UpGuard Chosen by Internet2 to Enhance Third-Party Risk Management for Research and Higher Ed

Institutions will be able to streamline vendor risk assessments at scale with NET+ UpGuard program

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:40pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D macro illustration of a complex circuit board with neon cyan and magenta lights, conceptually representing the digital infrastructure powering third-party risk management solutions for research and higher education institutions.The NET+ UpGuard program aims to strengthen vendor risk management across the research and higher education community through innovative cybersecurity technology.Mountain View Today

UpGuard, a cybersecurity and risk management leader, has joined the Internet2 NET+ service portfolio, enabling research and higher education (R&E) institutions to reduce complexities of their third-party risk management programs and strengthen their vendor ecosystem. Following a competitive procurement process, the R&E community will have access to simplified deployment, competitive pricing, and research-ready flexibility through the NET+ UpGuard program.

Why it matters

Research and education institutions face a uniquely complex vendor risk landscape, with the potential for data breaches never higher as they increasingly outsource to third parties. The NET+ UpGuard program aims to help these institutions navigate this challenge and maintain a strong cybersecurity posture across their supply chain.

The details

UpGuard's Vendor Risk solution, part of its AI-powered Cyber Risk Posture Management platform, is designed to deliver continuous vendor insights, 360-degree assessments, and efficient AI-powered workflows. The NET+ UpGuard program can support institutional workflows by helping stakeholders coordinate vendor assessments including HECVAT, IT accessibility, or other security and risk standards. Ongoing monitoring then provides visibility into vendors' external security posture over time.

  • The NET+ UpGuard program will launch in May 2026.
  • A NET+ UpGuard webinar is scheduled for May 13, 2026 at 12pm Eastern.

The players

UpGuard

A leader in cybersecurity and risk management, and an Internet2 industry member.

Internet2

A non-profit, member-driven advanced technology community founded by leading higher education institutions in 1996.

Sean O'Brien

Associate vice president for NET+ cloud services at Internet2.

Kaushik Sen

CMO at UpGuard.

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What they’re saying

“Research and education institutions face a uniquely complex vendor risk landscape and they shouldn't have to tackle it alone.”

— Sean O'Brien, Associate vice president for NET+ cloud services at Internet2

“This collaboration with Internet2 is a validation for UpGuard's Vendor Risk solution. Vendor Risk addresses the unique challenges R&E institutions face in managing third-party risk.”

— Kaushik Sen, CMO at UpGuard

What’s next

A NET+ UpGuard Webinar will kick off the collaboration on May 13, 2026, featuring speakers from Colorado State University, Harvard University, Internet2, and UpGuard.

The takeaway

The NET+ UpGuard program provides research and higher education institutions with a simplified, cost-effective, and research-ready solution to manage the complex challenges of third-party vendor risk, helping them maintain a strong cybersecurity posture across their supply chain.