Security challenges in the internet of things for higher education: a study of vulnerabilities and emerging solutions

Abstract

The growing use of internet of things (IoT) technologies in higher education is transforming how institutions manage infrastructure, deliver teaching, and engage with students. While these advancements offer considerable benefits, they also introduce significant security risks. Common threats include weak access controls, insufficient data protection, outdated software, exposure to denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, and lack of physical safeguards for connected devices. This study provides a comprehensive review of these vulnerabilities within academic environments and proposes a security framework adapted to the specific operational and technical realities of universities. Unlike generic approaches, this research focuses on the unique challenges of higher education, such as decentralized information technology (IT) structures, limited resources, and diverse user groups. The main contribution lies in identifying and evaluating security measures that are both effective and applicable in academic contexts. These include encryption methods, identity verification techniques, secure update mechanisms,and intelligent systems for detecting abnormal behavior. The analysis is supported by case examples from real institutions, illustrating both successes and limitations of current practices. This work aims to guide educational institutions in improving the resilience of their IoT systems. It also outlines areas for future research, particularly in the development of lightweight and scalable security solutions suited to the evolving needs of smart learning environments.