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Research data is irreplaceable. Protect it accordingly.
Ransomware attacks on education rose by 32%. Limited budgets, open networks and valuable intellectual property make knowledge institutions an attractive target.
What research and education face
Limited budget, large attack surface
Thousands of students, researchers and staff with diverse devices on an open network. The security budget is not proportional to the attack surface.
Valuable research data and IP
Years of research in a single dataset. Intellectual property, patent applications and sensitive results are targeted by both cybercriminals and state-sponsored actors.
Openness as core value vs. security
Academic institutions value openness and collaboration. This sits in tension with the segmentation and access control that modern cybersecurity requires.
The threats you are facing
Ransomware on knowledge institutions
Universities and colleges are a growing target. Research data is irreplaceable, and that makes the pressure to pay enormous.
Phishing and social engineering
Large, diverse user populations with varying security awareness. Students and researchers are vulnerable to targeted phishing that exploits academic context.
IP theft and espionage
State-sponsored actors target research data in strategic domains: semiconductors, quantum computing, AI and defence-related research.
How DEFION protects knowledge institutions
Proportionate security
We understand the balance between openness and security. Our approach is proportionate: maximum protection where needed, minimum friction where possible.
Managed detection within budget
24/7 monitoring without needing to build a full SOC. We deliver enterprise-level detection tailored to the budget and scale of educational institutions.
Tailored security awareness
Training adapted to academic culture. Not a compliance checkbox but real behavioural change among students, researchers and support staff.
Relevant services
24/7 threat detection without your own SOC
Tailored for academic environments
Test student portals and research platforms
Rapid response to security incidents
Protect against phishing and spoofing
Client reference
"DEFION understands that research and security do not have to be opposites. They help us find the right balance between openness and protection."
IT Director, knowledge institution
Relevant regulations
NIS2
Large research institutions may fall under NIS2. This brings obligations for risk management, incident reporting and supply chain security.
GDPR
Student data, research data with personal information and HR data fall under GDPR. International collaborations also bring cross-border transfer requirements.
Sector-specific frameworks
National education security frameworks, codes of practice for research data management and national cybersecurity strategies set additional requirements for knowledge institutions.
Ready to protect your knowledge institution?
Talk to a specialist who understands the academic world. No obligations.