New IT Security Initiatives

Art Miller

Threats to our institutional and user data are constantly changing as technology evolves and data is accessed in more locations and on more devices. To ensure the safety of student, faculty and staff data, several changes related to IT security will be implemented over the next year.

Some past efforts, such as the introduction of multi-factor authentication, have been visible to the campus community, while others have been implemented in the background thanks to the diligent work of IT partners throughout campus. In the coming weeks, IT Services, along with your local IT support team, will be implementing additional changes that you may notice, including:

• Securing workstations against malware and malicious actors by introducing appropriate privileges rather than administrator rights by default. 
   
• Protecting institutional data on university-owned mobile devices through improved management of devices, including the ability to secure the data if the device is lost or stolen.
   
• Encrypting university-owned laptops to protect data if the device is lost or stolen.
   
• Ensuring security standards for patches, updates and data compliance.

Securing our campus community is an ongoing effort as cybercriminals continue to mature. In this era of persistent cyber threats, our university can be secure only with the active participation of everyone. Simple steps such as storing data securely in OneDrive, avoiding and reporting suspicious messages and keeping software updated can go a long way toward protecting our campus community online. To learn more, visit the Security Checklist.

IT Services is committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure individuals do not become victims, which ensures the institution does not become a victim. The IT Services leadership team thanks you for your support in these efforts and welcomes the opportunity to engage with you further. 

If your department or division would like to schedule a time to learn more or ask questions, contact Chris Butler.