CAG’s IT Solutions: Powering a Smooth Return to Office in Higher Education

As colleges and universities navigate the shift away from remote work, many institutions are facing significant challenges, especially when it comes to supporting their IT staff. A recent Forbes survey found that nearly 45% of workers would consider changing jobs if forced back into the office, which is a sentiment strongly echoed within IT departments. The return-to-office mandates have put extra strain on these teams, who were already stretched thin, juggling system security, regulatory compliance, and technology implementation. The challenges that arise from this transition are compounded by the need for constant innovation, efficient systems, and responsive support, all while dealing with limited resources.

The Challenges of the Return-to-Office Mandates

The push to eliminate work-from-home (WFH) policies in higher education has left IT departments grappling with several issues. According to a report by Forbes, nearly half of workers say they would consider changing jobs if forced back into the office, and this sentiment is felt strongly in the IT sector. The pressure to maintain productivity, support remote learning tools, and ensure seamless integration between on-campus and online systems has led to an environment of burnout and frustration.
As institutions of higher learning adjust to post-pandemic realities, IT departments are seeing the need for not just physical infrastructure but also an adaptable digital strategy that supports hybrid models, enhances the user experience, and ensures security compliance. This is where strategic, outsourced IT support becomes invaluable.

How CAG Fills the Gap

At Columbia Advisory Group (CAG), we understand these challenges and have tailored our IT consulting and managed services specifically for the higher education sector. With over 350 strategic projects and 100+ outsourcing engagements, CAG provides comprehensive solutions that address these pain points directly, helping higher education institutions transition smoothly while alleviating the burden on their IT teams.

Key Services CAG Offers:

  1. Consulting for IT Planning and Execution: We offer end-to-end support for IT project planning, execution, and vendor management. CAG helps higher education institutions choose the right technology platforms, implement solutions effectively, and manage complex systems without disruption to daily operations.
  2. CRM and Application Implementation: CAG supports institutions in implementing and optimizing CRM systems and critical applications to ensure seamless interactions between faculty, staff, and students. Our expertise in application management helps institutions adopt new technologies that enhance overall functionality and improve the user experience.
  3. IT Assessments: CAG’s detailed IT assessments help identify performance gaps and opportunities for improvement in applications, infrastructure, and operations. Our scalability assessments ensure that technology can grow with the institution’s needs, and our budgetary and health analyses provide valuable insights into cost optimization.
  4. IT Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance: In an era of heightened scrutiny around data privacy and security, CAG excels in ensuring regulatory compliance. Our services include NIST 800-53 and 171 framework assessments, penetration testing, and ongoing ISO services to ensure that IT infrastructure adheres to federal, state, and institutional regulations.
  5. Shared and Managed IT Services: We help institutions optimize their IT operations with flexible, cost-effective managed solutions. From help desk management and network maintenance to application governance and fractional IT leadership (including interim CIO roles), CAG provides support where it’s most needed, enabling IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine tasks.
  6. Improved User Experience: CAG’s focus on intuitive systems and seamless interaction ensures that faculty, staff, and students can navigate IT platforms with ease. This user-centered approach fosters greater productivity and satisfaction, even as institutions adapt to a changing work environment.

The Impact of Strategic IT Support

By partnering with CAG, higher education institutions can effectively manage their IT resources, reduce operational costs, and improve overall productivity. Our expertise in compliance frameworks and IT governance ensures that institutions remain secure while also enhancing the experience for end-users.
As the landscape of higher education IT continues to evolve, CAG remains committed to helping institutions stay ahead of the curve with the strategic guidance and managed services they need to thrive.
Eric Olson, Senior Director of Business Development at CAG, states, “We understand the unique challenges faced by higher education institutions in this rapidly changing landscape. Our focus is on providing tailored, actionable IT solutions that not only meet today’s needs but also prepare universities for the future.”
Learn more about how our services in IT planning, compliance, and managed services can streamline your operations and enhance your IT infrastructure: columbiaadvisory.com/contact

Strengthening Cybersecurity in Higher Education with Columbia Advisory Group’s vCISO Services

The digital landscape in higher education is rapidly evolving, bringing increased cybersecurity threats to institutions that manage vast amounts of sensitive student, faculty, and research data. The rise of ransomware attacks, data breaches, and growing regulatory requirements underscores the need for a strategic, proactive approach to cybersecurity.
However, not all institutions have the resources to hire a full-time Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). That’s where Columbia Advisory Group’s Virtual CISO (vCISO) services provide a cost-effective, expert-driven solution—enhancing cybersecurity, ensuring compliance, and reducing risk without the expense of a full-time hire.

Why Columbia Advisory Group’s vCISO Services?

Cybersecurity in higher education presents unique challenges: large, complex networks, multiple stakeholders (students, faculty, and staff), and a rapidly changing regulatory environment. Columbia Advisory Group (CAG) understands these complexities and delivers vCISO services tailored specifically to the needs of colleges and universities.
Here’s how our vCISO services help institutions navigate an increasingly dangerous digital landscape:

1. Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)

Regulatory compliance is a top priority for higher education institutions. Laws such as FERPA, GLBA, and HIPAA mandate strict data protection requirements, making it critical to establish strong security policies and controls.
Columbia Advisory Group’s vCISO services integrate a proactive Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) framework to ensure institutions meet regulatory obligations while staying prepared for audits. We help:
  • Develop and enforce security policies, controls, and compliance strategies
  • Align cybersecurity initiatives with audit readiness and risk management
  • Ensure continuous compliance with evolving regulations
By taking a proactive approach to GRC, institutions can reduce the risk of fines, improve security posture, and build trust with students, faculty, and regulators.

2. Risk-Based Vulnerability Management

Higher education institutions are prime targets for cybercriminals due to their expansive IT environments and diverse infrastructure. But how do you prioritize vulnerabilities effectively?
Our vCISO services identify, assess, and prioritize vulnerabilities based on actual risk, ensuring that critical security gaps are addressed before they can be exploited. We:
  • Conduct comprehensive risk assessments across IT systems and networks
  • Prioritize vulnerabilities based on their potential impact
  • Provide actionable strategies to mitigate threats proactively
By focusing on high-risk vulnerabilities first, we help institutions minimize cyber risks while optimizing resources.

3. Attack Surface Management

As institutions adopt more devices, applications, and cloud services, their attack surface expands—creating more potential entry points for cyber threats.
Columbia Advisory Group’s vCISO services provide:
  • Comprehensive attack surface monitoring to identify security gaps
  • Real-time risk assessments to prevent unauthorized access
  • Advanced security tools to detect, analyze, and reduce vulnerabilities
By continuously managing and securing the attack surface, institutions can mitigate risks and protect critical assets from evolving cyber threats.

4. Audit Readiness and Cybersecurity Maturity

Higher education institutions must be prepared for internal and external audits to maintain compliance with regulatory and industry standards. Our vCISO services help institutions:
  • Align security policies and procedures with audit frameworks
  • Conduct cybersecurity maturity assessments
  • Test and validate security controls to ensure compliance and resilience
By staying audit-ready, institutions avoid penalties, maintain trust, and demonstrate a strong commitment to data protection.

5. Incident Response and Crisis Management

Preventing cyber threats is essential, but so is preparing for the worst-case scenario. Our vCISO services include incident response planning to help institutions:
  • Develop and refine incident response playbooks
  • Identify threat detection and response strategies
  • Establish rapid recovery plans to minimize downtime
Whether it’s ransomware, a data breach, or another cyber event, our team ensures institutions can respond effectively and recover quickly.

6. Strengthening Collaboration with ISO and CIO Leadership

Effective cybersecurity requires collaboration across the institution. Columbia Advisory Group’s vCISO services are designed to work alongside your existing leadership—not replace it.
We partner with:
  • Information Security Officers (ISO) to provide strategic direction, strengthen risk management, and align security initiatives with institutional goals.
  • Chief Information Officers (CIO) to ensure that cybersecurity measures support broader IT initiatives, from infrastructure modernization to emerging technology adoption.
By working in partnership with ISOs and CIOs, we create a unified, strategic cybersecurity approach that enhances resilience while supporting institutional priorities.

Why Higher Education Institutions Choose Columbia Advisory Group’s vCISO Services

Higher education institutions face an increasing volume of cyber threats, making a strategic, multi-layered approach to cybersecurity essential. Columbia Advisory Group’s vCISO services provide:
  • Expert cybersecurity leadership tailored to higher education
  • Comprehensive GRC, risk management, and compliance solutions
  • Integrated security strategies that align with IT and institutional goals
Whether addressing vulnerabilities, securing the attack surface, or preparing for audits, our vCISO services provide a customized cybersecurity strategy that meets the unique challenges of higher education.
By partnering with your ISO and CIO, we ensure that cybersecurity is seamlessly integrated across all operations, creating a more secure, resilient, and future-ready institution.
Contact us today at columbiaadvisory.com/contact to learn how we can help your institution build a stronger cybersecurity posture in an increasingly complex digital world.

Strategic Cloud Transformation in Education: Unlocking Oracle Cloud Infrastructure to Achieve Institutional Goals

For educational institutions running Oracle-based Student Information Systems (SIS) or ERP solutions on-premise, the need to refresh outdated hardware or platforms can pose a significant challenge—especially when applications or customizations are incompatible with SaaS solutions. This is where Columbia Advisory Group (CAG) steps in. Leveraging Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), CAG offers a strategic path for schools to migrate their existing application stacks to a cloud environment without the need for extensive modifications.
OCI’s unique architecture enables institutions to move their systems to a flexible, secure, and scalable platform, reducing the cost of maintaining on-premise hardware by an impressive 30-50%. This cost efficiency is achieved while maintaining the functionality of the existing applications, allowing schools to maximize their current investments.

Why OCI Is Ideal for Educational Institutions

Educational institutions face distinctive challenges in balancing modern IT demands with limited budgets and regulatory requirements. OCI provides several key benefits tailored to address these needs:
  • High Performance and Consistency: OCI’s enterprise-grade infrastructure offers dedicated, high-performance computing and networking resources that enable schools to run demanding applications, such as SIS or ERP, with low latency. The dedicated compute resources also minimize interference from shared cloud users, ensuring consistent performance across critical applications.
  • Security and Compliance: Designed with built-in security features, OCI includes robust identity and access management, data encryption, and comprehensive monitoring capabilities. OCI’s certifications—such as SOC, HIPAA, and GDPR—make it ideal for educational institutions that handle sensitive student and faculty data and must adhere to strict compliance standards.
  • Cost Savings and Predictable Pricing: Moving to OCI can significantly reduce the costs associated with maintaining on-premise hardware. With no charges for ingress or egress traffic, schools can experience predictable pricing without hidden costs—ideal for budget-conscious educational institutions.
  • Seamless Integration and Flexibility: For schools with applications that require customization, OCI supports hybrid and multi-cloud architectures. This enables institutions to retain their customizations while leveraging a flexible cloud environment that aligns with their unique operational requirements.
  • Future-Ready Scalability: OCI’s flexible compute models, including bare-metal instances, virtual machines, and containers, allow institutions to scale resources up or down based on demand. This elasticity ensures that schools only pay for what they use, providing cost-efficiency as needs evolve.

How CAG Enables a Smooth Transition to OCI

CAG specializes in supporting educational institutions throughout their digital transformation journey, helping schools shift from legacy infrastructure to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. By offering a targeted, customized migration strategy, CAG ensures institutions can transition to OCI without substantial application changes or disruptions to daily operations. With expertise in handling educational ERP and SIS solutions, CAG aligns OCI’s capabilities with each institution’s goals, maximizing operational efficiency, security, and budget.
Learn more about how Columbia Advisory Group is empowering educational institutions to achieve digital transformation through Oracle Cloud Infrastructure at columbiaadvisory.com.

Restoring Trust in Higher Education Cybersecurity

In the face of increasing cyber threats, higher education institutions are under pressure to secure sensitive data while fostering trust among students, faculty, and stakeholders. The EDUCAUSE 2025 Top 10 IT Issues report highlights the need to restore trust, which often hinges on robust cybersecurity strategies. Columbia Advisory Group (CAG) understands this challenge and partners with institutions to enhance trust through proactive cybersecurity measures that reinforce data integrity and operational resilience.

CAG’s Strategy for Strengthening Trust Through Cybersecurity

Trust isn’t just about mitigating risks; it’s about creating a secure digital environment that supports academic missions. CAG focuses on several key areas to support institutions, including:
  1. Virtual CISO Services: Recognizing the cost challenges of hiring dedicated CISOs, CAG offers virtual CISO services, allowing institutions to implement effective cybersecurity leadership without overextending their budgets. This guidance includes risk assessments, policy setting, and compliance support, all tailored to educational needs.
  2. Continuous Threat Monitoring: With emerging threats constantly evolving, CAG’s 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) provides continuous monitoring to detect and respond to threats before they escalate. This approach reassures institutions that they have a dedicated team always safeguarding their sensitive information.
  3. Data Governance and Compliance: Aligning with regulatory frameworks, such as NIST and ISO 27001, CAG’s data governance services enable institutions to manage data transparently and securely, reinforcing institutional integrity and regulatory compliance.

Real-World Applications: CAG’s Impact on Higher Education

CAG’s work demonstrates how tailored cybersecurity solutions restore trust and strengthen resilience. In several case studies, CAG has helped educational institutions create secure, compliant environments, even under challenging conditions:
  • Enhanced Security Roadmaps: By building strategic IT roadmaps, CAG has guided institutions in implementing cybersecurity policies that ensure data safety and compliance, ultimately building confidence among campus stakeholders.
  • ERP and Data Integration Solutions: For complex, multi-campus systems, CAG’s data integration solutions ensure seamless, secure data access, fostering trust by simplifying student and staff interactions while protecting personal information.

Practical Steps for Strengthening Trust

To further enhance security and build trust, CAG recommends that institutions:
  • Invest in Regular Audits and Assessments: Ongoing evaluations keep cybersecurity policies aligned with evolving threats.
  • Promote Security Awareness Training: Educating campus members fosters a community of shared responsibility, which is critical to trust.
  • Adopt Advanced Threat Detection Tools: Leveraging AI-driven tools for threat detection helps institutions proactively manage risks.

Partnering with CAG for a Secure Future

Columbia Advisory Group remains committed to supporting higher education’s security and trust goals. By leveraging expertise in cybersecurity, compliance, and operational resilience, CAG stands as a trusted partner for institutions navigating today’s digital complexities. For more information on CAG’s higher education solutions, explore our case studies and services.

Managed Services vs Staff Augmentation: A Comprehensive Comparison

In the dynamic landscape of information technology (IT), organizations are constantly seeking ways to bolster their technical capabilities. One of these strategies includes staff augmentation – a model that allows companies to ‘borrow’ IT professionals from service providers or independent contractors. This approach helps fill immediate skill gaps and address short-term project needs.

Understanding Staff Augmentation: Short-Term Benefits and Long-Term Drawbacks

To clarify, staff augmentation is akin to an on-demand service. If you need extra hands for a specific project or to replace a key member temporarily, you can hire external resources. These professionals are paid by the hour and can be let go with a reasonable notice period. This method provides a simple cost model and quick scalability, all with minimal disruption to your existing IT team’s structure.

Take the case of ‘TechyCo,’ a fictional tech company. They once needed a team of data scientists for a six-month project. Rather than hiring full-time employees for a short-term requirement, they used staff augmentation, which proved cost-effective and efficient.

However, problems may arise if staff augmentation transforms into a long-term strategy. This model could lead to what we call ‘staff creep’ – a gradual increase in augmented staff over time. It could also create an ‘unrecognized head count’ that falls under the organization’s radar. To put it simply, you might end up with more augmented staff than you initially planned, which can inflate costs.

Also, contractors added as high-cost permanent staff may lead to challenges such as loss of knowledge control and business continuity. Without any obligation to deliver specific outcomes or transfer knowledge, significant organizational risk may build up over time.

Managed Services: A Strategy for Long-Term Growth

An alternative approach to long-term external sourcing is the managed services model, which can be compared to outsourcing. Here, you’re not hiring individuals, but contracting a company to deliver a specified outcome for a predetermined price.

The managed services model promotes value-based planning. It’s not just about hiring a skillset; it’s about ensuring an outcome, thus shifting the delivery risk to the provider. This model is usually more cost-effective overall and helps maintain operational continuity.

To illustrate, ‘TechyCo’ started a new project with a two-year timeline. Rather than using staff augmentation, they transitioned to a managed services model, engaging a service provider to deliver the entire project. This shift allowed them to focus on their core competencies while the managed service provider took care of the project’s technical aspects.

Overcoming Boundaries to Adapt Managed Services: 

Even with its benefits, some organizations hesitate to adopt the managed services model due to concerns about losing operational control. However, it’s important to remember that outsourcing doesn’t equate to relinquishing control. You can maintain control through well-defined contracts and strong relationship management.

Despite the initial complexity, shifting from staff augmentation to managed services can result in significant economic and service value. It’s about focusing on outcomes instead of individual skill sets. This shift ensures cost predictability and puts the delivery risk on the service provider.

Unlocking Additional Benefits of Managed Services:

The managed services model offers additional advantages. It provides a clear link between service, business needs, and cost, shifting the focus from resource utilization to optimizing the cost/service balance. It also offers scalability based on business demand and operational performance metrics tied to process excellence and outcomes.

Whether you choose staff augmentation or managed services depends on your specific needs, resources, and long-term goals. As a rule of thumb, staff augmentation works well for short-term, specific projects, while managed services offer a better approach for long-term and outcome-oriented projects. Understanding these models can help you make informed decisions strategically.

David McLaughlin

CEO

About Columbia Advisory Group

Founded in Dallas in 2012, Columbia Advisory Group LLC (CAG) is an established IT consulting firm renowned for delivering cost-effective, meaningful, and practical IT solutions that solve complex business problems. Our seasoned teams offer comprehensive insight across diverse regulatory and economic environments, providing unbiased, straightforward analysis and recommendations. We pride ourselves on our deep understanding of IT while remaining software and hardware-agnostic. Regardless of your organization’s growth trajectory or economic landscape, we at CAG are adept at adapting to your unique needs and complexity, offering tailored solutions to drive your success.

Contact us at info@columbiaadvisory.com.

Data Governance: Get Your Data in Line With Columbia Advisory Group

In our modern digital world, data is like gold. It helps organizations make smarter business decisions, improve how they work, and better understand their customers. But as we gather more and more data, it’s vital to have a good plan in place to manage it. That’s where data governance comes in. It’s all about making sure your data is available, useful, accurate, and safe. This involves making clear who does what, setting up rules and processes, and making sure your data is high quality and secure. Let’s look at why data governance is so important. 

Why Bother With Data Governance?

Better Data Quality 

One big win from data governance is that it helps you get better data. When you manage your data well, it’s easier to make sure your data is accurate, consistent, and up to date. This means you can make decisions based on data you can trust.

Improved Data Security

Data security is getting more important every day, especially with the rise of cyber-attacks and data breaches. Data governance helps you protect your data by setting up rules about who can do what, putting in processes for using data, and setting up measures to keep data safe from unauthorized access or theft. By having a good data governance plan, you can lower the risk of data breaches and keep sensitive information safe.

Data is Available When Needed

Data governance also makes sure that data is easy to get to for those who need it. When you manage your data well, it’s easier to look after, which means it’s there when you need it. This helps improve decision-making and efficiency, as staff can get the information they need faster.

Stay on the Right Side of the Law

Lastly, data governance helps you comply with data protection laws, like the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). These laws require strong data protection measures, and by using data governance, you can make sure you’re following these laws and avoid any expensive fines.

How Columbia Advisory Group gets it Right 

Columbia Advisory Group (CAG) knows how important data governance is and has put a great strategy in place to make sure its data is high quality, secure, and available when needed. We’ve made a plan that lays out who does what and provides guidelines for using data. This makes sure the data they use is accurate, consistent, and safe.  CAG has also used technology to help manage and look after their data. We use data management and analytics platforms, as well as security solutions that protect their data from unauthorized access or theft. By using these tools, CAG makes sure their data is managed in a way that’s effective and efficient. So, why not check us out and get your data in line?

Tim Taylor

Practice Lead

About Columbia Advisory Group

Founded in Dallas in 2012, Columbia Advisory Group LLC (CAG) is an established IT consulting firm renowned for delivering cost-effective, meaningful, and practical IT solutions that solve complex business problems. Our seasoned teams offer comprehensive insight across diverse regulatory and economic environments, providing unbiased, straightforward analysis and recommendations. We pride ourselves on our deep understanding of IT while remaining software and hardware-agnostic. Regardless of your organization’s growth trajectory or economic landscape, we at CAG are adept at adapting to your unique needs and complexity, offering tailored solutions to drive your success.

Contact us at info@columbiaadvisory.com.

Maximizing Business Success Through Core Competencies

In today’s competitive business landscape, organizations strive to achieve success by leveraging their unique strengths. One essential aspect of this strategy is identifying and harnessing core competencies—the distinctive skills and capabilities that set them apart. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of robust core competencies and their impact on performance. 

Unveiling Core Competencies:

Unearthing core competencies begins with a comprehensive assessment of internal resources and capabilities. This process involves analyzing various areas where the organization excels, such as research and development, technological innovation, or effective supply chain management. By identifying these core competencies, businesses gain a clear understanding of their unique strengths and competitive advantages.

Strategic Planning for Competitive Advantage:

Once core competencies are identified, they become the cornerstone of strategic planning. CIO magazine emphasizes the importance of allocating resources strategically to enhance and expand these competencies. By capitalizing on their strengths, organizations can innovate, develop superior products or services, and gain a competitive edge. Aligning competitive strategies with core competencies allows businesses to establish a strong market position, driving their success.

Differentiation Through Marketing Initiatives: 

Core competencies play a pivotal role in shaping effective marketing campaigns. Understanding target audiences and tailoring messaging to address their pain points is key to success. By leveraging core competencies, businesses can demonstrate how their offerings provide unique solutions that meet customers’ needs. This differentiation enables brands to position themselves uniquely, resonate with their target market, and command higher prices.

Streamlining Operations for Efficiency: 

Operational efficiency is a significant benefit of core competencies. Investopedia emphasizes the importance of aligning processes with these competencies [^2]. By focusing resources on areas of strength, businesses can streamline operations, eliminate redundancies, and optimize efficiency. This approach allows for effective resource allocation, cost reduction, and improved profitability without compromising quality.

Adapting and Overcoming Challenges: 

While core competencies provide a competitive advantage, it is crucial to remain agile and adaptable. Information Week highlights the importance of continuous evaluation and adaptation to address market dynamics and changing customer expectations. Organizations must consistently refine and expand their core competencies to sustain long-term growth and stay ahead of the competition.

Leveraging core competencies is a vital strategy for organizations seeking to maximize their success. By identifying and capitalizing on internal strengths, businesses can strategically allocate resources, differentiate themselves in the market, streamline operations, and achieve operational efficiency. The continuous evaluation and refinement of core competencies enable organizations to navigate challenges and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

David McLaughlin

CEO

About Columbia Advisory Group

Founded in Dallas in 2012, Columbia Advisory Group LLC (CAG) is an established IT consulting firm renowned for delivering cost-effective, meaningful, and practical IT solutions that solve complex business problems. Our seasoned teams offer comprehensive insight across diverse regulatory and economic environments, providing unbiased, straightforward analysis and recommendations. We pride ourselves on our deep understanding of IT while remaining software and hardware-agnostic. Regardless of your organization’s growth trajectory or economic landscape, we at CAG are adept at adapting to your unique needs and complexity, offering tailored solutions to drive your success.

Contact us at info@columbiaadvisory.com.

Strengthening Cybersecurity in the Oil and Gas Industry: Safeguarding Critical Operations

The oil and gas industry is confronting an alarming reality: its vulnerability to cyber threats. The wake-up call came in May 2021 with the Colonial Pipeline attack, exposing the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures. Factors like digitalization and the ever-evolving landscape of cybercrime have heightened the industry’s susceptibility. To protect critical national infrastructure, oil and gas companies must prioritize cybersecurity as an essential pillar of their digital strategy. In this article, we will explore the impact of cybersecurity on the oil and gas market and delve into the key cybersecurity value chains that can fortify the industry against emerging threats.

The Impact of Cybersecurity on the Oil & Gas Market:

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the operating environment for oil and gas companies, leading to an increase in cyberattacks. Opportunistic attackers targeted remote-working employees who were navigating unfamiliar digital territories. Now, more than ever, oil and gas companies recognize the importance of safeguarding their operations from cyber threats. By investing in cybersecurity, companies can protect their assets, ensure operational continuity, and maintain the trust of their stakeholders.

Navigating the Digitalization Wave: 

Technological advancements, ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain to cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT), have transformed the oil and gas industry. These innovations offer remarkable benefits, streamlining operations and enhancing competitiveness. However, embracing digitalization also opens up new avenues for cybercriminals to exploit. As technology becomes more intricate, organizations must adapt by adopting a proactive and vigilant cyber-aware stance to thwart attacks and protect critical assets.

Key Cybersecurity Value Chains: 

To fortify their defenses, oil and gas companies must focus on key cybersecurity value chains:

  1. Hardware: Safeguarding mission-critical servers and safety-critical applications requires protecting chips from cyberattacks. Companies are increasingly designing their chips to ensure greater control and resilience against threats.
  2. Software: A robust software infrastructure is essential for mitigating cyber risks. Areas such as identity management, network security, threat detection and response, cloud security, data security, email security, application security, unified threat management, and vulnerability management must be prioritized to establish comprehensive protection against cyber threats.
  3. Services: Addressing cybersecurity challenges can be complex, requiring specialized expertise. Outsourcing services such as managed security services, post-breach response services, and risk and compliance services can provide the necessary knowledge and resources to stay ahead of vulnerabilities, detect and respond to threats effectively, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

The Future of Cybersecurity in Oil and Gas: 

The Colonial Pipeline attack sent a clear message that cybersecurity concerns continue to pose a significant threat to the oil and gas industry. Industry leaders anticipate that cybersecurity will remain a disruptive force in the coming years. As the world grows increasingly unpredictable, the critical nature of oil and gas infrastructure amplifies the risk of cyberattacks. The convergence of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT), coupled with inadequately protected infrastructure, makes oil and gas companies prime targets during future conflicts. Consequently, investing in robust cybersecurity measures is not only crucial for survival but also for maintaining a competitive edge in the industry.

In an era where cyber threats abound, the oil and gas industry must take decisive action to fortify its cybersecurity posture and protect critical operations. By investing in hardware, software, and services that address emerging cyber threats, companies can ensure operational continuity, protect valuable assets, and preserve the trust of stakeholders. The ever-increasing engagement with cybersecurity reflects its paramount importance in the industry, making it a chief concern that demands immediate attention.

Brad Hudson

Cybersecurity Practice Leader

About Columbia Advisory Group

Founded in Dallas in 2012, Columbia Advisory Group LLC (CAG) is an established IT consulting firm renowned for delivering cost-effective, meaningful, and practical IT solutions that solve complex business problems. Our seasoned teams offer comprehensive insight across diverse regulatory and economic environments, providing unbiased, straightforward analysis and recommendations. We pride ourselves on our deep understanding of IT while remaining software and hardware-agnostic. Regardless of your organization’s growth trajectory or economic landscape, we at CAG are adept at adapting to your unique needs and complexity, offering tailored solutions to drive your success.

Contact us at info@columbiaadvisory.com.

US DoE Reinforces Compliance with Update Safeguards Rule

On February 9, a significant update was issued by the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid (FSA) office. The update pertains to compliance with the Safeguards Rule, a component of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) that deals with customer records, information security, and confidentiality. The GLBA, as described by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), sets out to provide a robust framework for financial institutions to protect their customers’ personal data.

The GLBA applies to institutions of higher education that engage in financial activities such as providing student loans or banking services. Non-compliance with GLBA regulations may lead to the loss of eligibility for federal funding, potentially impacting the institution’s ability to offer financial aid to students. Non-compliance with GLBA regulations may lead to the loss of eligibility for federal funding, potentially affecting the institution’s ability to provide financial assistance to students.

The notice from the FSA emphasized the FTC’s decision to bring the revised Safeguards Rule into effect from June 9, 2023. The update outlines the major points of the Safeguards Rule following modifications made by the FTC in December 2021, highlighting FSA’s expectations for compliance.

A critical aspect of the announcement lies in how it applies the GLBA-defined term “customer information” to higher education, the domain of FSA’s oversight. “Customer information,” as defined under the GLBA, refers to data obtained during the provision of financial services to a student, whether current or past. The scope of financial assistance can include administering Title IV programs, offering institutional loans, including income share agreements, or servicing a private education loan for a student.

The FSA notice zeroes in on two main provisions of the revised Safeguards Rule, set to become effective in June:

  1. The requirement for institutions to encrypt customer data both at rest within institutional systems and during transmission across external networks.
  2. The mandate for multi-factor authentication (MFA) for anyone accessing customer information via institutional systems.

These provisions underscore the FSA’s commitment to enhancing data security and privacy within higher education institutions. However, the notice also alludes to some uncertainties in the enforcement process for Safeguards Rule compliance. It mentions that the FSA will resolve compliance issues linked to the new Safeguards Rule provisions once they come into effect, primarily through institutional Corrective Action Plans (CAPs). It doesn’t clarify what “other means” could lead to a compliance investigation nor provides any framework for the CAPs that institutions need to create and execute.

The reference to “other means” may stir apprehension, echoing a situation years ago when an FSA official sent compliance notices based on media reports of alleged cybersecurity incidents. This necessitates clear communication from the FSA regarding potential triggers for compliance investigations, apart from federal single audit findings.

Concluding the notice, FSA reinforces the importance of institutions adopting the NIST SP 800-171 cybersecurity guidelines concerning federal student financial aid data. The federal government’s controlled unclassified information (CUI) regulations will soon mandate institutional compliance with NIST SP 800-171.

As these changes unfold, CAG is committed to closely collaborating with community members to ensure that FSA’s guidance and enforcement adequately address the regulations and compliance areas.

Where can I find more information? For additional information, see FSA’s electronic announcement: Updates to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act Cybersecurity Requirements. If you have questions regarding the Department of Education’s enforcement of GLBA, please get in touch with FSA_IHECyberCompliance@ed.gov. More information is also available on the Federal Trade Commission’s website. Updates to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act Cybersecurity Requirements | Knowledge Center

 

About Columbia Advisory Group:
Columbia Advisory Group (CAG) is a leading Information Technology (IT) consulting firm. CAG’s team has assessed and helped improve the performance of more than 300 technology organizations and IT departments, including many higher education institutions, state agencies, and Fortune 50 customers. Practice specialty areas include Infrastructure, IT Service Management, Cybersecurity, and A/V Services. CAG improves business outcomes with IT insights and expert technical support. Based in Dallas, Texas, CAG works extensively with clients throughout the U.S. Contact us at .

The Importance of Prioritizing Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Your Company’s Future

Recognizing the High Stakes

In today’s interconnected world, the significance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Yet, despite the abundance of warnings and information available, many organizations neglect this critical aspect of their operations. Legacy tactics and outdated tools, combined with inadequate planning of cybersecurity programs, only serve to invite trouble and compromise the integrity of your company. As an experienced professional in the field of cybersecurity, I implore you to consider the consequences of disregarding this vital issue.

Alarming Realities: The Ever-Present Threat

The landscape of cyber threats is ever-evolving, as evidenced by the multitude of industry news and data depicting the insidious nature of cyberattacks. A recent report by the esteemed cybersecurity firm Sophos revealed that a staggering 97% of organizations experienced a breach within the last year alone. The spectrum of risks is wide-ranging from ransomware attacks to phishing scams and data theft. It is entirely plausible that your company, or those you closely collaborate with, may have already fallen victim to these cyber perils—or may do so in the near future.

The Costly Consequences: Beyond Reputational Damage

The economic ramifications of such breaches are truly eye-opening. In addition to reputational damage and legal fees, businesses face the costly repercussions of downtime and data loss. On average, the price tag associated with a breach exceeds $4 million, with ransomware attacks alone averaging nearly $2 million. While some may argue that these figures could vary, the underlying truth remains unchanged: the consequences are undeniably severe.

Data Valuation: Dispelling Dangerous Assumptions

Gone are the days when an excuse like “we don’t possess valuable data” suffices for ignoring cybersecurity. Virtually all businesses, regardless of their size or industry, collect and store sensitive information. This can include customer data, financial details, or even intellectual property. Furthermore, the fallout from inadequate cybersecurity measures extends beyond your own organization. When one company suffers a breach, it can propagate throughout the supply chain, causing a domino effect of financial loss and reputational harm.

The Ethical Imperative: Protecting Those You Serve

Choosing to disregard cybersecurity is not only financially irresponsible but also ethically wrong. Businesses, as well as the professionals driving them, carry an inherent duty to safeguard personal customer information and employee data. Negligence in this regard can have far-reaching implications, affecting the lives and livelihoods of countless individuals.

Universal Vulnerability: No Company is Immune

It is important to realize that hackers do not discriminate based on company size or industry. They will exploit any business that possesses valuable data. Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury or an afterthought; it has become a fundamental necessity. Ignoring it is akin to neglecting physical security measures such as locks and alarms. As cybercriminals continually evolve their tactics, it is imperative that your cybersecurity measures keep pace. Too often, headlines reveal that at some point in the chain of events, a crucial misstep occurred, leaving organizations vulnerable for days, weeks, or even months before the ultimate breach occurred.

Emphasizing Comprehensive Measures: Principles Over Products

To effectively protect your organization, it is crucial to prioritize cybersecurity principles over individual products and tools. Emphasize comprehensive and proactive security principles, such as active visibility, monitoring, detection, and resolution of anomalous conditions across applications, identities, behaviors, infrastructure, cloud, endpoints, and data. Furthermore, cybersecurity awareness should encompass critical areas such as patching, monitoring, DevOps, and disaster recovery.

Ignorance is a Costly Mistake

Statistics unequivocally demonstrate that cyberattacks pose a prevalent threat to  businesses of all sizes. The cost of ignoring these risks is far too high to ignore. Failing to acknowledge the value of your company’s data leaves you vulnerable to attacks and further victimization. As a responsible professional, it is your duty to safeguard your organization’s future by prioritizing cybersecurity and ensuring that comprehensive measures are in place to protect against potential threats. Remember, ignorance is not bliss—it is a costly mistake that no business can afford to make.

Brad Hudson

Cybersecurity Practice Leader

About Columbia Advisory Group

Founded in Dallas in 2012, Columbia Advisory Group LLC (CAG) is an established IT consulting firm renowned for delivering cost-effective, meaningful, and practical IT solutions that solve complex business problems. Our seasoned teams offer comprehensive insight across diverse regulatory and economic environments, providing unbiased, straightforward analysis and recommendations. We pride ourselves on our deep understanding of IT while remaining software and hardware-agnostic. Regardless of your organization’s growth trajectory or economic landscape, we at CAG are adept at adapting to your unique needs and complexity, offering tailored solutions to drive your success.

Contact us at info@columbiaadvisory.com.