IT-12: Identification and Authentication (IA) Standard

Scope

This standard supports Policy IT-12 (Security of Information Technology Resources) and applies to all Indiana University information technology resources, regardless of whether those resources are managed by the university or provisioned from third parties on behalf of the university, and to all users of those resources regardless of affiliation.

Objectives

The key objectives of this standard are to ensure that information system users, processes acting on behalf of users, or devices:

• Are identified; and
• That the identities of those users, processes, or devices are authenticated (or verified) as a prerequisite to allowing access to organizational information systems.

Standard

The following tables detail baseline security controls for audit and accountability to be applied to a particular information technology resource based on its security categorization. Select controls as applicable. For example, all controls may not apply to every system component or technology, or to situations governed by specific regulations.

Definitions

Standard – Standards (like procedures) support policy by further describing specific implementation details (i.e., the "how"). A standard can be thought of as an extension of policy that articulates the rules, mechanisms, technical or procedural requirements, or specifications to be used in carrying out/complying with policy. Standards, along with procedures, promote a consistent approach to following policy. Standards make policies more practically meaningful and effective. Standards are definitional and clarifying in nature, specifying the minimums necessary to meet policy objectives. Because standards directly support policies, compliance with standards is nonoptional and failure to follow standards may result in sanctions imposed by the appropriate university office.

Sanctions

Indiana University will handle reports of misuse and abuse of information and information technology resources in accordance with existing policies and procedures issued by appropriate authorities. Depending on the individual and circumstances involved, this could include the Office of Human Resources, Vice Provost or Vice Chancellor of Faculties (or campus equivalent), Dean of Students (or campus equivalent), Office of the Vice President and General Counsel, and/or appropriate law enforcement agencies. See Policy IT-02 (Misuse and Abuse of Information Technology Resources) for more details.

Failure to comply with Indiana University information technology policies may result in sanctions relating to the individual's use of information technology resources (such as suspension or termination of access, or removal of online material); the individual's employment (up to and including immediate termination of employment in accordance with applicable university policy); the individual's studies within the university (such as student discipline in accordance with applicable university policy); civil or criminal liability; or any combination of these.

Additional Contacts

History

Initial draft – February 12, 2022
Revised – April 7, 2023
Effective – July 9, 2024