Now that flexible work arrangements are being made for the fall of 2021, Indiana University is continuing to take advantage of a hybrid system of on-campus and remote work. One of the most voiced concerns raised by units participating in continuous engagement consultations is securing machines for staff members working remotely. To address those concerns, the University Information Policy and Security Offices (UIPO and UISO) have a few recommendations for how staff can manage and secure their devices for remote work.
Accessing Institutional Data Remotely
IUanyWare and Remote Desktop Protocol (Windows RDP) each allow you to access another computer from a different location, as if you were sitting in front of it. At Indiana University, many security measures are in place, such as requiring a VPN connection to connect to these tools. For additional security, it is also recommended you set up Duo integration for use with RDP. Even when accessing institutional data from university owned machines, storing critical or restricted data on them is prohibited according to University Policy DM-01-S(9)(e).
Note: IU discourages the use of personally-owned machines to access IU systems and institutional data. On the rare occasion that using a personally-owned device is necessary, all efforts should be taken to avoid storing any institutional data on it. If you are accessing IU systems or institutional data on a personally-owned device, you should only do so while connected via Windows RDP or IUanyWare.
Device Endpoint Management
Endpoint management is an IT and cybersecurity process that consists of devices connected to the network being managed by someone other than the device user to ensure security policies and tools are in place to reduce the risk of an attack or other such events. Computers, mobile devices, and other machines owned by Indiana University should be visible to an endpoint management system according to University Policy HR-06-80(2)(c). Tier 2 Support (sct2@iu.edu) offers endpoint management for both Apple/JAMF and Microsoft/SCCM devices. Please see below for training links on how to get started with these device management programs.
Qualys Vulnerability Scanning
Although QualysGuard vulnerability scanner is mostly used to maintain servers and websites at IU, it can also be used for laptops or mobile devices. While a vulnerability scan does not eliminate any risks, it does make you aware of any system flaws so you have an opportunity to mitigate them. Enroll your machines, review your scan results, and mitigate the findings.
If you have any other questions about this notice, please reach out to your unit’s UISO Security Analyst or Engineer at uiso@iu.edu.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership to protect IU.
Knowledge Base Links for End Users:
- Keep working from remote locations
- Connect to a Windows computer or server via RDP
- How to make off-campus remote desktop connections at IU
- About IUanyWare
- Set up a Microsoft RDP Duo integration
- Get started with Apple device management via Jamf Pro
- Get started with Windows device management
- Secure your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- About vulnerability scanners