In the classroom, universities and colleges are looking towards the future with their curricula, stretching young minds around evolving concepts and advancements. The irony? Behind the scenes, these same institutions are often unprepared for the changes that developing technology brings to their campuses and networks. Recent digital disruptions, such as AI, have exposed the systems that many of these institutions have in place. In many cases, these are aged and ill-equipped to defend against today’s modern threats.  

In order to adapt, modernization and digital transformation are imperative., As colleges and universities embrace digital ecosystems, access management processes and technology can guide your digital strategy. 

Together, Identity access management (IAM) and privileged access management (PAM) implementations provide comprehensive protection against identity-based exploits and unauthorized access to privileged information. This symbiotic, 360-degree approach is required to remain competitive in today’s academic community landscape, which lays the groundwork for comprehensive and secure modernization on a number of fronts. 

Combat Growing Cyber Attacks With IAM and PAM Tools

The 2025 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report found that in 2024, the education sector experienced 1,075 incidents and 851 confirmed breaches involving the disclosure of authenticated data. The most common patterns in these attacks included system intrusions such as ransomware and the use of stolen credentials, miscellaneous errors like sending information to the wrong recipient, and social engineering tactics. Phishing links, used to gain unauthorized access to accounts, were the most prevalent method. Most of the incidents were carried out by external actors motivated by financial gain. 

To defend against these threats, schools are encouraged to adopt identity and access management strategies. These include identity governance and privileged access management. Lacking proper access controls and risk management, many higher education institutions find themselves in a state of panic, focused on damage control after an exposure. By eliminating manual tasks and static passwords, institutions can transition from reactive to proactive cybersecurity strategies. 

You can take another step forward by adding technology. At the heart of cutting-edge access management solutions, these powerful tools can anticipate and forecast complications before hackers exploit them. Higher education institutions can further fortify these efforts with risk and threat assessments, as well as resolution recommendations, ultimately transitioning from reactive to proactive risk avoidance strategies. 

Tackle Evolving Regulations and Compliance Requirements 

Many universities invest a significant amount of time and money in certification and attestation initiatives.  Although useful in some contexts, these efforts often lull organizations into a false sense of security.  Without automation, attestation reports can become obsolete in just a matter of days. IAM automation and identity administration strategies ensure rights are assigned and removed promptly, maintaining compliance without the need for manual intervention. Modern systems also automate the role review process and provide auditors with access, saving them many hours of reporting and study. 

Predictive analysis of users’ needs will then help reduce the number of requests generated. An efficient workflow engine at the center of an access management solution guarantees that you are provisioned on time, even if human approval is required. 

Execute Zero Trust 

The future of cybersecurity lies in Zero Trust architectures, as IT environments have become more fluid, open, and vulnerable. Although remote work has increased the use of VPN technologies in recent years, many organizations are realizing that secure connectivity is a single factor in a multifaceted approach to keeping their networks secure.  A Zero Trust strategy addresses the new network landscape by trusting no one. The identity and integrity of every user and every device must be authenticated reliably and frequently.  

While colleges and universities may not have the capacity to sprint towards a Zero Trust architecture, taking crucial first steps, such as network and inventory audits, can lay the foundation for success. Investing in IAM and PAM solutions that enable strong integration (for input and output) will allow institutions to scale more efficiently, add tools and features, and implement initiatives like Zero Trust when they’re ready. 

Look to the Horizon 

A modernized approach to identity and access management can help you respond to the ever-changing landscape of higher education, but this is only the tip of the iceberg.  These efforts can enable you to meet the unique challenges of Universities and Colleges and reclaim hundreds of hours for your IT leadership to spend on more strategic projects. 

Measure your vendor risk with the Higher Education Community Vendor Assessment Toolkit (HECVAT) from the Higher Education Information Security Council (HEISC), a questionnaire framework specially designed for higher education institutions.  

Explore identity access management (including identity governance) and privileged access management's role in creating change and learn how to modernize with our eBook: Choosing a Modern Access Management and Governance Solution for Higher Education.