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National Cybersecurity Awareness Month: 5 Cybersecurity Strategies Research Universities Must Adopt to Lead in Global Research

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2 years ago

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Navigating Unique Cybersecurity Challenges from Sensitive Data Protection to Social Media Threats

JASPER, Ind., Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — As National Cybersecurity Awareness Month approaches this October, PIER Group is drawing attention to the unique cybersecurity challenges faced by research-focused universities and institutions nationwide. With the rise of cloud computing and data sharing, safeguarding the sensitive research data, intellectual property, and high-value projects emerging from these academic hubs is more critical than ever. PIER Group, a leader in providing IT solutions and cybersecurity services to R1 and R2 universities, is at the forefront of helping these institutions navigate this complex cybersecurity landscape.

“At PIER Group, we see it as our responsibility to ensure that these institutions not only stay at the forefront of global research, but do so securely. We’re building the infrastructures that allow them to innovate without fear of compromise,” said Chad Williams, president of PIER Group.

“R1 and R2 universities are some of the most targeted institutions by cybercriminals due to the immense value of the research they conduct and their large attack surface. Their networks handle hundreds of thousands of devices and connect to other universities all over the world,” said Chad Williams, president of PIER Group. “At PIER Group, we see it as our responsibility to ensure that these institutions not only stay at the forefront of global research, but do so securely. We’re building the infrastructures that allow them to innovate without fear of compromise.”

During National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, universities have the opportunity to assess their cybersecurity strategies and adopt solutions that will protect their campuses, students, and research for years to come. Williams and his colleagues at PIER Group have identified five strategies that top universities should be implementing now or planning for:

1. Adopt AI for Cybersecurity. For managing networks at the scale of major research universities, with thousands of devices connected to campus networks, AI is essential for detecting threats and responding quickly. AI-driven tools can analyze vast amounts of data to detect anomalies and provide automated threat responses.
● What Universities Should Do: Adopt AI-enhanced cybersecurity tools that provide proactive monitoring and fast response to cyber threats.

2. Implement Network Access Control (NAC) Systems. Modern access control solutions, often enhanced with AI, make it much easier for university staff to segment the university population so only authorized users can access sensitive information, applications and data.
● What Universities Should Do: Implement sophisticated NAC systems that use AI for smarter, more effective user management.

3. Combat Social Media Attacks. Cyber criminals are using social media apps like LinkedIn and Instagram to launch attacks on individuals, with an overarching goal of breaching a university network.
● What Universities Should Do: Universities should always follow the 3-2-1-1 rule – three copies of data at two different locations, one offsite and one immutable. They should also educate campus communities on social media risks and employ cybersecurity solutions that monitor and mitigate these threats.

4. Leave Legacy Equipment Behind. Most universities have older equipment, but even equipment that is just a few years old can leave universities vulnerable to cyberattacks. Transitioning networks and storage to the cloud is proving to be the most economical and flexible solution, adding greater security while allowing universities to quickly scale up or down.
● What Universities Should Do: Focus on phasing out older equipment as soon as possible and migrate those computing needs to the cloud.

5. Collaborate Securely with the Broader Research Ecosystem. Universities’ openness for collaboration complicates security. Real-time partnerships with research centers and external partners demand secure data-sharing, supported by networks like The Quilt. Strong security measures are crucial to protect sensitive research and intellectual property. Secure collaboration fuels innovation in medicine and technology while safeguarding valuable data.
● What Universities Should Do: Universities should ensure their networks are built to handle secure, high-speed collaboration with both internal and external research partners. PIER Group’s support and partnership with R1 and R2 research organizations help facilitate university-wide collaboration, enabling discussions on the best procedures and solutions to secure student, institutional, and research data necessary for innovation.

As cyber threats become more sophisticated, universities must implement strategies to protect their students, staff, and the integrity of their research. By doing so, they contribute to a safer global research ecosystem. For more information on how R1 and R2 universities can achieve technology leadership, visit http://www.piergroup.com.

About PIER Group 
PIER Group is a leading IT and cybersecurity solutions provider with decades of experience specializing in research universities and large academic institutions. They excel in securing and optimizing campus and research networks, demonstrated by their work with top national R1 and R2 universities from coast to coast including Indiana University, University of South Carolina and the University of Maryland. PIER Group’s expertise includes implementing robust security measures, such as Aruba ClearPass, to protect sensitive data and support national research networks like The Quilt. Their commitment helps universities navigate complex cybersecurity challenges and makes high-speed, high-stakes collaborations possible. For more information, visit piergroup.com.

Media Contact:
Beth (Brophy) Strautz
Vagus PR, Inc.
beth@vaguspr.com

Media Contact

Beth Strautz, Vagus PR, 773-895-5387, beth@vaguspr.com, vaguspr.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/national-cybersecurity-awareness-month-5-cybersecurity-strategies-research-universities-must-adopt-to-lead-in-global-research-302255953.html

SOURCE PIER Group

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Florida Physician Specialists Data Breach: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Launches Investigation into Exposure of Personal Information

Published

27 minutes ago

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May 3, 2026

By

National class action firm offering free case evaluations to individuals impacted by the Florida Physician Specialists cybersecurity incident

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Edelson Lechtzin LLP, a national class action law firm, is investigating data privacy claims arising from the Florida Physician Specialists data breach. Florida Physician Specialists learned of the cybersecurity incident between November 27 and 29, 2025.

What Happened

Florida Physician Specialists discovered that its network was hacked between November 27 and 29, 2025. An investigation launched in late November 2025 confirmed that an unauthorized third party accessed its network. The review of the exposed data was completed on April 6, 2026.

Information Exposed

Affected personal data includes full names and one or more of the following: Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers or state identification numbers, other government identification numbers, financial account information, credit or debit card information, medical information, and/or health insurance policy information.

Who May Be Impacted

Individuals who received a data breach notification from Florida Physician Specialists may face an increased risk of identity theft and fraud.

Your Legal Options

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a potential class action to pursue legal remedies on behalf of individuals whose sensitive personal data may have been compromised in the Florida Physician Specialists breach. The firm will evaluate your rights and potential claims at no cost.

Recommended Protective Steps

Review account statements and credit reports regularly and remain vigilant for suspicious activity. Confirm whether your information was involved in the Florida Physician Specialists incident and preserve any letters or emails you received about the breach. Consider placing fraud alerts and credit monitoring.

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

Speak confidentially with a data privacy attorney today: Marc Edelson, Esq., Edelson Lechtzin LLP, 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300, Newtown, PA 18940; Phone: 844-696-7492 ext. 2; Email: medelson@edelson-law.com; Web: www.edelson-law.com. Or click HERE to request a free consultation.

About Florida Physician Specialists

Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Florida Physician Specialists is a multi-specialty private physician practice serving patients in Northeast Florida.

About Edelson Lechtzin LLP

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to data breach litigation, the firm handles class and collective actions involving securities and investment fraud, federal antitrust violations, ERISA employee benefit plans, wage theft, and consumer fraud

Media and Partnership Inquiries: Use the contact information above to connect with our team regarding interviews, co-counsel opportunities, and referral partnerships.

Legal Notice: This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/florida-physician-specialists-data-breach-edelson-lechtzin-llp-launches-investigation-into-exposure-of-personal-information-302760742.html

SOURCE Edelson Lechtzin LLP

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Sandhills Medical Foundation, Inc., d/b/a Sandhills Medical Data Breach: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Launches Investigation into Exposure of Personal Information

Published

27 minutes ago

on

May 3, 2026

By

National class action firm offering free case evaluations to individuals impacted by the Sandhills Medical cybersecurity incident

MCBEE, S.C., May 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Edelson Lechtzin LLP, a national class action law firm, is investigating data privacy claims arising from the Sandhills Medical data breach. Sandhills Medical learned of the cybersecurity incident between November 27 and 29, 2025.

What Happened

On May 8, 2025, Sandhills Medical discovered it had been the victim of a ransomware attack. Sandhills Medical began an investigation with the help of cybersecurity experts and a forensic firm. That investigation determined an unauthorized third party accessed Sandhills Medical’s server directly and obtained personal information for select patients.

Information Exposed

Affected personal data includes names, personal health information, and birth dates. This data breach has affected an estimated 169,017 people.

Who May Be Impacted

Individuals who received a data breach notification from Sandhills Medical may face an increased risk of identity theft and fraud.

Your Legal Options

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a potential class action to pursue legal remedies on behalf of individuals whose sensitive personal data may have been compromised in the Sandhills Medical breach. The firm will evaluate your rights and potential claims at no cost.

Recommended Protective Steps

Review account statements and credit reports regularly and remain vigilant for suspicious activity. Confirm whether your information was involved in the Sandhills Medical incident and preserve any letters or emails you received about the breach. Consider placing fraud alerts and credit monitoring.

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

Speak confidentially with a data privacy attorney today: Marc Edelson, Esq., Edelson Lechtzin LLP, 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300, Newtown, PA 18940; Phone: 844-696-7492 ext. 2; Email: medelson@edelson-law.com; Web: www.edelson-law.com. Or click HERE to request a free consultation.

About Sandhills Medical

Based in McBee, South Carolina, Sandhills Medical operates as a Federally Qualified Community Health Center (FQHC) that provides community-based primary health care services.

About Edelson Lechtzin LLP

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to data breach litigation, the firm handles class and collective actions involving securities and investment fraud, federal antitrust violations, ERISA employee benefit plans, wage theft, and consumer fraud

Media and Partnership Inquiries: Use the contact information above to connect with our team regarding interviews, co-counsel opportunities, and referral partnerships.

Legal Notice: This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sandhills-medical-foundation-inc-dba-sandhills-medical-data-breach-edelson-lechtzin-llp-launches-investigation-into-exposure-of-personal-information-302760743.html

SOURCE Edelson Lechtzin LLP

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Technology

Danish Publisher Automates Digital Textbook Delivery with Integrated WooCommerce-Webdoxx Solution

Published

5 hours ago

on

May 3, 2026

By

Danish educational publisher eliminates manual processing errors and delivers instant access to more than 20 digital learning products

LONDON, May 3, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Forlaget 94, a Danish educational publisher serving commercial colleges and vocational schools since 1994, has transformed its digital textbook distribution by implementing a fully automated WooCommerce-Webdoxx solution.

“Using the Webdoxx-WooCommerce integration we have achieved full automation of order processing, fewer errors, and happier customers,” Tom Gertsen, IT Manager at Forlaget 94

Previously, Forlaget 94 relied on manual processes to distribute digital textbooks to customers. As demand for online educational materials grew, the publisher required a faster, more reliable way to manage orders, provision access, and reduce the risk of administrative errors.

Through its integration of WooCommerce with Webdoxx, Forlaget 94 now runs more than 20 educational products through a 100% automated workflow. The solution automatically processes customer orders and provides instant access to purchased digital textbooks, improving the experience for both customers and internal teams.

“The result is full automation of order processing, fewer errors, and happier customers,” said Tom Gertsen, IT Manager at Forlaget 94 and architect behind the WooCommerce-Webdoxx integration. The automated system has enabled Forlaget 94 to eliminate manual errors, accelerate customer processing, and increase customer satisfaction through immediate access provisioning. The implementation demonstrates how educational publishers can modernize digital content delivery while maintaining secure, managed access to learning materials.

Webdoxx, a service created and managed by Drumlin Security Ltd, provides online DRM and managed document delivery services for publishers, educational organizations, institutions, and commercial content providers.

About Forlaget 94

Forlaget 94 is a Danish educational publisher established in 1994, providing educational products for commercial colleges and vocational schools.

About Webdoxx

Webdoxx is an online DRM and managed document delivery service created and managed by Drumlin Security Ltd. The platform supports secure access to digital publications and documents across a range of sectors, including education, healthcare, government, finance, and publishing.

Media Contact

Mike de Smith, Drumlin Security Ltd, 44 7768404712, info@drumlinsecurity.com, https://www.drumlinsecurity.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/danish-publisher-automates-digital-textbook-delivery-with-integrated-woocommerce-webdoxx-solution-302759942.html

SOURCE Forlaget 94

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