IT Security
Engineering Information Technology (IT) Security Information
Information Technology is now one of the foundations of work in academic and administrative operations. Due to our increased reliance on digital systems for managing sensitive student, research, and institutional data, Information Technology (IT) Security is critical for university faculty and staff. At the same time, attempts to compromise our data, assets, and systems are at an all time high.
It is everyone's responsibility to protect your own work, as well as university data and systems from cybersecurity threats. Just as you have likely received communications from corporations that have had data stolen by hackers and have informed you by mail of the breach and your rights, as an institution we have the obligation to prevent this kind of incident for those who interact with Virginia Tech.
Recommendations
As always, contact your IT Department for assistance with security issues.
The links below can get you started with ways you can safeguard both yourself and the university:
Alway use strong passwords and 2 Factor Authentication. See Endpoint Credentials and Access Control on the VT IT Security Office site for tips.
- Enhancements to improve the effectiveness of our Duo 2-factor authentication are underway. For more details about these changes and for a chance to opt in early, please visit this 2FA news article.
The university has launched a new Minimum Security Standard. Over the upcoming year, the college’s IT offices will be working on how best to implement these changes.
For a full list of IT-related policies and standards, visit the university’s IT Policy page.
Regular awareness and training are essential for successful data protection and IT security. There are many training modules available from security.vt.edu.
Are you New to Cybersecurity?
If you have never done a cybersecurity training, we recommend the LinkedIn Learning Module: Cybersecurity at Work. (Virginia Tech Employees can access LinkedIn Learning modules here.)