Who we serve
Education Securing open networks in academic ecosystems.
Schools and universities must balance open collaboration with robust data protection. Offset Security shields student records, financial systems, and research IP from sophisticated threat actors.
91%
Of UK higher education institutions identified breaches or attacks in the past 12 months.Source: UK Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025
64%
Of higher education organizations were hit by ransomware in a single year.Source: Sophos, State of Ransomware in Education 2022
50%
Of higher education organizations hit by ransomware paid the ransom.Source: Sophos, State of Ransomware in Education 2022
Why education is among the easiest targets.
Open networks, high user turnover, constrained IT budgets, and enormous data density make educational institutions ideal ransomware targets with predictably high payment rates.
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Unmanaged BYOD Devices
Thousands of student and visitor personal devices connect daily to the primary network without enterprise-grade security controls. These devices introduce persistent footholds, unpatched vulnerabilities, and credential harvesting vectors that remain active long after users leave the institution.
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Financial Aid Data
FAFSA databases, banking routing details, and tuition payment gateways hold high-value financial records that enable immediate fraud. Social Security numbers tied to financial aid accounts command premium prices on dark web markets targeting student identities.
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Research & IP Databases
Proprietary scientific studies and patent-pending technologies developed in university labs represent high-value intelligence targets. Nation-state actors specifically exploit the open academic network culture to exfiltrate federally funded research and competitive IP.
FERPA, GLBA, and state privacy laws, all in one program.
Educational institutions navigate federal, state, and accreditation-level privacy requirements simultaneously. Our programs are built to address all of them from day one.
FERPA
Safeguarding student privacy and educational records, data minimization, access controls, breach notification requirements, and third-party data sharing restrictions embedded in every program design.
GLBA Safeguards (for Higher Ed)
Mandatory for institutions handling student financial aid, security officer designation, risk assessment, annual penetration testing, and incident response programs required under the FTC Safeguards Rule.
State Student Privacy Acts (SOPIPA)
Custom compliance requirements varying by region, student data protection, vendor contract requirements, and breach notification obligations mapped to applicable state statutes.
Enterprise-grade security. Education-aligned pricing.
We build programs that scale from single-campus K-12 districts to multi-campus university systems, without requiring a full-time CISO or dedicated security staff.
Detection & Response
24/7 MDR for Education
Continuous monitoring across student and faculty endpoints, administrative systems, and research networks. Student device behavioral analytics, orphaned account detection, and ransomware containment capability that stops lateral movement before it reaches backup systems.
About Managed Detection & ResponseSecurity Program Ownership
vCISO & FERPA Compliance Program
Fractional CISO who owns your information security program: FERPA and GLBA compliance mapping, Board of Education reporting, annual risk assessments, and policy library maintenance. Delivers the designated security officer function required by the GLBA Safeguards Rule for institutions receiving federal student aid.
About Executive Security AdvisoryHuman Risk Reduction
Education-Specific Security Awareness
Phishing simulation programs designed for the education environment, separate campaigns for faculty, administrative staff, and IT staff. Scenario libraries cover credential harvesting via student portal lookalikes, financial aid fraud lures, and W-2 wire fraud targeting HR and payroll staff.
About Security Awareness TrainingProactive Assessment
Penetration Testing & Risk Assessments
GLBA-required annual pen testing, external network, student/faculty portals, and application layer testing. FERPA data flow mapping and access control review. Research network segmentation assessment. Full documentation package for accreditor, auditor, and insurance submission requirements.
About Penetration Testing
Protect students. Satisfy regulators. Stay within budget.
We'll assess your current security posture against FERPA, GLBA, and your state requirements, and show you the fastest path to meaningful protection. No obligation.