CTOs on Cybersecurity, AI, the LMS and More

Colleges and universities are struggling to keep pace with rapid technological change, according to the 2026 Survey of Campus Chief Technology/Information Officers from Inside Higher Ed and Hanover Research: Nearly half of surveyed CTOs (49 percent) indicate that the current pace of technology-driven change is unsustainable without new resources, while almost all expect IT costs to rise over the next two years.

Looking ahead to 2030, CTOs perceive the biggest risks to their institutions to be recruiting or retaining IT talent (62 percent), cybersecurity threats (59 percent) and unsustainable cost trajectories (56 percent). The survey also found growing institutional reliance on AI, coupled with persistent concerns about value, academic integrity and cybersecurity. Some institutions are also experimenting with alternatives to their current learning management systems.

Download the full results here.

On Wednesday, June 10, at 2 p.m. Eastern, Inside Higher Ed will present a free webcast featuring expert panelists to discuss the survey findings and what it takes to lead on technology in today’s rapidly shifting postsecondary landscape. Register for that conversation here, even if you can’t attend live.

The independent 2026 Survey of Campus Chief Technology/Information Officers was made possible by support from T-Mobile for Education, Jenzabar and Modo.