U Of M IT Security Initiatives

Dear Campus Community,

The University of Memphis takes information security very seriously and is committed to appropriate actions that safeguard University data.  The following initiatives will strengthen our information security posture:

  1. Enhanced network firewall controls – Effective November 12, 2018, the University will implement configuration changes to our network firewall to restrict unapproved externally-initiated incoming network traffic.  Most users will not be impacted by this change since most network activity is internally-initiated outgoing network traffic.  VPN access will still be allowed, and exceptions will be made for legitimate University network traffic.  To request an exception in advance, please contact the ITS Service Desk using the contact information below.
  2. Expansion of multi-factor authentication – The University will expand multi-factor authentication (Duo) to all employees to provide an additional layer of security.  Beginning November 1, employees on-boarded will be registered for Duo and begin using multi-factor authentication.  All other employees will be registered effective February 4, 2019.  Employees may opt-in for Duo now.   Students may also opt-in for additional protection.
  3. Expansion of IT Security Awareness Training – The University understands the importance of employee training in minimizing IT security risks, and we are expanding our IT Security Awareness Training program for employees.  Beginning November 1, new employees will be registered for IT Security Awareness Training.  All existing employees will be registered for training effective November 1.  Annual training will be available through February 1, 2019 for fiscal year 2019.

ITS will host an Information Security Fair on October 25, 10AM-2PM in the University Center in observance of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, and we hope you will take advantage of that opportunity to meet our staff and learn more about these initiatives.  Additional information about these initiatives may also be found on the ITS security website located at https://www.memphis.edu/its/security/initiatives.php.  For assistance, please contact the ITS Service Desk by phoning 901.678.8888, emailing umtech@memphis.edu, or visiting https://umhelpdesk.memphis.edu.

All of us have a role in protecting the University, and I appreciate in advance your cooperation and support on these initiatives.

Regards,

Robert Jackson
Chief Information Officer