From 'Spend' to 'Defend:' Transforming Cybersecurity in Academia

The modern higher education environment is a treasure trove of personal, financial, and research data, making it a prime target for cyberattacks. Facing escalating cyberthreats, our institution sought a trusted partner to enhance our cybersecurity through penetration testing. This session, led by Chris Witthans, director of Information Security, Identity and Access Management for California State University, Chico, outlines our collaborative journey, from selecting a partner known for expertise and alignment with educational values to conducting thorough security tests that revealed significant vulnerabilities. We explored various attack simulations and assessments, resulting in strategic recommendations that markedly improved our security infrastructure. Insights on selecting the right vendor, the collaborative nature of effective testing, and implementing actionable improvements will be shared. The partnership with CDW not only met, but exceeded, our expectations, underscoring the value of expert collaboration in safeguarding educational environments. Join us to learn how strategic vendor partnerships can be pivotal in transforming cybersecurity measures from mere costs to essential investments.