The Client
A leading Irish university serving over 15,000 students from more than 100 countries, responsible for managing large volumes of academic, research, and personal data across a complex and evolving IT environment.
The Challenge
The university faced significant data security and compliance challenges due to a limited security footprint. At the outset, there was no modern endpoint protection in place and no formal data classification or labelling for the vast amount of information stored across academic and administrative systems.
Given the scale of the institution and the sensitivity of its data, securing and governing information was a critical concern. The university needed a clear roadmap to address identity management, data security, and governance, while aligning with wider IT transformation and regulatory objectives.
Key Challenges
Data protection: Securing sensitive academic, research, and personal data
Visibility: Limited insight into where sensitive data was stored and how it was used
Governance: No formal data classification or labelling framework
Endpoint security: Devices lacked modern protection
Strategic alignment: Need for a future-ready security roadmap
The Solution
CWSI partnered with the university through the Microsoft Cyber Security Investment (CSI) programme to deliver a Data Security engagement as a proof-of-concept.
The engagement assessed the existing security posture, identified key risks, and demonstrated the value of Microsoft’s integrated security and compliance capabilities. The resulting recommendations and roadmap were used to build a business case for long-term investment in a comprehensive Microsoft security platform.
Key elements of the solution included:
Data Security engagement delivered through the CSI programme
Assessment of identity, endpoint, and data security gaps
Development of a comprehensive security and governance roadmap
Strategic guidance aligned to education sector compliance requirements
Board-level business case to support license uplift
The Result
The university transitioned from a limited security baseline to a comprehensive, Microsoft-powered security and governance strategy.
Key Outcomes
1
Approved uplift of the entire estate to Microsoft 365 E5
2
Deployment of Microsoft Purview for data classification and governance
3
Improved visibility and control of sensitive information
4
Clear, phased roadmap for identity, endpoint, and data security
5
Strong foundation for ongoing cyber resilience and compliance
Why CWSI
CWSI’s blend of strategic advisory services and deep Microsoft security expertise enabled the university to move beyond tactical fixes and adopt a scalable, long-term approach to cyber security and data governance. By delivering a structured proof-of-value engagement and clear roadmap, CWSI helped senior stakeholders confidently invest in a future-ready security posture.
