incident occurs.

Yet, not every campus has the internal bandwidth to handle today’s cybersecurity demands. If your IT team is stretched thin or facing increasingly complex threats, consider partnering with a managed security services provider. These third-party pros can monitor your network 24/7, respond to threats in real time, and bring specialized expertise that’s often tough to maintain in-house.

Corsica Technologies managed security is one such option, offering end-to-end solutions that can take the pressure off your in-house team and help secure your campus from all angles.

Of course, this doesn’t mean losing control. You’re strengthening your organization’s response and giving the IT staff room to breathe. When the right people are focused on the right problems, everyone wins.

Wrap Up

Cyberthreats don’t wait for you to gather your thoughts and materials. You either have good cybersecurity and protection measures, or you don’t. 

Campus leaders who act today can prevent tomorrow’s data breaches, downtime, and reputational headaches. Whether you’re running a department or leading a student org, your role matters in keeping your digital campus safe. So ask questions, open conversations with IT, and promote awareness wherever you lead.