Security: Data Safety and Protection

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Safeguarding Your Data

Learning & Technology Services (LTS) offers network solutions that are designed to provide secure and confidential data storage for UW-Eau Claire faculty and staff. Data that is stored on the network is copied to tape nightly and can be restored on demand in the event of equipment failure or accidental erasure.Anyone requesting data must have prior approval from the owner of the data and is required to ensure the integrity and security of the data. This means that data is only shared with authorized users and that data and reports are stored only on the UWEC network. Data should not be saved to USB drives or laptops under any circumstances. All printed reports should be disposed of via secure shredding. If data is used inappropriately or is shared in a manner that places it at risk, the data custodian reserves the right to discontinue access to that data.Some users choose to store files on their desktop hard drives rather than on network storage. While LTS does not prohibit doing so, we are unable to provide the level of data protection for desktop drives that is offered for network storage. We recognize that all computer hardware will eventually fail, and LTS strongly recommends that you take appropriate precautions to safeguard important files stored on your desktop computer.LTS has identified the following ways in which to store and backup your data:

Network Storage

Network storage facilities are available to Windows, Macintosh, and Linux users, although they are referenced differently in each operating system. For Windows users, network storage locations are identified by "drive letters". Drive letters refer to storage areas that are reserved for specific purposes, the most common of which are:

For operating system-specific information, please contact the LTS Help Desk at (715) 836-5711.Although the amount of network storage space is finite, LTS is prepared to make sufficient space available to meet your needs. Faculty and staff may contact the LTS Help Desk to request additional space for their H:, S: and W: storage drives, as well as their UW-Eau Claire email box.

Backup to an External Hard Drive

Another option for protecting files on your desktop computer is to use an external disk drive to perform your own scheduled backups. Mavericks, the Macintosh OS/X operating system (version 10.9), incorporates Time Machine software for that purpose. LTS can assist in configuring your computer, whether Macintosh or Windows, to use an external backup drive; however, you or your department will be responsible for purchasing the necessary hardware and software.

Summary

In summary, the two mechanisms identified by LTS for safeguarding your data are:

Locating Sensitive Information Using Spirion

To locate sensitive information being stored on a UWEC-managed computer, you can use Spirion. Spirion is a software supported by the university that is used to locate sensitive information (Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, etc.) on a computer. Spirion should already be preinstalled on all UWEC-managed computers, but if it is not, you can download it through Self Service+ (Mac computers) or through Software Center (Windows Computers). If you are running into issues installing Spirion through Software Center or Self Service+, contact helpdesk@uwec.edu.

View Spirion: Overview and Usage Guide

Securing Your Files and Data – FAQs