The evolution of publishing has been dynamic, marked by pivotal inventions like the Gutenberg Press around 1440. This trajectory continued with the advent of the internet in the 1990s, which transformed content distribution and enabled global reach. Technological advancements have created a seismic shift in digital publishing, resulting in a landscape rich with diverse content, innovative business models, and personalized user experiences. Today’s readers benefit from device-agnostic access, fundamentally altering how audiences interact with content.
In the academic sector alone, approximately 1 million new scientific and research papers are published each year (Nature, 2018). While this extensive output presents opportunities, it also introduces complexities in managing the volume of content. Over the past 15 years, publishers have raced to meet user demands and expectations regarding content engagement. To accelerate time-to-market, many have adopted Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms, often integrating them with existing legacy and in-house systems. However, the rapid pace of digital transformation necessitates careful management of internal processes; if misaligned, these changes can hinder critical success factors for publishers.
While many SaaS implementations have initially succeeded, they often struggle over time due to workforce changes, evolving market expectations, or vendors failing to keep pace with technology roadmaps. This can lead to a proliferation of siloed systems and fragmented business models, resulting in data duplication, corruption, and inefficient access to vital information. As the supply chain for publishers expands, the need for multiple vendors increases, further complicating operational dynamics.
This growing complexity has heightened vulnerability to cyber-attacks. Some publishers have suffered simultaneous data exfiltration and ransomware attacks, where sensitive information is both threatened with exposure and used as leverage for financial extortion. Leaked data can include personally identifiable information (PII), sensitive supplier contracts, financial data, intellectual property, or employee information—illustrated by the Rhysida ransomware attack that forced the British Library to suspend online services for an extended period. Leaks can also result from inadvertent mistakes by publisher staff and other associated cyber risks. The rapid integration of AI tools into publishing ecosystems further amplifies these risks, as malicious actors also leverage AI to exploit vulnerabilities.
To address these challenges, publishers are prioritizing strategic approaches in two key areas. Firstly, a comprehensive review of technology and products is essential to resolve legacy system issues, make them more efficient, consolidate systems/products, and conduct business process audits. Secondly, deploying a Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) strategy is critical. This entails adopting appropriate security protocols and solutions tailored to the publisher’s needs, focusing on data privacy, permissions management, incident response planning, and employee training.
As technology evolves, so do cybercriminals, who invest heavily in tools and tactics to disrupt operations. Other industries, such as the financial sector, have made significant investments in similar strategies. With the rise of cyber-attacks in the publishing sector, a concerted effort to ‘harden systems’ and implement robust GRC measures is increasingly necessary.
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Maverick offers a range of security enhancement services tailored to the needs of scholarly publishers. Our unique structure allows us to assemble teams with the exact skills needed to support each project. Contact your Maverick representative or info@maverick-os.com for a free consultation.
By Stefan Kendzierskyj, Affiliate Senior Associate
Stefan Kendzierskyj has an extensive background in commercial, consulting, and strategic leadership, holding senior and executive-level positions with technology solution-led companies servicing the publishing, fintech, government, and cybersecurity sectors. He holds a master’s degree in Cybersecurity and is an accomplished author in emerging technology subjects, such as blockchain, self-sovereign identity, AI, cyber warfare, and cyberattacks/threats – with published works through Springer, Elsevier, Taylor & Francis, IGI, and World Scientific.