HEITSA, the leading non-profit organization, leading the application of digital capabilities to transform Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for all 26 public universities in South Africa, joined forces with CyberAlliance in 2023 to enhance information security across the higher education landscape. The Shared Services Agreement aims to provide critical Information Security Policy Development Services to participating institutions.
Collaboration for enhanced security
Under this groundbreaking partnership, CyberAlliance will offer HEITSA and its participating institutions access to a comprehensive suite of 32 Information Security Policies. These policies cover a wide range of critical areas, enabling robust protection against cyber threats.
Tailored solutions for participating universities
The agreement recognizes the unique needs of each university within the South African system. CyberAlliance, a key player in this collaboration, will engage with participating institutions to:
- Conduct Baseline Security Assessments: These assessments will help define specific information security policy requirements for each institution.
- Policy Development Based on Assessment: Leveraging stakeholder feedback and assessment results, CyberAlliance will tailor information security policies to address the distinct challenges faced by each university.
- Cyber Trust Score: As part of the collaboration, CyberAlliance introduces the Cyber Trust Score, a cutting-edge tool for assessing cyber risk. This score will empower participating institutions to gauge their security posture accurately and make informed decisions.
Affordable security services for all
Beyond policy development, CyberAlliance demonstrates its commitment to the broader community. They extend their expertise to public and private sector organizations, offering affordable security services and technologies. From large corporations to small businesses, CyberAlliance stands ready to fortify digital defences.
Cost-effective services
In line with HEITSA’s commitment to affordability, CyberAlliance will charge a nominal fee for each subscribing participating institution. This fee covers the entire suite of Policy Development Services, ensuring that institutions receive comprehensive support without straining their budgets. Universities who are interested in the CyberAlliance shared service can contact the HEITSA office for further details.
Annual benefits for participating institutions
Once a participating institution subscribes to the services, they will receive the following annually:
- Baseline Security Assessment: A thorough evaluation of their existing security posture.
- Policy Review: An opportunity to fine-tune existing policies.
- Policy Development/Amendment/Sunset: Customized policy development or necessary updates.
Quotes from key stakeholders
HEITSA Spokesperson: “We are thrilled to collaborate with CyberAlliance in fortifying our participating institutions’ security defences. This partnership underscores our commitment to advancing South African Higher Education through innovative ICT solutions.”
CyberAlliance President, Larry Yon: “Our mission aligns perfectly with HEITSA’s vision. By providing tailored security policies, the Cyber Trust Score, and vulnerability scans, we empower universities to navigate the digital landscape confidently.”
About CyberAlliance
CyberAlliance is a globally trusted provider of cybersecurity solutions, committed to safeguarding organizations against evolving threats. Their expertise lies in security assessments, security operations, policy development, and strategic security planning.
Universities who are interested in the CyberAlliance shared service can contact the HEITSA office for further information.