Category Archives: Safe Computing

Visit the SafeComputing site for more information. Report a security incident. Subscribe to the Safe Computing RSS feed.

Protection from malicious websites on UM-Ann Arbor networks

Beginning October 17, safeguards will be put in place that help protect the U-M community from websites known to be malicious—those that attempt to steal your personal information or infect your device with malware—on most UM-Ann Arbor wired networks. This protection is already included on MWireless and MGuest. Domain Name Service (DNS) filtering checks websites against a list… Read More »

Remember Duo Remember Me?

When students, staff, and faculty come to you with concerns about the latest virus, hack, or phishing attempt, pass on the good news that turning on two-factor to protect their U-M Weblogin and personal data is even easier. In April, the university added the Remember Me option to two-factor for services accessed via the Weblogin page. It allows you… Read More »

Look before you log in

By | August 14, 2017

Many people at U-M receive phishing emails with links to fake Weblogin pages that look exactly like the real one. When people log in to the fake page, their password is stolen, and their U-M account is compromised. The only clue it’s a fraudulent login page is the URL. Before entering your UMICH (Level 1) password, check that… Read More »

MiWorkspace partners with HITS to meet increased network security standards

The MiWorkspace team at Information and Technology Services (ITS) worked with Health Information Technology & Services (HITS) to configure MiWorkspace computers to connect to the Michigan Medicine wired network. Michigan Medicine is increasing security for their wired networks by requiring trusted university devices contain a specific security protocol. MiWorkspace computers in the following units are now configured to… Read More »

Teams respond swiftly to malware attack on vendor

By | July 31, 2017

When Michigan Medicine’s telephone dictation and transcription service provider was impacted by a global malware cyberattack, teams from Health Information Technology & Services (HITS) and Health Information Management (HIM) acted swiftly to ensure the service was disabled, no patient information was compromised, and alternative solutions were provided. “Many staff played a role in the response to the dictation… Read More »

New U-M policy makes software purchases easier

By | July 7, 2017

If you purchase software for university use, please be aware of Software Procurement and Licensing Compliance (SPG 601.03-03). This new policy, which took effect April 10, 2017, was developed by Procurement Services with input from Information Assurance, Office of the General Counsel, and others. Under the new policy, university PCards or purchase orders can be used to purchase… Read More »

Wireless network update a success – what’s next?

In April, the Michigan Medicine community came together to achieve a significant goal – namely to ensure that enhanced security protocols were in place on all wireless devices connecting to the mission critical network. WiFi security for more than 20,000 devices joining the network daily was the first step in a 19-month initiative to make the IT environment… Read More »

U-M not affected by worldwide ransomware attacks

U-M has not been affected by the widespread global ransomware attacks on computer networks over the weekend. Even with the U-M campuses — including Michigan Medicine — unaffected at this time, the attack remains a serious, ongoing threat. The attack that started May 12 has spread to more than 150 countries and 200,000 computers. For those affected, the attack… Read More »

Private MCommunity groups now hide owners, moderators

By | May 15, 2017

Private groups in the MCommunity Directory now hide not only the members, but also the owners and moderators. Aside from enhancing overall MCommunity privacy, this feature, which was implemented May 13, will help make the kind of email spoofing that occurred earlier this year more difficult. It stops would-be email spoofers from discovering and impersonating the moderator of… Read More »

Smartphone security hole

By | May 3, 2017

A sweeping study by U-M researchers of an internet communication mechanism common in mobile devices has revealed that so-called ‘open ports’ are much more vulnerable to security breaches than previously thought. The vulnerability is most pronounced in Android apps that let users share data across devices and connect to their phones from their computers. One app, called Wifi… Read More »

‘Dissonance’ speakers discuss conflict & cyberspace

By | April 26, 2017

On April 13, a panel of experts discussed the development of international cyberspace norms. The event was part of the Dissonance, an ongoing speaker series that explores timely topics at the confluence of technology, law, privacy, and security. Watch the recording Event highlights Discussion points included what constitutes responsible state behavior in cyberspace, the differences between physical attacks and cyberattacks,… Read More »

Use a “Personal and Private” folder to protect your privacy

By | April 13, 2017

Do you have personal, non-work files on your university-owned computer or in online storage space provided by U-M? That’s okay, but please store them in an appropriately labeled location to help the university protect your privacy. U-M suggests that you place personal files in a folder named Personal and Private for any service provided by U-M. With some… Read More »

‘Dissonance’ explores conflict & cyberspace April 13

As cyberspace becomes more and more central to the international security discussion, states are increasingly searching for common “rules of the road.” Attend the next Dissonance event and join Tim Maurer, fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, as he moderates a panel discussion on the development of international cyberspace norms. The event is free and light… Read More »

Travel safely with technology

By | March 31, 2017

Whether you are planning a vacation or professional trip, you will likely take along smartphone, tablet, laptop, or other mobile device. Follow these tips to safeguard both your own—and the university’s—data. Before you travel Decide whether or not you need all your devices. If you don’t need it, leave it. Consider taking a device that you only use… Read More »

Review new sensitive data classifications

By | March 29, 2017

To support the proposed revision of the IT Security Policy, Information Assurance has published revised U-M Data Classification Levels on Safe Computing. The revised policy will be supported and supplemented by specific operational, procedural, and technical standards, many of which specify actions to take based on the classification level of the data involved. The new data classification levels… Read More »