CrowdStrike's analysis highlights the significant cybersecurity threats faced by the academic and education sector, driven by criminal, nation-state, and hacktivist activities. This industry is particularly vulnerable due to its open networks, diverse users, and critical roles in education and research, which make it a prime target for espionage, financial exploitation, and ideological attacks. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these risks by increasing reliance on remote learning, thereby broadening the attack surface. CrowdStrike identifies a marked increase in eCrime, with ransomware being a prevalent threat, while also noting persistent nation-state interest, particularly in institutions involved in COVID-19 research. The report stresses the importance of visibility, technical intelligence, and proactive threat hunting to mitigate these threats and underscores the need for academic institutions to enhance their cybersecurity posture through comprehensive strategies that integrate technology and human expertise.