Source: securityboulevard.com – Author: Michael Vizard
Adam Khan, vice president of global security operations for Barracuda Networks, explains what makes securing schools, such as universities, so much more difficult than the average enterprise IT environment.
Unlike traditional enterprises, schools operate on limited budgets, often relying on outdated infrastructure while managing vast amounts of sensitive student, financial, and research data—making them prime targets for ransomware attacks. In this conversation, Khan explores why the academic sector struggles to keep up with evolving cyberthreats. Universities lack the financial and technical resources to implement robust security measures, and their decentralized nature—with sprawling campuses, thousands of connected devices, and multiple software applications— tends to complicate protection efforts. Many institutions still treat security as an afterthought rather than a critical operational necessity.
Khan also discusses potential solutions, such as how AI and automation can be game changers for schools, allowing them to leverage advanced threat detection and response capabilities without requiring extensive in-house expertise. However, adopting cybersecurity as a managed service requires a mindset shift—one that acknowledges security as a fundamental institutional priority. Resistance often comes from cultural inertia, with many universities reluctant to deviate from traditional IT management approaches.
Furthermore, training remains a hurdle. Unlike corporations, universities can’t mandate security training for every student, faculty member, and parent. Yet, educating users about phishing threats and best practices is essential. Khan suggests that cybersecurity providers must prioritize usability, ensuring that security measures enhance protection without disrupting learning.
As attacks grow more sophisticated, the status quo is no longer sustainable. Khan underscores the need for universities to embrace AI-driven security services and collaborate more effectively—perhaps even at the state level—to build a stronger defense against cyberthreats. In the age of AI, going it alone is a losing strategy.
Original Post URL: https://securityboulevard.com/2025/02/adam-khan-on-the-unique-security-challenges-in-education-it/
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