As a research‑focused and internationally connected university, the University of Bayreuth relies on a highly available and resilient IT infrastructure. Thousands of students, researchers and staff access university systems every day from a wide range of devices and locations. While this openness is fundamental to academic collaboration, it also increases exposure to cyber threats.
To address these challenges, the University of Bayreuth has deployed PA‑Series firewalls and secured a Unit 42 Retainer, ensuring rapid access to expert incident response capabilities when needed. The partnership was put to the test at the beginning of the academic year, a period of peak network activity, when indicators of malware were detected within the university environment.
Unit 42 investigated the incident within hours, assessed its scope and severity, and supported the University of Bayreuth in containing the threat and strengthening its defenses. Analyses that previously would have taken weeks were completed in a fraction of the time, allowing the IT security team to act swiftly and effectively. The university also received detailed recommendations to further harden its systems, including legacy components.
Beyond incident response, the collaboration focuses on continuous improvement. Through proactive services such as First Responder Training, Unit 42 helps equip IT staff with the skills needed to respond quickly and confidently to security incidents. The partnership supports the University of Bayreuth in maintaining a secure, reliable digital environment for learning, teaching and research—today and in the future.
