In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, cyber threats are not just an IT issue—they are an institutional risk. For IT leaders committed to creating a secure environment for students, faculty, and staff, the journey toward comprehensive defense is becoming increasingly intricate. What used to be proactive security measures are now necessities, including regular penetration testing.
If your organization views penetration testing as merely a “check-the-box” requirement for compliance, it’s time to shift your perspective and understand the real value behind the test. For true resilience and ongoing defense, penetration testing must be an annual exercise built into a long-term strategic program.
The core objective of this vital exercise is straightforward. As James Carroll, Co-Founder of Hackett Cyber, states: "The objective is to find the vulnerabilities before hackers find them. That's what we do. That's the point of the Pen Test.” NYSERNet’s Penetration Testing solution uses expert ethical hackers from Hackett Cyber to uncover exploitable weaknesses in your environment. By simulating real-world attack scenarios, we help you proactively identify vulnerabilities that matter most.
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and so too should our strategies to defend against them. An annual, or regular, cadence for penetration testing ensures your security posture keeps pace with a constantly shifting threat landscape.
A quality penetration test actively validates how well your existing security controls work. It shifts the focus from “what to buy” to “how to build,” resulting in a resilient, defensible security program.
Penetration testing is ultimately a cost-saving measure. The objective is simple: find the vulnerabilities before hackers find them.
For institutions facing the unique challenge of managing diverse environments, strict budgets and legacy infrastructure, choosing the right partner is critical. NYSERNet provides solutions, insights, and support to help you navigate this complex landscape with confidence.
NYSERNet is a non-profit organization that has partnered with members across New York State and beyond for four decades. We specialize in addressing the needs of educational institutions, healthcare systems and cultural organizations, helping you build both resilience and expertise. We understand that nonprofit environments are uniquely complex, serving diverse audiences and operating a myriad of business functions under one network.
We help you move beyond "Check-the-Box" Syndrome. Choosing a trusted partner who understands your sector can provide the necessary influence to drive internal change, as demonstrated by Shawn Minarik, Systems Architect, Security at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: "Having that extra third party push, for us at least, has helped get some fixes in place that we knew needed to be done, but just couldn't get the push behind.”
Building a secure campus environment is a shared journey. By connecting penetration testing to institutional outcomes like risk mitigation, operational resilience, and mission continuity, you elevate the conversation and unlock support from leadership.
Don’t wait for a cyber incident to prove the importance of a penetration test. It’s time to stop feeling burdened by the pen testing process and start experiencing real value.
Join the NYSERNet community and let us help you build a defensible security program that keeps your campus safe, compliant, and academically competitive.
🎥Watch “From Vulnerable to Vigilant: Demystifying Pen Tests”