Higher education is navigating an inflection point. As digital tools become foundational to the academic experience, institutions face the dual challenge of embracing innovation while protecting the privacy and security of their communities.
From artificial intelligence-powered learning platforms to cloud-based administrative tools, the digital infrastructure supporting today’s students is both powerful and vulnerable.
High-tech tools, particularly AI, are now woven into the everyday lives of most post-secondary students and faculty members.
Currently, 61% of students report using AI for their coursework. Faculty are experimenting too, with 75% creating teaching materials and 58% relying on AI for administrative efficiency.
While cutting-edge innovation opens the door to scores of new possibilities, the integration has also sparked growing concerns amid a litany of existing technology-related challenges.
Security threats against higher education on the rise
Cybersecurity threats are climbing at an alarming rate, with higher education institutions experiencing an average of 2,500 cyberattack attempts per week. At the same time, students and faculty are increasingly integrating emerging tools like AI into their daily work, often without fully understanding how these tools collect, store and share data.
Complexity of compliance isn’t going away
The regulatory landscape is growing more complex. Compliance has become increasingly complex with the rise of AI and e-learning platforms, especially with the mix of local, national and international laws, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the General Data Protection Regulation and the AI in Teaching and Learning Guidelines.
Compliance alone is no longer enough. Institutions must move beyond baseline checkboxes to adopt a privacy-by-design approach—one where data protection, equity and transparency are built into every layer of the learning experience.
This isn’t just about avoiding legal risk. It’s about building systems that students, faculty and administrators can trust.
From reactive to proactive: New mandate for campus tech
Universities shouldn’t have to choose between security and usability. Yet too often, technology decisions are made on features, cost or convenience alone, without full visibility into privacy protections or long-term risks.
A more strategic approach means asking deeper questions:
- Can students use this tool without sharing personally identifiable information?
- Are vendors able to demonstrate adherence to rigorous standards like SOC 2 Type II or ISO 27001?
- Do faculty have clarity on where data is stored, who can access it and how it’s protected?
When institutions proactively vet their digital tools for these capabilities, they not only strengthen compliance but reduce administrative overhead, protect intellectual property and foster a more equitable learning environment.
Toward a safer, smarter ecosystem
This is a pivotal moment. As AI and digital tools reshape higher education, institutional leaders have an opportunity and an obligation to build digital ecosystems that are secure, compliant and student-centered.
That starts by holding technology partners to a higher standard: one that prioritizes privacy, transparency and long-term trust. Vendors who demonstrate those values don’t just help you meet the moment, they help you lead it.
