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The Information Security Office (ISO) continuously strives for daily operational excellence
to ensure the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of University of Utah information technology systems and data through appropriate security resources and best practices.


RECENT NEWS

A white flame on a blue shield, outlined in white and then blue, on a brick wall.

Duo upgrade features new interface, more authentication options

On March 26, the U's Information Security Office upgraded to Duo Universal Prompt, which includes more authentication options and a new interface for the Duo Management Portal, web browsers, and mobile app.

An illustration of an inbox that contains personal and work email.

A person uses their mobile phone, which shows a dark blue screen that reads "PRIVACY SETTINGS" at the top. Below that is a white icon for three users with a blue lock in the middle of the center user. At the bottom is text that reads "PERSONAL DATA" between light gray left and right arrows.

IT security tip: Beware of scareware

Scareware, a combination of malicious software and deceptive tactics, preys on users through pop-up scams, tricking them into believing their devices are infected with malware and prompting them to download fake antivirus software or call a phone number for assistance. These scams often mimic legitimate warnings and employ social engineering tactics to induce panic and encourage users to make rash decisions. Cybercriminals exploit users' naivete and lack of IT security knowledge to steal personal data, commit identity theft, and intimidate victims into surrendering money or bank account information. 

Chrony article highlights U phishing awareness efforts

For its Technology issue, the Daily Utah Chronicle spoke with GRC Director Trevor Long about the university’s simulated phishing exercises, which aim to raise awareness about the attacks and help students, faculty, and staff identify malicious emails. 

Tips & resources

U of U virtual private network

To access certain resources on the University of Utah network, campus employees and students who work or study remotely and and hospital/clinics personnel who work remotely should use a secure virtual private network (VPN).

University of Utah VPN options:
  • Palo Alto Global Protect 
  • Departmental VPN

READ MORE

Secure those passwords!

Secure those passwords!

Is your password secure enough?

Easy-to-guess, "weak" passwords are the main way criminals gain access to system information. Keeping passwords safe and hard to guess is critical to ensure information is not compromised.

Take a moment to review the University of Utah's password requirements and guidelines.

READ MORE   TEST MY PASSWORD

IT security software available through OSL

IT security software essentials

With antivirus and firewall software, you can better protect your information and reduce the risk to your computers from malicious attacks. Both are available at a reduced cost through the U's Office of Software Licensing (OSL).

Licenses are available for university organizations, work-at-home staff and faculty, and student, faculty, and staff with personally-owned computers.

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University-approved platforms for restricted and sensitive data

Due to the level of risk associated with restricted and sensitive data, the university has approved only a select number of platforms for those data types. Our security matrix provides an overview of some popular platforms and the data types for which they are approved.

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FERPA: How to securely share and store student data

We created a couple of resources to help instructors and students understand which applications and devices can be used to share and store FERPA-protected data, especially as more of us use new platforms to learn, teach, and connect remotely.

Flowchart: Is this platform safe? READ MORE

Telecommuting? Follow these IT best practices.

Compared to working on campus, telecommuting can present different information security risks, especially when it comes to network security, data storage, and physical security. By following these best practices, you can help protect yourself and the university from cyberthreats.

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Last Updated: 3/27/24