University of Manchester strengthens cybersecurity measures

The University of Manchester has implemented Tanium's Converged Endpoint Management (XEM) platform, setting a new benchmark in cybersecurity within the higher education sector.

The decision to adopt the platform comes after a significant data breach in May 2023, which saw attackers gain access to the university's network and proprietary information. The attack compelled the university's IT department to shut down several services to mitigate the damage. Now, with the support of joint solutions from Tanium, Microsoft, and ServiceNow, the university has achieved complete visibility and control over nearly 40,000 endpoints.

Patrick "PJ" Hemmaway, Chief Information Officer at The University of Manchester, commented on the implementation: "By combining the strengths of Tanium with ServiceNow and Microsoft, we now have a single, strategic platform that allows us to have a complete and accurate Configuration Management Database (CMDB) with real-time data, enhanced threat detection, and response capabilities. These partners are helping us significantly increase our security posture by staying at the forefront of technology and addressing tomorrow's needs."

The university's enhancements in cybersecurity have not gone unnoticed. It has been recognised by the UK government for its security under the Cyber Essentials scheme, which aims to protect organisations against cyberattacks. Additionally, the university has been acknowledged by the UK National Cybersecurity Centre as an academic centre of excellence in cybersecurity research.

Kirk Bellerby, Education Lead for the UK at Tanium, highlighted the importance of preparedness for large institutions: "Large, intricate, multi-campus organisations like the University of Manchester must be prepared for a cyberattack to occur, as they increase in frequency and complexity. To defend against threats, higher education institutions need to measure and control the known vulnerabilities across their networks while remaining user-friendly for both staff and students."

Tanium's platform enables the university to combine proactive and reactive cybersecurity efforts, an essential strategy in the current landscape of ransomware attacks and phishing threats. The university's cybersecurity team plans to further leverage the platform's capabilities, including adapting legacy data for analysis by AI and enhancing the secure sharing of research data with external colleagues.

Such strategic advancements align with the university's broader mission to advance education, knowledge, and wisdom for societal benefit, while also maintaining its leadership in areas such as cancer prevention and improving healthcare accessibility in low- and middle-income countries.