Harvard Case - Cyber Attack at the University of Calgary
"Cyber Attack at the University of Calgary" Harvard business case study is written by Naor Cohen, Catherine Heggerud. It deals with the challenges in the field of Information Technology. The case study is 10 page(s) long and it was first published on : Jan 28, 2021
At Fern Fort University, we recommend a comprehensive and proactive approach to cybersecurity that integrates technology, process, and people. This includes a multi-layered strategy encompassing robust IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, data management, risk management, IT governance, and change management initiatives. Our recommendations aim to bolster the University's digital transformation, enhance IT strategy alignment, and foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness across all levels of the organization.
2. Background
The University of Calgary faced a significant cyberattack in 2019, resulting in the disruption of critical systems and the theft of sensitive data. This incident highlighted vulnerabilities in the University's IT infrastructure, information security policies, and IT risk management practices. The case study focuses on the University's response to the attack, including the immediate actions taken to contain the damage and the subsequent efforts to rebuild and strengthen its cybersecurity posture.
The main protagonists in the case study are:
- The University of Calgary's IT leadership: Responsible for managing the University's IT infrastructure, systems, and cybersecurity.
- The University's senior leadership: Responsible for overall strategic direction and resource allocation.
- The University's faculty and staff: Impacted by the cyberattack and responsible for utilizing IT resources effectively.
- The University's students: Impacted by the cyberattack and reliant on the University's IT systems for academic purposes.
3. Analysis of the Case Study
The University of Calgary's cyberattack highlights the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures in today's digital landscape. Analyzing the case through the lens of IT governance reveals several key issues:
- Lack of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy: The University lacked a well-defined, proactive cybersecurity strategy that addressed potential threats and vulnerabilities.
- Inadequate IT infrastructure security: The University's IT infrastructure was not adequately secured, allowing the attackers to gain access to sensitive data.
- Insufficient employee training and awareness: Employees lacked sufficient training on cybersecurity best practices, making them susceptible to phishing attacks and other social engineering techniques.
- Limited incident response capabilities: The University's incident response plan was inadequate, leading to a delayed and inefficient response to the attack.
This analysis reveals a need for a multi-pronged approach to cybersecurity, encompassing IT infrastructure, information security policies, employee training, and incident response.
4. Recommendations
1. Enhance IT Infrastructure Security:
- Modernize legacy systems: Implement a plan to upgrade outdated systems and software, reducing vulnerabilities.
- Implement multi-factor authentication: Enforce multi-factor authentication for all user accounts, enhancing access control.
- Strengthen network security: Implement a robust network security architecture, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and network segmentation.
- Adopt cloud-based security solutions: Leverage cloud security solutions for enhanced threat detection, response, and data protection.
2. Develop a Comprehensive Cybersecurity Strategy:
- Conduct a thorough risk assessment: Identify and assess potential cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities.
- Develop a comprehensive cybersecurity policy: Establish clear guidelines for data security, access control, and incident response.
- Implement a robust incident response plan: Develop and test a detailed plan for responding to cyberattacks.
- Establish a cybersecurity governance framework: Define roles and responsibilities for cybersecurity within the organization.
3. Foster a Culture of Cybersecurity Awareness:
- Provide mandatory cybersecurity training: Educate all employees on cybersecurity best practices, including phishing prevention, password management, and data security.
- Promote cybersecurity awareness campaigns: Raise awareness about cybersecurity threats and best practices through internal communication channels.
- Implement a robust reporting system: Encourage employees to report suspicious activity and provide a mechanism for reporting vulnerabilities.
4. Leverage Technology and Analytics:
- Implement data analytics solutions: Utilize data analytics to identify patterns and anomalies that may indicate a cyberattack.
- Adopt AI and machine learning: Leverage AI and machine learning for threat detection, anomaly detection, and automated incident response.
- Integrate cybersecurity tools and technologies: Implement a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity tools to enhance threat detection, prevention, and response capabilities.
5. Basis of Recommendations
These recommendations are based on the following considerations:
- Core competencies and consistency with mission: The University's mission of education and research requires a secure and reliable IT infrastructure. Strengthening cybersecurity aligns with this mission.
- External customers and internal clients: The University serves students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders. Protecting their data and privacy is paramount.
- Competitors: The University operates in a competitive landscape. Cybersecurity breaches can damage reputation and hinder future growth.
- Attractiveness ' quantitative measures if applicable: Investing in cybersecurity can reduce the risk of costly data breaches and downtime.
- Assumptions: These recommendations assume the University has the resources and commitment to implement these changes.
6. Conclusion
The University of Calgary's cyberattack serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of cybersecurity in today's digital world. By implementing a comprehensive and proactive cybersecurity strategy, the University can strengthen its defenses, mitigate risks, and ensure the continued integrity and security of its IT infrastructure and data.
7. Discussion
Other alternatives not selected include:
- Outsourcing cybersecurity to a third-party provider: This could provide expertise and resources but may raise concerns about data security and control.
- Adopting a 'zero trust' security model: This approach assumes no user or device can be trusted by default and requires strict access control measures. While effective, it can be complex and resource-intensive.
Key assumptions of the recommendations include:
- The University has the necessary resources and commitment to implement these changes.
- The University's leadership is committed to a culture of cybersecurity awareness.
- The University's IT staff has the necessary skills and expertise to implement and manage these solutions.
8. Next Steps
- Form a cybersecurity task force: Establish a cross-functional team to oversee the implementation of the recommendations.
- Develop a detailed implementation plan: Outline specific steps, timelines, and resource requirements.
- Secure funding and resources: Allocate sufficient budget and personnel to support the implementation of the recommendations.
- Conduct regular cybersecurity assessments: Continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the cybersecurity strategy.
- Stay informed about emerging threats and technologies: Remain vigilant about evolving cybersecurity threats and adopt new technologies to stay ahead of attackers.
By taking these steps, the University of Calgary can transform its cybersecurity posture, creating a more secure and resilient digital environment for its students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.
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Case Description
In 2016, the University of Calgary (U of C) was celebrating its 50th anniversary with a variety of events, such as the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences, which brought visiting scholars from across the globe. At the same time, Alberta, ON, had been hit with significant forest fires, and many residents that were evacuated from northern communities had moved into U of C residences. The campus was alive with activity when its information technology (IT) systems were encrypted in a ransomware attack. The university's emergency response team had to act quickly to identify and isolate the root cause of the problem and to decide how to contain it, whether to pay the demanded ransom, and what to tell members of the university and the wider community. The university's response to this threat and its management through the crisis would ultimately shape the IT team and future investment decisions.
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