Information Technology (IT) security affects the entire University community—one compromised or infected computer can impact the productivity of everyone connected to the University network. IT security is a collective responsibility.

ITS takes many steps to maintain IT security at the U of S; however, it is important for everyone to ensure the security of their personal computers (and computers they are responsible for).

Services

IT security is taken very seriously because it is critical that systems and network be available and reliable. To ensure that the University network is secure, ITS provides a number of services to help protect it:

• Providing Anti-virus Software for the U of S Community
• Operating a Firewall
• Port Blocking
• Spam Filtering and Blocking
• Virus Scanning
• Investigating Complaints and Security Issues

Tools & Resources

Although you are responsible for the security of your personal computer, there are tools and resources available to help you manage this responsibility.

ITS has developed "8 Steps toward IT Security - An IT Security Guide" to help you ensure your computer, and the information stored on it, is secure. You can also take an IT Security course to learn about protecting your computer.

A number of IT Security links are available online.

IT support is available from:

• Local/College IT Support - many colleges have their own IT Support Specialists that can assist you with your IT Security (e.g. Arts and Science, Commerce, Engineering, Education, etc.)
• ITS Help Desk - as the liaison between ITS and U of S students, instructors, researchers and employees, the ITS Help Desk provides IT-related services, support and information
• Learning Commons - help desks in the Main Library and Health Sciences Library provide student computing support
• Department of Campus Safety

In addition, ITS offers Desktop Services. ITS has a group of qualified desktop support specialists who can be contracted to manage your desktop computers in colleges or departments.

For university employees who manage IT systems, ITS has subscribed to a set of Security Configuration Benchmarks from the Center for Internet Security.  These benchmarks are intended to help with the deployment and maintenance of secure IT systems.