Since the COVID-19 pandemic, significant progress has been made toward digitalization, with nearly every aspect of life now heavily reliant on technology. In this digital age, higher education institutions have been compelled to transition most, if not all, of their operations online, hence expanding the cyber landscape. Several studies show the education sector has become a prime target for cyberattacks, with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) accounting for 86% of such attacks. These incidents continue to rise weekly, driven by the vast amounts of sensitive data HEIs manage, the diverse user base operating within and beyond their networks and the open nature of their systems and networks. Cyber threats and attacks have severe consequences for any organization, including HEIs, causing reputational damage, financial losses, legal disputes and operational disruptions. It is imperative for HEIs to implement robust strategies and best practices to mitigate and reduce the risk of cyberattacks. This paper presents a survey of research published between 2020 and 2024, looking into the strategies, emerging trends and challenges in HEI cybersecurity. Additionally, it proposes the need for future studies to explore how emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT) can enhance cybersecurity. As technology continues to evolve rapidly and societies continue to depend on information systems, these emerging technologies advancements have significant potential for strengthening cybersecurity measures.