Educause Horizon Report: Sustainability Pressures Lead to Increased Cybersecurity Risks

In an era where technology and environmental consciousness are increasingly intertwined, the latest findings from the Educause Horizon Report highlight a critical intersection of sustainability and cybersecurity in higher education. The recently released 2024 Cybersecurity and Privacy Edition of the Horizon Report outlines key trends, technologies, and practices that are shaping the future of cybersecurity and privacy in academic institutions. Drawing insights from 39 expert panelists worldwide, the report categorizes these trends into five distinct areas: Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental, and Political.

The Growing Cybersecurity Landscape

The report underscores a stark reality: cybersecurity and privacy risks are escalating at an alarming rate. As institutions adopt more sophisticated technologies, they inadvertently expand their cyber attack surfaces. The report identifies three primary technological trends that are particularly concerning:

1. Increasing Cybersecurity and Privacy Risks: Institutions are facing a surge in cyber threats, necessitating a robust response from cybersecurity teams.

2. Sophistication of Cyber Attacks: Cybercriminals are employing increasingly advanced tactics, making it imperative for institutions to stay ahead of potential threats.

3. Rapid Technological Change: The pace of technological advancement means that institutions must continuously adapt their cybersecurity strategies to keep up with new tools and methods.

Environmental Pressures and Cybersecurity Risks

One of the most striking revelations in the report is the impact of environmental sustainability efforts on cybersecurity. As higher education institutions strive to become more sustainable, they are integrating new technologies that can inadvertently introduce new risks. The report notes:

"New risks are … being introduced as higher education institutions are facing growing pressure to be sustainable and are continuing to integrate sustainable technologies, which tend to expand the cyber attack surface."

This dual challenge presents a unique dilemma for cybersecurity teams: while they must protect their institutions from evolving threats, they are also tasked with ensuring that their practices align with sustainability goals.

The Role of AI in Cybersecurity

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity strategies, but its environmental impact is raising concerns. The report emphasizes that cybersecurity teams relying on AI-driven tools must consider the carbon emissions associated with these technologies.

To address this challenge, the report suggests several strategies:

• Investing in Efficient AI Solutions: Teams should seek AI-powered cybersecurity solutions that do not require large language models (LLMs) or that utilize existing models rather than creating new ones.

• Incorporating Fine-Tuning Methods: Improving the efficiency of AI models can help reduce their environmental footprint.

• Utilizing Low-Powered Devices: Running models on devices that consume less power can further mitigate the environmental impact.

Social Trends Impacting Cybersecurity

The report also highlights several social trends that are influencing the cybersecurity landscape in higher education:

1. Growing Privacy Concerns: As data breaches become more common, students and faculty alike are increasingly concerned about their privacy and the security of their personal information.

2. Cyber Attacks with Physical Consequences: The rise of cyber attacks that have tangible effects on physical infrastructure poses a significant risk to institutions.

3. Targeting of Students: Cybercriminals are increasingly focusing their efforts on students, who may be less aware of cybersecurity best practices.

Economic and Political Influences

The economic landscape presents its own set of challenges for higher education institutions. Financial constraints continue to limit the resources available for cybersecurity initiatives, while workforce gaps exacerbate the issue. Additionally, the transformative impact of AI on work processes is reshaping how institutions approach cybersecurity.

On the political front, the report notes that the regulatory landscape is continually evolving, with state and federal regulations influencing cybersecurity practices. Politically motivated attacks are on the rise, further complicating the cybersecurity landscape for educational institutions.

Conclusion

The 2024 Educause Horizon Report serves as a wake-up call for higher education institutions grappling with the dual pressures of sustainability and cybersecurity. As institutions strive to meet environmental goals, they must also remain vigilant against the growing tide of cyber threats. By adopting innovative strategies and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, educational institutions can navigate these challenges and protect their communities.

For those interested in a deeper dive into the findings, the full report is available here on the Educause site.

As we move forward, it is essential for institutions to recognize the interconnectedness of sustainability and cybersecurity, ensuring that efforts to protect the environment do not compromise the safety and security of their digital landscapes.