Michigan Medicine tightens network security

Michigan Medicine is tightening the security for its wired and wireless networks to ensure that only authorized and inventoried computing devices can connect to internal resources. The network project is part of a year-long program to make the IT environment within the academic medical center as secure as possible for all patients, faculty, and staff. The program also includes consolidation of all servers into a secure data center and upgrades to network switches. The new network restrictions only impact Michigan Medicine staff using a Level-2 password and uniqname to access resources. They do not apply to MWireless or other campus networks accessed with a uniqname and Level-1 (UMICH) password. All computing devices that will access either network – laptops, desktop computers, medical devices, servers, facilities management devices, etc. – will be inventoried and assessed.

Michigan Medicine-owned devices must use standard platform. Health Information Technology and Services (HITS) teams are working with departments and identifying institutionally-owned equipment that needs to be configured to the secure, standard Michigan Medicine platform and policies.

Personally-owned devices must be enrolled in AirWatch, the device management encryption system. Beginning April 27, personal devices not enrolled in the AirWatch system will not be able to connect to Michigan Medicine secure networks. People who do not need to use Michigan Medicine resources from their personal devices can use MWireless for WiFi access. HITS Service Desk is offering numerous pop-up clinics including “WiFi Friday” sessions through April to assist faculty and staff determine the best options for connecting their devices to the Internet and services needed. If you are a Michigan Medicine employee, visit a “Help Me Now” station or contact the Service Desk at (734) 936-8000, option #9, to learn more.

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