5 Affordable Ways to Boost Cybersecurity Maturity in Higher Ed

Cybersecurity threats are intensifying across higher education. Ransomware, phishing and data breaches are no longer rare — they’re routine. According to “The State of Global Cyber Security 2025,” released by Check Point, education remained the most targeted industry globally in 2024, experiencing a 75% increase in cyberattacks year-over-year.

Higher education institutions face heightened vulnerability to cybersecurity threats due to several factors. One is the large student population. Universities are open environments, serving hundreds to tens of thousands of students with each connecting to devices daily. These institutions store tons of sensitive data — from student records, research data and financial information — making them a prime target for a data breach. As the population size increases, so does the cybersecurity risk.

Other factors include the prevalence of decentralized IT environments, reliance on outdated legacy systems and limitations in dedicated cybersecurity personnel. Additionally, budgetary constraints exacerbate these challenges; 42% of institutions anticipate budget cuts, which further increases risk exposure. CIOs are facing the challenge of protecting sensitive data and maintaining operational continuity with fewer resources.

Compounding these issues is the complexity of making changes in large colleges and universities. Large institutions often rely on outdated systems that are difficult to upgrade without disrupting operations. Implementing new technologies in large universities affects many students, staff and faculty. While a phased approach to implementing technology is possible, it can leave some areas vulnerable. Additionally, larger institutions require greater investments, which also impacts the decision-making process.

Cybersecurity maturity is the ability to continuously assess, improve and adapt your cybersecurity strategy. It’s not just about defense — it’s about resilience. In higher ed, resilience starts with strategic prioritization, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. It’s about prioritizing risk, consolidating tools and doing more with what you already have. That means shifting from reactive spending to proactive planning.

Improving cyber maturity doesn’t require a massive budget. It requires smarter execution. Here are five cost-effective strategies CIOs can leverage today:

1. Platform Consolidation

Many institutions overspend by purchasing multiple-point solutions for different security domains, such as threat and vulnerability management, email protection and endpoint protection. Consolidating into fewer, more comprehensive platforms reduces costs and simplifies management. A trusted IT partner can help institutions identify overlap and streamline their technology stack.

2. AI-Driven Automation

Automation powered by artificial intelligence (AI) can dramatically improve operational efficiency. From ticket creation to event correlation and incident response, AI enables faster, more accurate threat detection. This is especially valuable for institutions with small IT teams. AI can create more efficiency for colleges and universities, allowing them to build economies of scale.

3. Robust Identity Management

Identity is the new perimeter; the increased use of web applications — a primary entry point for ransomware — has heightened the focus on identity. Compromised identities can grant attackers access to sensitive research, grades and financial data. Ensure that your data governance and compliance architectures only authorize individuals who can access clean and trusted data. Don’t trust anything; verify and inspect everything.

4. Managed Security Services

Building a robust security operation center (SOC) or network operation center (NOC) in-house is expensive and not easy. You must invest in a lot of resources and multiple platforms to get it set up. One way to alleviate this burden is to partner up with a managed services provider who can offer a scalable alternative, allowing institutions to tap into external expertise and platforms. This helps modernize architecture and reduce risk without the overhead.

5. Strategic Roadmapping

Cyber maturity is a journey. A trusted IT partner like CDW can provide strategic roadmaps that guide institutions through continuous improvement. Cybersecurity is a framework that requires constant attention. Minute by minute, second by second, threat actors are trying to get access your systems, networks and critical data — the crown jewel of your institution. This is why cyber maturity is so essential.

CDW can help institutions improve their cybersecurity maturity strategy through annual penetration testing, tabletop exercises and risk assessments. These services empower CIOs to make informed decisions, mitigate risks and build long-term resilience.

Technology alone isn’t enough. Cybersecurity must be embedded in the culture. Yet many academic environments face resistance to change. Faculty and staff often view security as a barrier, not an enabler.

Overcoming this requires a people-first approach. Consider delivering security awareness training through virtual webinars and self-paced modules with knowledge checks. These low-cost methods empower users and reduce risks like phishing and social engineering.

Security should be frictionless. When you create a great experience for the end users, they can embrace technology more. When they understand their role and see cybersecurity as not just a tool but part of their workflow, adoption improves and so does protection. Building bridges,  not barriers, between students, faculty and staff is essential to creating a trusted, inclusive environment.

CDW helps higher ed leaders strengthen their security posture through strategic cybersecurity assessments of their current stack, portfolio rationalization, managed security services and strategic roadmapping to stretch every dollar.

What sets CDW apart is our ability to meet institutions where they are — maximizing existing investments, simplifying operations and building resilience.

We don’t just sell solutions. We help CIOs reimagine their cybersecurity strategy, modernize their infrastructure and unlock savings through smarter execution. Our expertise in identity management, zero trust frameworks and AI integration ensures that institutions are prepared for today’s threats — and tomorrow’s.