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

The University of Memphis network upgrade project is proceeding according to schedule.  Building switches and existing wireless access points have been replaced.

Individuals should use the following appropriate wireless network:

• um – Primary wireless network for use by UofM students, faculty, and staff.
• um-guest – Temporary access for campus visitors that requires sign-in every 24 hours.
• um-devices – Connect wireless devices such as gaming consoles, wireless printers and streaming devices to this network.
• eduroam – Visitors to UofM whose home institutions participate in Eduroam can connect to this network using credentials from their home institution.

University employees and students should connect their smart phones, tablets, and computers to the um wireless network.  Accessing the um wireless network will require authentication with your UUID and password.

During the fall semester, ITS will continue to expand wireless network coverage by deploying additional access points, and testing will begin for implementation of the final phase of the network upgrade scheduled for winter break.

For additional information, please visit the webpage on wireless.  If you need assistance, please contact the ITS Service Desk at 901.678.8888.

Dear Colleagues,

Information Technology Services (ITS) is improving the quality of customer service with the development and implementation of our new Service Catalog. This catalog is designed to inform, educate and enhance your experience about the different services we offer. On the Service Catalog website, you will find hundreds of applications and services organized into 13 categories:

• Accounts and Access
• Classroom and Computer Lab Support
• Computer, Peripherals, and Hardware
• Email and Collaboration
• General Questions
• Network, and Wifi Connectivity
• Phones, Voicemail and CATV
• Research Computing
• Security and Safe Computing
• Servers, Storage and Data
• Software and Applications
• Teaching and Learning
• Website Access and Support

As you browse the catalog you will find information describing each service, who may request or is eligible for the service, how to request the service and what information is needed to fulfill the request. We invite you to view the catalog at: http://www.memphis.edu/umtech/service_catalog/index.php.

Questions regarding the service catalog may be directed to the Service Desk by calling 901.678.8888, emailing umtech@memphis.edu, or by logging into the service desk system and submitting a request at https://umhelpdesk.memphis.edu.

Regards,

Robert Jackson, Ed.D.
Interim CIO & Chief Information Security Officer
The University of Memphis
377 Administration Building
Memphis, TN 38152

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month!  For more information visit http://www.memphis.edu/its/security/ncsam/.

Robert Jackson

Assoc. CIO & Chief Information Security Officer