16 July 2024

Sophos, a British cybersecurity firm, has released a study conducted with 600 IT and cybersecurity leaders in educational institutions, highlighting the ongoing risks and financial impacts of ransomware attacks.

Incidence drops, but sector remains vulnerable

The study found that 63% of lower education institutions and 66% of higher education institutions experienced ransomware attacks in the past year. These figures represent a notable decrease from the 80% and 79% reported in 2023 for lower and higher education, respectively, suggesting increased awareness and defensive measures against cybersecurity threats. Despite the decrease, the attack rates in the education sector remain higher than the global cross-sector average of 59%.

Backup compromises remain a critical vulnerability

Moreover, 95% of educational institutions hit by ransomware reported attempts by cybercriminals to compromise their backups. Of these, 71% were successful, making it the second-highest rate of successful backup compromise across all sectors, following the energy, oil/gas, and utilities sectors. This high success rate highlights a critical vulnerability in backup security within educational institutions.

Soaring financial costs of ransomware recovery

Financially, the impact of ransomware attacks on educational institutions has been significant. The mean cost of recovery for lower education institutions in 2024 was USD 3.76 million, more than double the USD 1.59 million reported in 2023. For higher education institutions, the mean recovery cost was USD 4.02 million, nearly four times higher than the USD 1.06 million reported in 2023. These rising costs underscore the substantial financial burden ransomware attacks impose on the education sector.

Widespread impact on devices

The extent of ransomware’s impact is also concerning, with an average of 52% of computers in lower education and 50% in higher education being affected by these attacks. These figures are slightly above the cross-sector average of 49%, indicating that educational institutions remain particularly vulnerable to widespread disruptions from ransomware.

Data restoration: ransom payments and backup use increase

In terms of data restoration, the study revealed that 62% of lower education institutions paid the ransom to retrieve encrypted data, while 75% used backups to restore data. For higher education, 67% paid the ransom, and 78% utilised backups for data restoration. Higher education institutions ranked second-highest in both the propensity to use backups for data restoration and the propensity to pay ransom, while lower education institutions ranked third in ransom payment. This suggests a significant reliance on both ransom payments and backup systems to recover from ransomware attacks.

This underscores the ongoing vulnerability of educational institutions to ransomware attacks, despite improvements in cybersecurity measures. The financial burden and the high success rate of backup compromises highlight the need for continued vigilance and enhanced security protocols in the education sector.

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30 January 2024

In what is a first for higher educational institutions, OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, has linked up with Arizona State University (ASU). The collaboration sees the university leveraging ChatGPT’s advanced capabilities to “enhance learning, creativity, and student outcomes”.

Chief Information Officer Lev Gonick shares “By providing access to advanced AI capabilities, these tools are levelling the playing field, allowing individuals and organisations – regardless of size or resources – to harness the power of AI for creative and innovative endeavours.”

Making this a collaborative effort rather than a top-to-bottom implementation, ASU is inviting faculty and staff to submit suggestions on how best ChatGPT Enterprise can be rolled out. Key project areas include enhancing student success, forging new avenues for innovative research and streamlining organisational processes.

This partnership adds to the amalgamation of efforts by ASU to be a leading institution in AI. Just last year, the university launched its AI Acceleration programme, aimed at creating the next generation of AI tools.

Could this be the first of many education partnerships for OpenAI? As education leaders come to grasp the proliferation and potential of AI tools, could we be inching closer to a more complete way of AI-enabled teaching and learning?

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Rupa Vasudevan, Chancellor of Bharatiya Engineering Science and Technology Innovation University, shares how today’s higher education can align values with skills and knowledge. Meet changing student expectations, the path to adopting a digital pedagogy and how industry partnerships might fix the skills gap.

Speaker – Rupa Vasudevan, Chancellor, Bharatiya Engineering Science and Technology Innovation University

The post Innovative and student-centric leadership for the future of higher education in India first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

Universities across the world might have introduced digital assessments as a stop-gap solution during school shutdowns, but whats the long-term plan? This panel of leaders share how they expect the area to grow from digital proctoring to improving student and teacher feedback with data.

Moderator – Pallavi Murghai, Professor & Incharge IPR, Galgotias College of Engineering & Technology
Panellists – Esmita Gupta, Vice Principal and Head Dept. of IT, B. K. Birla College (Autonomous); Indrajit Bhattacharya, Director, Quality Council of India, National Accreditation Board for Education and Training; Manojkumar Nagasampige, Director Online Education, Manipal Academy of Higher Education; S S Prasada Rao, Dean, School of Commerce & Management, Mohan Babu University

The post What will digital assessment look like in the long-term? first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

By simplifying IT management, increasing efficiencies, and replacing legacy technology platforms, colleges and universities are enhancing the student experience and simultaneously reducing cost and redundancies.

Speaker – Johann Zimmern, Global Education Strategy Lead, Zoom

The post Delivering unified communication for the connected campus first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

Enhancing learning through devices, tech-equipped faculty, effective engagement and meaningful learning exchanges. President of Mae Fah Luang University Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chayaporn Wattanasiri shares how the institution is adapting to the age of digital learning.

Speaker – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chayaporn Wattanasiri, President, Mae Luang University

The post Making the shift to digital learning: Assessments, skills and lesson delivery first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

Talent mobility and flexible education, Mahidol University’s President shares what steps they are taking to transform into a world-class university. As the learner profile expands to cater a changing digital economy, discover how Mahidol is making learning accessible. Additionally, understand how they are supporting faculty to further develop their research efforts.

Speaker – Banchong Mahaisavariya, President, Mahidol University

The post A two-pronged approach to transforming access to university first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

How can universities embrace digital disruption to develop new education models? This panel of leaders share how they have expanded access to their programmes with the help of technology.

Moderator – Kyungah (Kristy) Bang, Programme Officer, UNESCO Bangkok
Panellists – Voraprapa Nakavachara, Assistant Vice President for Global Engagement, Chulalongkorn University; Yhing Sawheny, Deputy Director, International Affairs, Siam University; Kavin Katanyutaveetip, Director of International Admissions, Siam University; Narattha Vorakunthada, Senior Instructional Designer, Sasin School of Management

The post Building a culture of digital innovation and collaboration in higher education first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

People are key to your digital transformation journey. As universities gear up to meet demands for a more tech-enabled institution, understand what support is required by faculty to make it a success.

Speakers – Naltan Lampadan, Dean, Faculty of Education, Asia-Pacific International University; Seung Hwan Kang, Dean of the International College, Payap University

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Flipped classroom, blended learning, hybrid lesson delivery, universities are moving into alternative forms of teaching. As we shift away from traditional formats, what sort of student engagement can we expect? How can we ensure student outcomes are met?

Moderator – Arnan (Roger) Sipitakiat, Director, Teaching and Learning Innovation Center, Chiang Mai University
Panellists – Athitaya Nitchot, Lecturer and Assistant Professor, Prince of Songkla University International College; Vara Varavithya, Dean of the Digital Technology Faculty, Chitralada Institute of Technology; Chailerd Pichitpornchai, Director, Mahidol Univeristy; Charoenchai Wongwatkit, Deputy Director of Learning Innovation Institute, Mae Fah Luang University

The post Encouraging active learning with the use of technology first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

Each faculty member’s digital literacy level differs with age and experience as factors. Our panellists share their experience from on-the-ground teaching to planning for staff the positive impact digital CPD can have on students and faculty, the different forms CPD can take from podcasts to open courses online.

Moderator – Rajes Khana, Rector, UTA’45 Jakarta
Panellists – William Sandy, Academic Director, Sekolah Kristen Immanuel; Gintoro FX, Education Services Director, BINUS University; Toong Tjiek Liauw, Director of Excellence in Learning and Teaching Center, Petra Christian University

The post The positive effect a digitally-prepared faculty can have on the community first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

It’s not just about modernising legacy IT systems. Digital transformation looks different at every institution, hear how these university leaders are envisioning their digital future. Go beyond with innovation and collaboration.

Moderator – Richardus Eko Indrajit, Chancellor, Pradita University
Panellists – Paulina Pannen, Chairperson, Cyber Education Institute; I Made Andi Arsana, Head Office of International Affairs, Universitas Gadjah Mada; Ace Suryadi, Professor, Head, PGRI Center Education Policy, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia

The post Embracing digital transformation in higher education first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

When students are empowered to create, they become more engaged, more intentional and more successful learners who are better able to grasp concepts in curriculum material and be better prepared for the future.

Creativity. A top-cited 21^st century skill in multiple studies. Not just for problem-solving but also for critical thinking. Understand how you can encourage and develop creativity no matter the subject.

Speaker – Tim Kitchen, Senior Education Specialist, Adobe

The post Creativity for All – Preparing for Student Success first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

Encourage and foster innovation in teaching, learning, assessments, and campus operations. Our panel of speakers deliberate the continued integration of technological tools in the campus and how it should be done in order to ensure quality learning is achieved.

Moderator – Nurhizam Safie Bin Mohd Satar, Deputy Dean (Networking & Alumni), Faculty of Information Science & Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Panellists – Joseph Lee, Vice Chancellor, INTI International University & Colleges; Vintha Guptan, Vice-Chancellor, Saito University College; Hairul Azhar Abdul Rashid, Vice President, Research, Industrial Collaborations and Engagement, Multimedia University; Mushtak Al-Atabi, Provost and Chief Executive Officer, Heriot Watt University Malaysia; Chinmoy Sahu, Vice-Chancellor, Manipal GlobalNxt University

The post Leveraging the acceleration of digitalisation as an opportunity, not just utility first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

These two universities had some experience and process in place for blended learning prior the pandemic but they still faced challenges as the lockdown continued longer. They share how creativity and an open mindset come together to help deliver continued learning and their efforts in furthering digital competency development.

Speakers – Nurfadhlina Mohd Sharef, Deputy Director, Innovation of Teaching and Learning; Jane Lim, Vice President, Campus Academic Operations, INTI International University & Colleges

The post Upskilling and reskilling: developing digitally competent faculty for the Education 4.0 age first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

Looking to achieve greater collaboration and engagement? Discover how technology drives the blended learning model. Our speakers share how they are flipping their curriculum and classroom practices to blended and the importance of such a model in these uncertain times.

Moderator – Jazzy Buela, Academic Program Chairperson, Treston International College
Panellists – Ionell Jay Terogo, Director, Office of Curriculum and Instruction, University of San Jose – Recoletos, Cebu City; Alyanna Tobias, Instructional Design Head, STI Education Services Group, Inc.; Jason De Villa, Director, Center for Teaching and Learning, University of Asia and the Pacific; Redilyn C. Agub, Chief e-TESDA Unit, NITESD, TESDA; Eklavya Bhave, Senior Director, Coursera

The post Assessing appropriate tools for desired blended learning environment first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

Regardless of the delivery model, courses must engage student cognitively and engage students deeply in understanding complex ideas but how can we achieve this with an e-learning approach? Listen in as our speakers share how they are choosing the right mix of e-learning resources and ensuring their curriculums are preparing future talents.

Speakers – Abd Karim Alias, Director of the Centre for Development of Academic Excellence, Universiti Sains Malaysia; Ts. T.J. Iskandar Abd Aziz, Director, Digital Learning Centre, Universiti Tenaga Nasional

The post The evolution of e-learning approaches: Open-distance learning, MOOCs, the use of immersive technology first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

Whilst it’s good to look ahead, Nikko Almazar recommends we take a step back and look at what we currently have. Discover key evaluation criteria you should be looking at to access your current situation before embarking on a digitalisation journey in your institution. Understand what avenues of transformation you can develop further and how partnerships help you along the way.

Speaker – Nikko Almazar, Key Account Manager, Lenovo Philippines

The post Implementing EDU solutions: Finding the right fit first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

Twenty-first-century-skills are abilities and attributes that can be taught or learned in order to enhance ways of thinking, learning, working, and living in the world.

The Global Partnership for Education, 2020

Malaysia’s Higher Education Ministry is pivoting to ensure graduates make a smooth transition into the workforce. Director of Academic Excellence, Wan Zuhainis binti Saad, shares why a demand-driven education model is necessary and the importance of 21^st century skills that are not just about digital.

Speaker – Wan Zuhainis binti Saad, Director of Academic Excellence Division, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia

The post Developing the workforce of the future first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

Chulalongkorn University’s CU Innovation Hub nurtures talents and develop innovations that transform how Thais live, learn, and play. Vice President for Strategic Planning, Innovation, and Global Engagement, Associate Professor Natcha Thawesaengskulthai sat down with EDUtech_talks to chat about what it means to have a university education, the importance of Sustainable Development Goals and how education institutions can encourage entrepreneurship.

EDUtech_talks: How do you develop innovation and research capabilities and mindsets amongst your staff and students?

Dr Natcha: We have our CU Innovation Hub, which is an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem at the University and that is one of the sandboxes of Chula. Changing mindsets means letting people explore future possibilities and resist to possible failures. We keep encouraging them to have an entrepreneur mindset by coming up with new ideas, trying new initiatives, and meeting new people. An entrepreneur in my opinion is a professional value-provider contributing greatly to society in terms of both social and economic impacts. This is also in line with our vision and strategies.

21st century skills paradigm is also critical, to be able to communicate your impactful ideas and to effectively collaborate with other people, you have to come up with creative ideas to solve difficult problems.

All this has been incubated in our project-based learning, where students participate in a social innovation project. Our project-based learning has now become blended learning classes where before we would give them the project in their traditional classrooms.

EDUtech_talks: Could you share with us how blended learning for entrepreneurship is delivered in and how digital tools has supported these programmes?

Dr Natcha: This is part of our sandbox, CU Innovation Hub. We have a degree programme called Bachelor of Arts and Science in Integrated Innovation (BAScii) which is the first of its kind for undergraduate students and we coach the project-based learning at the undergraduate level. We also have it for non-degree programs like upscale rescues. We found that there are big demands in digital technologies such as AI and robotics, which will play a vital role in the development of smart cities, health solutions, and sustainability.

Hence we have this program to bring together arts and science in developing integrated innovations and it has been very successful during the past two years.

Our students and alumni have also developed start-ups that produce education technologies and solutions. We have learning innovation centre, helping to develop new teaching pedagogy, for example, using augmented reality (AR). In our Faculty of Medicine, students can learn how to operate by viewing bodies and organs using AR. Now, learning can happen anytime anywhere, faster and cheaper. The students can also repeat their learning as many times as they want. The centre has so far offered more that 300 active learning methodologies using several different kinds of technologies.

At the same time, we also need the facilities for project-based learning. In the past, when we look at traditional classrooms it’s just a row of tables. However, for project-based learning we need smart and interactive classrooms. There are digital learning experiences where, students are effectively working in groups.

With the digital learning platforms, Chula is on anywhere anytime. We provide more than 100 classes free online for both students and the public. Currently, we have more than 1 million people enrolled in our courses. The students have a new style of learning which, they can learn from home and arrange flexible schedules.

EDUtech_talks: What would be your advice to other schools who are looking to build an entrepreneurship program like Chulalongkorn University?

​Dr Natcha: Everyone can do it, because I think an innovative ecosystem is just a platform that helps people to come together to think and do good deeds for their society. Actually, we also developed an innovative ecosystem at our demonstration school, which is at the primary and secondary school levels, and it works well. Innovation is not only at the university level; it can go down to the primary and secondary schools too. You just have to find the key educators who are supportive of this vision and leave with the goal of bringing people together and nurturing future leaders, developing new solutions for society.

I would say, the next generations are so capable. They are so talented but they just do not have the space to work on their ideas. They do not have the teacher or leader to empower them and to facilitate them to do amazing work.

So, I very much believe in our next generation of students and people. We just need to provide them the sandbox environment, and a teacher who understands them, and gives them opportunities to think critically, especially about social issues. They will be very proud when their product or service is on the shelf. We have got this type of platform for more than five years, so there have been a number of products we have in the marketplace. We are providing this product to the community and citizens for purchasing.

We have a pipeline of research works that we are focusing on, particularly in five clusters, health, education, BCG, sustainable societies, and deep technologies. During COVID-19, we have had a number of start-ups and innovations that helped the healthcare industry. This is something I think is aligned with the new generations’ objective of life. They feel proud of it, what they learn in class can really impact society.

It’s a win-win for everyone, and education is really about developing a good human well-being, not only the students themselves but at the end they feel they are part of this big world, becoming global citizens. This is something I think is aligned with the new generations’ objective of life. They feel proud of it, what they learn in class can really impact society.

Read the full interview with Assoc Prof Natcha in our latest E-book release “In Conversation With…” download your free copy here.

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