Only 1 in 5 College Tech Chiefs Say Students Get Adequate Cybersecurity Training
A recent survey of college tech leaders shows that students are woefully unprepared to defend against cyber threats, with a concerning 78% of chief technology officers saying students don’t receive enough cybersecurity training on campus. This alarming trend raises questions about the preparedness of students to face increasingly sophisticated online risks.
Experts Warn of a “Risky Situation”
Experts are sounding the alarm about the lack of cybersecurity training for students, calling it a “risky situation” that puts entire networks and communities at risk. They’re right to be worried: students are often the first line of defense against cyber threats, and without proper training, they may inadvertently compromise campus systems and data. “Students are the primary users of university technology, and if they’re not equipped with the skills to use it securely, it’s a ticking time bomb,” says Alan Pellegrino, a cybersecurity expert who has worked with numerous colleges.
College tech leaders generally feel good about the cybersecurity training they provide employees, but students are a different story. Just 22% of chief technology officers say students at their institution receive adequate cybersecurity training, according to Inside Higher Ed‘s 2026 Survey of Campus Chief Technology/Information Officers.
What This Means
What this means is that students are entering the workforce woefully unprepared to defend against cyber threats. With the rise of remote work and online education, the stakes have never been higher. As experts warn, if students aren’t equipped with the skills to use technology securely, the consequences could be devastating. Colleges and universities must prioritize cybersecurity training for students, providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to stay safe online.
