Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why Bother with IT Security?

The short answer: Protection of the public trust that is The University of Saskatchewan requires active and proactive information security.

• People Can Be Easily Victimized
  • Many people that use computer systems are not "net-smart" or aware of "The Dark Side of the Internet". You should know that you may be targeted, especially when on the Internet, but you are at risk on any shared use system. Often a crime is involved, and our community is victimized. People can get hurt, stressed or lose money or resources. Often there is little or no recourse. IT security issues can affect the personal well being of our students and staff.
• Loss or Disruption of Computer Services is Both a Financial and Academic Issue
  • The University is dependent on information processing and the IT environment. The IT infra-structure provides a base for both institutional and academic operations. Teaching and research is often closely allied with information technology. Loss of capability (such as a computer lab or a department server) can seriously impact a department's ability to deliver service.
• Theft of Physical Assets or Systems Incidents Involving Loss of Information Confidentiality Could Mean Data Loss and/or Institutional Liability for Data
  • When computers are stolen, the data that resides on the device is also lost. Security incidents can effect the confidentiality, availability and the integrity of data. Unfortunately, some of this data is not backed up, or the backup has not been verified (and recovery fails). Years of research can be lost in a moment. In some cases, the data is confidential (especially some research data) and there can be serious consequences in civil or criminal law should the information be made public.
• Increased Institutional Need and Desire to Demonstrate "Due Diligence"
  • Procedures and effort are required to augment existing University policy. Insurance loss for physical devices and departmental liability can be greatly reduced with improved site security.

2. Who is our Community?

Our community includes Students, Staff & Faculty, Alumni and Visitors We are concerned with the safety of all users of University systems:

• We work to protect physical safety in environments such as student labs

• We work to protect against academic penalty as a result of data loss from virus or system attack

• We work to protect academic freedom and confidentiality through information system security

• We work to secure institutional information assets such as network devices, servers and equipment

• We work to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of institutional data and procedures

• We strive to ensure the protection of the institutions reputation in the digital world and to maintain and enhave the public trust that is the University of Saskatchewan

3. Where Does IT Security Work?

IT Security is at work where ever there is institutional computer hardware and software :

• We work in offices, computer and research labs
• Computer rooms and server areas
• Wiring closets and network control centers
• Within physical plant structures

We work where there is data

• Desktops (in the machine, and on backups)
• Central file servers and networks
• Central operations (and the dumpster?)

We work on the internet

• Via e-mail
• Within news groups
• On the web
• Within chat lines
• Where ever University data is processed, transmitted or stored

4. How Do I Report an Incident?

Report all IT Security related incidents to: