Albany, NY and Atlanta, GA – The Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in New York (CICU) has announced a new collaborative partnership with FortifyData, a leading provider of Cybersecurity Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) and vulnerability management platforms. This agreement will make FortifyData’s comprehensive platform available to CICU’s member institutions, providing them with enhanced cybersecurity management capabilities at a favorable price.

This collaboration underscores CICU’s commitment to supporting its member institutions in navigating the increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape. By partnering with FortifyData, CICU aims to empower its members with the tools and resources they need to protect sensitive data, maintain regulatory compliance, and strengthen their overall cybersecurity posture.

“The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, and universities are on the front lines. We’re seeing the same ransomware attacks, phishing campaigns, and sophisticated intrusions targeting our members as in any other industry”, said Keith Cushing, Vice President, Research and Collaboration at CICU. “The difference is, our members often have a more diverse and complex IT environment, making defense even more challenging. FortifyData’s understanding of this complexity is what makes their platform so valuable. Their partnership with CICU is a vital resource, allowing our member schools to access best-in-class cybersecurity tools and expertise specifically designed for the higher education context,” added Cushing.

“Being selected as a CICU collaborative partner is a significant milestone for FortifyData. It validates our commitment to the higher education sector and our understanding of its unique needs. We recognize the budget and staffing constraints in higher education IT and cybersecurity teams, which face threats similar to other industries. To address this,  we monitor these risks and publish threat and vulnerability reports specific to higher education. We’re committed to providing tailored solutions and support. We’re not just here to provide a product; we’re here to build long-term relationships and demonstrate ongoing value. We’re excited to work closely with CICU members, helping them navigate the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape and ensuring the protection of their critical assets.” said Victor Gamra, Founder and CEO of FortifyData.

Benefits for CICU Member Institutions:

The FortifyData platform offers a range of benefits designed to address the unique cybersecurity challenges faced by higher education institutions:

• Streamlined GRC Management: FortifyData simplifies complex GRC processes, enabling institutions to efficiently manage policies, risks, compliance requirements (e.g., FERPA, NIST SP 800-171/CMMC, GLBA Safeguards Rule, HIPAA), and audits from a single, unified platform. This reduces the administrative burden and improves overall efficiency.
• Automated Risk and Vulnerability Assessments: The platform automates asset identification, identifying vulnerabilities, risk assessments, and prioritizing remediation efforts. This enables institutions to proactively address potential threats and minimize their attack surface.
• Vendor Risk Management: The platform includes robust vendor risk management capabilities, allowing institutions to assess and manage the cybersecurity risks associated with third-party vendors. This is crucial in today’s interconnected environment.
• Enhanced Collaboration: The platform facilitates collaboration among different teams and stakeholders, improving communication and coordination on cybersecurity matters.
• Cost-Effective Solution: Through the CICU partnership, member institutions gain access to FortifyData’s powerful platform at a preferred rate, maximizing their budget and resources.
• Improved Security Posture: By leveraging FortifyData’s capabilities, CICU members can significantly strengthen their overall cybersecurity posture, protecting sensitive data and maintaining the trust of their students, faculty, and staff.

CICU members can view a recorded introductory webinar that FortifyData held recently to learn more about the capabilities and see how the platform operates.