State universities address IT security and salaries

When it comes to cybersecurity, the problem is more than hypothetical. Kansas State University confirmed a cyberattack in January 2024 that temporarily disrupted IT services.

By

State News

February 4, 2025 - 5:50 PM

Blake Flanders, president of the Kansas Board of Regents, said the budget request for state universities centers on a 5% employee pay raise, $10 million for IT security and $30 million in new funding of student financial aid. Photo by (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents is playing defense against cyberattacks on campuses, catch-up on employee salary increases and offense to secure a hike in need-based student aid.

This $67 million package of enhancements must run the gauntlet of the 2025 Legislature led by politicians interested in tightening screws on spending, including budgets for public higher education. To make the point clearly, the House Appropriations Committee asked how universities would respond if compelled to slash expenditures by 7.5%.

Blake Flanders, president and CEO of the state…

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