TPRM and Higher Education: Why Hackers Want Student Data
Jun 12, 2025
In the digital age, higher education institutions have become attractive targets for cybercriminals. Universities and colleges store a trove of sensitive data—from personal identification information to financial details and even research data. As institutions expand their reliance on third-party vendors for various services, the importance of Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) takes center stage. But why exactly are hackers so interested in student data, and how does effective TPRM help safeguard it?
Let’s explore the motivations behind cyberattacks on higher education institutions and the crucial role TPRM plays in defending against these threats.
Why Is Student Data So Valuable?
1. Personal Identifiable Information (PII)
Student records contain sensitive personal data—names, addresses, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and more. This PII can be exploited for identity theft, fraud, or targeted scams.
2. Financial Data and Payment Information
Financial aid records, bank account details, and credit card information stored within university systems are lucrative targets for cybercriminals seeking monetary gain.
3. Research Data and Intellectual Property
Many universities house cutting-edge research, proprietary methodologies, or unpublished results. Attackers may seek these assets for espionage or competitive advantage.
4. Credentials for Access and Escalation
Student accounts often have access to multiple university systems. Compromised credentials can serve as gateways to broader network infiltration—ransomware deployment or lateral attacks.
Why Are Hackers Targeting Higher Education?
1. Data Richness and Value
The combination of PII, financial data, and research information makes university data highly valuable in illicit markets.
2. Perceived Weak Security Posture
Many higher education institutions historically underinvested in cybersecurity, viewing it as less critical than other operational areas, making them easier targets.
3. Large Attack Surface
Universities have complex, decentralized IT environments involving vendors, third-party providers, students’ devices, and cloud services, increasing vulnerabilities.
4. High-Profile Breaches and Ransomware
Cybercriminal groups frequently target universities for ransomware attacks, demanding hefty payouts while risking reputation damage and operational disruption.
The Role of TPRM in Protecting Student Data
Third-Party Risk Management involves assessing, monitoring, and mitigating risks posed by vendors, contractors, and affiliated entities. In the context of higher education, comprehensive TPRM is essential because:
1. Vendors Can Be the Weakest Link
Third-party vendors—cloud providers, research partners, payment processors—often have access to sensitive data. Weak controls or lax security practices at these vendors can introduce vulnerabilities into your ecosystem.
2. Ensuring Vendor Security Posture
By assessing vendors’ cybersecurity protocols, data handling practices, and compliance standards (such as FERPA, GDPR), institutions can reduce exposure risks.
3. Ongoing Monitoring and Due Diligence
Regular reviews, audits, and security assessments of third-party providers ensure they maintain appropriate safeguards and respond promptly to emerging threats.
4. Contractual Safeguards and SLAs
Embedding security obligations, audit rights, and incident response requirements into vendor contracts reinforces accountability and preparedness.
Practical Tips for Higher Ed Institutions
Conduct Rigorous Due Diligence: Evaluate vendors’ security controls and compliance before onboarding.
Limit Data Access: Apply the principle of least privilege; vendor access should be limited to only what they need.
Implement Continuous Monitoring: Use automated tools to monitor third-party security posture in real time.
Train Staff and Vendors: Raise awareness about phishing, social engineering, and best cybersecurity practices.
Establish Incident Response Plans: Prepare coordinated protocols for breaches involving third-party vendors.
Invest in Robust Security Infrastructure: Update systems, patch vulnerabilities, and deploy encryption and multi-factor authentication.
Conclusion
As hackers become more sophisticated and data-driven, higher education institutions must recognize the critical importance of Third-Party Risk Management. The lure of student data continues to make universities prime targets, but a well-structured TPRM program can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches, protect institutional reputation, and safeguard students’ sensitive information.
By understanding what makes student data so attractive and actively managing vendor relationships, higher education providers can stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and ensure a safer academic environment.