Key points:
- Insight from cybersecurity leaders can help institutions adapt to challenges and uncertainties in the face of ongoing constraints
- The future of cybersecurity and privacy
- Universities are tapping students and AI to fight cybercrime
- For more news on cybersecurity, visit eCN’s Digital Innovation hub
As higher education contends with increasing cyber threats, rapidly evolving technologies, persistent budget and staffing challenges, and mounting political uncertainty surrounding regulations and institutional priorities, the professionals responsible for protecting campus communities and their data are under growing pressure.
A new report from EDUCAUSE, the 2025 EDUCAUSE Cybersecurity and Privacy Workforce in Higher Education, explores the experiences and views of cybersecurity and privacy professionals in six key areas:
1. Job satisfaction and turnover
- Turnover remains minimal for many departments: 67 percent of respondents reported little to no staff turnover in the past year.
- Fewer professionals are considering leaving: Just 25 percent said they are likely to apply for jobs outside their current institution in the coming year–a significant decrease from 56 percent in 2023.
- Compensation is the leading factor in job change considerations: The most common reason respondents would consider leaving their current role was inadequate pay and benefits, cited by 36 percent.
2. Flexible work arrangements
- Flexible work enhances well-being and effectiveness: The majority of respondents reported better work-life balance (90 percent), increased job satisfaction (78 percent), and improved productivity (75 percent) as a result of flexible work arrangements.
- Hybrid and remote options are broadly available: Most respondents indicated they have access to hybrid (78 percent) and remote (73 percent) work opportunities, though flexible schedules and reduced-hour options are still relatively uncommon.
3. Impact of technologies on job performance
New School Safety Resources
- Technology enhances daily work but introduces new pressures: While most respondents noted gains in flexibility and efficiency, they also pointed to challenges such as platform overload and security risks.
- Collaboration tools boost performance: Over 60 percent of respondents identified collaboration tools as having the most positive impact on their work, supporting improved communication, flexibility, and cross-campus coordination.
- IT support systems and AI tools present hurdles: Ticketing systems (37 percent) and AI/ML tools (32 percent) were most frequently reported as negatively affecting job performance, highlighting potential concerns around usability, training, and effective implementation.
4. Workload and staffing
- Workload challenges remain largely unaddressed: Although 68 percent of respondents reported excessive workloads, nearly one-third (30 percent) said their institutions have taken no steps to resolve the issue, leaving staff and managers to develop their own coping mechanisms.
- Staffing shortages continue, especially in privacy roles: Only 21 percent of respondents said their unit is adequately staffed to meet its goals, with limited efforts to fill gaps–particularly in privacy, where resources and personnel remain scarce.
- Staff transitions lack consistency and structure: While many departments provide interpersonal support for new hires, nearly half lack formal transition plans, and few offer thorough onboarding processes or clear documentation.
- Absence of formal planning disrupts continuity: More than half of respondents pointed to missing successors and inadequate preparation for key roles as significant obstacles, underscoring the need for a structured and comprehensive transition strategy.
5. Workplace environment and well-being
- Departments feel more welcoming than institutions: While most respondents view their workplace as welcoming, 64 percent said their department/unit is “very welcoming,” compared to 49 percent who said this about their institution.
- Well-being persists despite workplace strain: Despite staffing shortages and heavy workloads, 62 percent of respondents reported good to excellent mental health.
- Awareness of mental health resources is high, but use is limited: While 98 percent are aware of support available from their institution, many haven’t used it–often because they considered their concerns minor or because external help was preferred.
- Mental health efforts are mixed in impact: While most institutions offer services including counseling and flexible work, only one-third of respondents view these efforts as effective.
6. Professional development
- Compliance leads professional development priorities: Respondents identified data security and privacy regulations as their top areas for growth, emphasizing the need for clearer guidance, continuous training, and stronger institutional backing.
- AI-focused training is increasingly urgent: A large majority of respondents consider professional development in AI-related privacy, compliance, and policy essential, reflecting broad agreement on the need to prepare for AI’s growing influence in higher education.
- Flexible learning options are common, but deeper support is lacking: While many institutions offer accessible formats for professional development, few provide tailored learning paths, mentorship, or dedicated time, limiting staff engagement and growth.
- Talent pipeline initiatives are present but limited in scope: Institutions are investing in staff development and early-career programs, but long-term strategies–such as succession planning and partnerships with external organizations–are still rare.
The report is the second in a series examining priorities and challenges facing higher education.
Laura Ascione is the Editorial Director at eSchool Media. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland's prestigious Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Latest posts by Laura Ascione (see all)
- Students view AI with optimism, but women are at risk of being left behind - July 7, 2025
- 6 key cybersecurity hiring trends - July 3, 2025
- Digital innovation and human connection are reshaping higher ed - June 30, 2025