Enhancing Cybersecurity in Higher Education with Intergence and Sophos MDR

There’s no denying, higher education institutions face an unprecedented number of cyber threats. With cybercriminals increasingly targeting universities to exploit valuable and sensitive data, robust cybersecurity measures are essential. Partnering with Intergence, a leading Managed Service Provider, and leveraging Sophos Managed Detection and Response (MDR), institutions can achieve comprehensive protection against complex cyber threats.

The Growing Cyber Threat Landscape

Recent data from Sophos reveals that nearly two-thirds of higher education institutions experienced ransomware attacks in 2021, highlighting a 45% increase from the previous year. This surge in attacks underscores the urgency for advanced cybersecurity solutions. Sophos MDR, supported by Intergence's expert management, addresses this need by providing 24/7 monitoring, detection, and response, ensuring that threats are identified and neutralised promptly.

Why Sophos MDR with Intergence is Essential for Higher Education

Sophos MDR offers a fully managed service that combines human expertise with advanced AI to detect and respond to cyber threats across various environments, including computers, servers, networks, cloud workloads, and email accounts. Intergence enhances this service by providing dedicated management and support, ensuring optimal implementation and operation tailored to each institution's specific needs.


Key features of Sophos MDR with Intergence include:

  • Continuous Monitoring: Intergence and Sophos experts provide around-the-clock surveillance, analysing security data to detect suspicious activities.
  • Rapid Response: The average incident response time is just 38 minutes, significantly faster than most internal teams, thanks to the combined efforts of Intergence and Sophos.
  • Customised Protection: Sophos MDR, managed by Intergence, is adaptable to the specific needs of each institution, integrating with existing security solutions to enhance overall cybersecurity posture.

The Impact of Cyber Threats on Higher Education

Cyber incidents can have devastating effects on universities. In 2021, the average ransom payment in the education sector was $905,000, with total recovery costs averaging $1.42 million. Beyond financial losses, nearly all affected institutions reported operational disruptions, with many struggling to resume normal activities for months.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, higher education institutions must adopt sophisticated security measures to protect their valuable data and maintain operational integrity. Intergence, in partnership with Sophos MDR, offers an effective, comprehensive solution, ensuring that universities can focus on their core mission of education and research without the constant fear of cyberattacks.

For more information on how Intergence and Sophos MDR can enhance your institution's cybersecurity, contact us or why not join us for our Enhancing Cyber Secuirty in Higher Education with Sophos Managed Detection and Response webinar: