Updating Credential Techniques: The emerging focus on enhanced cybersecurity measures
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the importance of modernizing credential authentication systems cannot be overstated, especially in the education sector. The traditional methods, such as proximity cards, have been identified as easy targets for cloning, posing a significant risk to data security [1].
The global average cost of a data breach reached a record $4.88 million in 2024, underscoring the need for robust security measures [2]. This need is further emphasized by the alarming statistic that 22% of all breaches can be traced back to stolen credentials, one of the most common initial access vectors [3].
The education sector, in particular, faces unique challenges. A breach can erode trust with students, faculty, and donors. In 2024 alone, ransomware attacks on educational institutions rose by over 35% [4]. Threat actors using stolen credentials to compromise educational institutions account for about 24%, according to Verizon's 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) [5].
The solution lies in the integration of modern Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Privileged Access Management (PAM) systems, coupled with strong, automated processes [1]. These systems, when combined with Zero Trust architectures, can significantly reduce data breach risks and protect sensitive information [1].
Zero Trust Security Model, a departure from perimeter-based security, requires continuous verification of users, devices, and access requests [1]. Automated Identity Governance and Access Management ensures roles and access rights are granted and revoked promptly, preventing outdated permissions that increase breach risk [1].
Modern authentication technologies replace vulnerable legacy methods such as proximity cards with encrypted credentials, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and biometric factors to mitigate cloning and unauthorized access risks [4]. Digital credentials, which replace or enhance traditional paper or PDF documents, offer a secure, verifiable means of sharing and validating achievements while improving data security [2][5].
Partnerships with industry help align credential standards with job market needs, further enhancing their trustworthiness and utility [2][5]. Vendor Risk Management and Compliance Toolkits, such as the Higher Education Community Vendor Assessment Toolkit (HECVAT), enable institutions to evaluate third-party service providers’ security postures to ensure adherence to higher education-specific cybersecurity requirements [1].
Beyond authentication, protecting sensitive data in education requires comprehensive cybersecurity measures, including regular risk assessments, endpoint protections, secure access controls, and staff training [3].
In conclusion, the best approach to modern credential authentication in education integrates automated IAM/PAM, Zero Trust principles, encrypted and multi-factor credential technologies, and secure digital credentials with ongoing cybersecurity vigilance and compliance management [1][2][3][4][5]. The time to act on credential modernization is now, as the attack surface is expanding, and legacy credentials are a glaring weak point across industries. Delaying the transition to secure credentials can result in fines, lawsuits, and loss of accreditation due to regulatory exposure. Organizations should conduct a credential audit to identify vulnerabilities and tailor solutions, whether that means replacing iCLASS cards, eliminating passwords, or integrating biometric authentication. In higher education, mobile credentials or FIDO-based passkeys are recommended for secure, passwordless access to shared workstations, labs, and learning platforms.
In the context of the digital age, the need for businesses, including education, to prioritize finance towards implementing robust cybersecurity measures, such as Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Privileged Access Management (PAM), is crucial, given that 22% of data breaches can be traced back to stolen credentials [3]. Furthermore, the integration of Zero Trust architectures and modern authentication technologies can offer a more secure platform, eliminating legacy methods like proximity cards that are susceptible to cloning and unauthorized access [4].
