INDUSTRY WATCH

Balancing open access with cybersecurity is a pressing challenge in today ’ s hyperconnected environment . For institutions like schools , colleges and universities , which prioritise collaboration and learning , the risks posed by cyberthreats have grown exponentially . Traditional approaches to cybersecurity that rely on securing the network perimeter are no longer sufficient in a world of flexible working , cloud-based systems and personal devices .

A Zero Trust security model offers a practical framework for addressing these challenges . The core principle of Zero Trust is simple : Trust Nothing , Trust Nobody . This means treating every device , user and system as a potential threat until it has been verified . For educational institutions , this approach ensures that students , faculty and staff only gain access to resources they are explicitly authorised to use , reducing opportunities for both insider and external threats .

Key to this strategy is layered security applied across all aspects of the network , including users , devices , applications and databases . For example , students accessing online learning platforms can be given permissions limited to those systems , while staff working remotely use multi-factor authentication to verify their identities . Such measures ensure that access is granted only when necessary and appropriate . campaigns and ransomware targeting students and staff . By adopting a Zero Trust model , educational institutions can proactively address these risks while maintaining the openness needed for collaboration and learning .

Ultimately , the goal is to strike a balance between security and accessibility . A comprehensive Zero Trust approach doesn ’ t restrict legitimate users but ensures that sensitive data , systems and resources are protected against a constantly evolving threat landscape . Educational institutions must recognise that relying on outdated strategies is no longer viable and that adopting modern , adaptive solutions is essential to staying secure in an increasingly complex digital environment .

Stefano Lodola , Founder and Course Author at Think in Italian

Before becoming an educator and course author , I experienced working as a CISO in the education sector . I would say that balancing open access to information with cybersecurity risks requires a different

AI plays a critical role in enhancing this framework . AI-driven tools can monitor networks in real time , flagging suspicious activity such as unusual login patterns or unauthorised data transfers . These systems can triage alerts , helping cybersecurity teams focus on the most urgent threats and respond quickly to mitigate potential breaches .

The shift to hybrid learning and increased connectivity also creates new vulnerabilities , such as phishing

AJ Thompson , CCO at Northdoor

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