In “Cybersecurity for Research: Findings and Possible Paths Forward,” the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) published the results of a study to uncover the cybersecurity challenges and risks, current methods and resources, and recommendations for future work found in higher education cybersecurity. According to the survey results, collaborative engagements, like those available through the REN-ISAC, provide resources and opportunities for addressing common cybersecurity challenges and risks.
NIST identified the major challenges facing our profession. First, there is a lack of cybersecurity awareness among researchers and institutional administrators. This leads to another major challenge, a culture clash between cybersecurity staff and researchers, administrators, and other university professionals. In addition, research institutions are facing IT security workforce and budget challenges. There are not enough skilled professionals in the field and turnover is high. Limited budgets have institutions struggling to maintain staffing and services, as well as keep up with the rapid pace of innovation.
In the face of these challenges, collaboration is key! The REN-ISAC is named among the top groups helping to bolster awareness, engagement, and collaboration across higher education research and cybersecurity communities. Our professional communities provide opportunities for information sharing, innovation, and efficient problem solving. The REN-ISAC also provides information and collaboration with Federal Government entities through our involvement with CISA, the FBI, and the National Council of ISACs (NCI). Those partnerships not only enable us to pass on national level security threat information to our members but also to advocate for our professional sector at the federal level through events like the NCI Day on the Hill (coming in October).
To learn more about what REN-ISAC does for higher ed cybersecurity, please visit our website.