Scholarly Networks Security Initiative (SNSI)

Illustration of two people assembling interlocking puzzle pieces surrounded by gears, symbolising teamwork, collaboration and problem-solving.

Strengthening Cybersecurity Across the Research Ecosystem. Together.


About SNSI

Illustration of a diverse team collaborating around a table with laptops, representing teamwork, discussion and workplace collaboration.

The Scholarly Networks Security Initiative (SNSI) exists to combat the threat of cybercrime in scholarly communications.   

Cybercrime threatens the integrity of the scientific record, scholarly systems, and the safety of institutional and personal data. SNSI is an international forum that brings together publishers, libraries, universities, and other institutions to address cybercrime and promote cybersecurity in scholarly publishing and research networks.   

We exist because cybersecurity in this sector is too complex, and the stakes too high, for any single organization to tackle alone. Together, we can share intelligence, develop resources, and advocate for a more secure and resilient research ecosystem. Because the strongest defence is a collective one. 

Learn more about SNSI
Diagram showing four connected areas—Library, Academic IT Security, Research and Publishing—leading to the SNSI logo, illustrating collaboration across the scholarly communications community.
Diagram showing four connected areas—Library, Academic IT Security, Research and Publishing—leading to the SNSI logo, illustrating collaboration across the scholarly communications community.
Graphic showing 144,000

Compromised username and password combinations from people in UK education and research over a 12-month period ending June 2026.

(Source: THE.) 

Graphic showing 73%

Rise in data breaches in the higher education sector globally in 2025.

(Source: Quorum Cyber.) 

The ransom paid by a leading US medical-research institution, working on COVID-19, when its servers were hacked.

(Source: BBC.)

Graphic showing $556,000

Average ransom demand against colleges and universities worldwide in the first half of 2025.

(Source: THE.)

Graphic showing $3.8M

Average cost of a data breach in the education sector globally in 2025.

(Source: THE.) 

Graphic showing 8809

Institutions worldwide affected by a breach of the Canvas learning management system (LMS) in May 2026.

(Source: Malwarebytes.)

Our members

SNSI's members include leading publishers, learned societies, database providers, technology organizations, and librarian advisers committed to securing scholarly networks. 

SNSI Security Summit 

Our flagship annual event brings together cybersecurity professionals, publishers, librarians, and institutional leaders to tackle the most pressing security challenges in scholarly publishing and research.

Past sessions are available to watch on demand, including our 2025 event ‘Guardians of Information: Preparing Libraries for Cyber Threats’.  

Our next Summit 

Title: Ask the CISO: Navigating Security, Access, and Collaboration in Academic Libraries
Date: Tuesday 13 October 2026 
Time: 11:00 EDT / 16:00 BST 
Length: 1 hour 
Location: Online 

Learn more

Resources

From practical guides and downloadable toolkits to curated video resources and Security Summit recordings, our resource library is designed to help publishers and university librarians strengthen their cybersecurity practice.  

Latest news  

Upcoming events 

SNSI blog  

Insight, analysis, and practical guidance on cybersecurity in scholarly publishing. 

Work with us 

Cybersecurity in scholarly publishing is a growing challenge that no publisher, library, or institution can address in isolation. SNSI exists to change that – by bringing the right people together, sharing knowledge, and building a more resilient sector. 

Whether you’re a publisher, librarian, IT professional, or institution leader, there’s a role for you with SNSI.