20 Virtual Brochure – March 2025 Cybersecurity The HE sector experiences a high volume of cyberattacks and cybersecurity continues to be rated as the most significant strategic risk for institutions. Risk registers demonstrate that while progress continues to be made in the development, deployment and testing of cybersecurity defenses, some institutions face continuing issues around legacy infrastructure, and all are having to respond to a rapidly changing threat landscape, currently characterised by sophisticated phishing attacks. Audit committees should ensure that all strategic risk registers address cybersecurity risks and should satisfy themselves that they’re receiving sufficient assurance about the management of cyber risks in light of evolving threats and funding constraints at their institutions. How Uniac is supporting institutions We have a comprehensive cybersecurity offer which utilises establishes professional frameworks to assess performance and develop a programme of tailored assurance activities which reflect the maturity of digital infrastructure, architecture, services and support. Estates infrastructure 2024 has seen a notable increase in the average ranking of estates risks, both in terms of inherent and mitigated risk scores. Risk registers point to a number of drivers including a need to improve space utilisation, manage maintenance demand, and the affordability and deliverability of refurbishments and major projects. Increases in risk scores in this area are likely to reflect an increasing demand from staff and students to be back on campus and an element of affordability and/or a need to improve efficiency in light of income constraints. We can expect risks in this area to retain a relatively high rating in the short to medium term as institutions seek to maximise the effective and efficient use of their buildings and land. As with other escalated risks, audit committees should ensure they understand the nature, scale and potential impact of estates risks at their institution and have confidence in the management of capital projects. How Uniac is supporting institutions We have expertise in estates strategy and space management delivered by former sector leaders. We provide detailed assurance on the design and implementation of estates plans, space utilisation, and estates asset management, alongside associated assurance on capital projects and timetabling.
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