New Cybersecurity Measures for University Laptops June 30
Keep laptops powered on and connected to the internet from 9 to 10 a.m. on June 30 to receive the update.
IT Services will perform security software update for university-owned Windows and Mac laptops on Thursday, June 30, as part of an ongoing effort to improve the university's cybersecurity and to protect personal, research, and institutional data.
Faculty and staff are asked to have their laptops powered on and connected to the internet from 9 to 10 a.m. on June 30 to receive the update. The software updates will be pushed to laptops automatically, and no further action is needed. No disruption to workstations or business operations is expected.
The new campus solutions for data encryption are BitLocker (Windows) and FileVault (Mac). Laptop encryption is an essential measure for protecting the sensitive data that is used to conduct university business. Following the June 30 update and through the July 4 weekend, IT Services will remotely enable encryption on any laptops not yet enabled.
ThreatLocker is being deployed for the management of user permissions on university-owned laptops. The implementation of this software will allow faculty and staff to continue to have the appropriate access they need to do their work while increasing security and reducing risk to the institution.
This software implementation aligns with cybersecurity policies on data encryption and access that are currently being reviewed by campus leadership. For questions about this update or other cybersecurity concerns, please contact your department's IT support team or reach out to Stacy Crotser in IT Services.
Securing our campus community is an ongoing effort as cybercriminals continue to evolve their efforts. In this era of persistent cyber threats, our university can be secure only with the active participation of everyone. Simple steps like securing your passwords, storing data securely in OneDrive and avoiding and reporting suspicious messages can go a long way toward protecting our campus community online. To learn more, visit the Cybersecurity Checklist.
If you have questions or need assistance, contact your local IT support or the IT Help Desk.
Topics
Contacts
Rachel Gerner, project/program specialist
University Information Technology Services
479-387-3824,
rgerner@uark.edu
Headlines
PetSmart CEO J.K. Symancyk to Speak at Walton College Commencement
J.K. Symancyk is an alumnus of the Sam M. Walton College of Business and serves on the Dean’s Executive Advisory Board.
Faulkner Center, Arkansas PBS Partner to Screen Documentary 'Gospel'
The Faulkner Performing Arts Center will host a screening of Gospel, a documentary exploring the origin of Black spirituality through sermon and song, in partnership with Arkansas PBS at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 2.
UAPD Officers Mills and Edwards Honored With New Roles
Veterans of the U of A Police Department, Matt Mills has been promoted to assistant chief, and Crandall Edwards has been promoted to administrative captain.
Community Design Center's Greenway Urbanism Project Wins LIV Hospitality Design Award
"Greenway Urbanism" is one of six urban strategies proposed under the Framework Plan for Cherokee Village, a project that received funding through an Our Town grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Spring Bike Drive Refurbishes Old Bikes for New Students
All donated bikes will be given to Pedal It Forward, a local nonprofit that will refurbish your bike and return it to the U of A campus to be gifted to a student in need. Hundreds of students have already benefited.