Information Technology Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will these tools monitor my personal activity, emails, or browsing history?

  These tools are designed to protect against cybersecurity threats. They focus on detecting unusual, malicious, or potentially harmful activity and not on monitoring personal information.

• Will these tools slow down my device or interfere with my work?

  We've carefully selected tools that are lightweight and have minimal impact on device performance. It is worth noting that these tools are not new. UCR currently utilizes these tools but now must expand coverage across campus to strengthen security. If you experience any issues, please submit an IT ticket.
   

• Will I be able to control the settings or disable these tools if needed?

  Settings on IT-managed devices will be managed centrally to ensure optimal security. For personal devices, you will have some control over settings, but default configurations should be preserved for maximum protection and program compliance.  Please note that noncompliance will result in the inability to access secure UCR resources and applications.
   

• Why are these tools necessary?

  Universities are among the most targeted entities by Nation States and other bad actors, and their attempts to attack us are becoming more sophisticated and frequent. Each tool in the UCR security toolset serves a unique and important purpose. Together, these tools provide an additional layer of protection for our University data and systems and, importantly, your sensitive personal and financial information.
   

• What happens if a threat is detected?

  The tools will alert the ITS Information Security Office. UCR’s security professionals will then take appropriate action to investigate and mitigate the threat while adhering to strict UC and campus privacy policies and industry-standard operating procedures.
   

• Do I need all three tools?

  Yes, each tool is crucial in fulfilling UC's security requirements. To learn about the role of each tool, please refer to the “Tools to Protect Your Work and Preserve Your Legacy” section. 
  
   

• Will ITS or any of the tools be able to read my email?

  The security tools are not designed to read your email content. Their purpose is to protect your device and university data, not to monitor personal communications. In the event that a potential threat is detected, the ITS Information Security Office is required to investigate while adhering to strict UC and campus privacy policies, including the UC Electronic Communications Policy.
   

• What happens if I don't follow the mandate?

  The UC President's letter outlines the campus consequences of non-compliance. In an effort to mitigate these consequences, UCR’s security plan employs additional consequences, which include but are not limited to restricted access to campus resources (such as networks, WiFi, and online service applications). These measures are necessary to help ensure the safety and security of both the UCR community and our larger UC community.
   

• How do these requirements impact students?

  These requirements do not directly impact students, however, student employees are required to complete the UC Cyber Security Awareness Fundamentals training. Moreover, non-academic student employees must use a compliant device when conducting university business. 

• Are personal devices, such as BYOD, included in the mandate?

  Yes, the security tools must be installed on personal devices if the user wishes to connect to secure UCR resources and applications that hold sensitive institutional data. Mobile devices (phones and some tablets) are not currently subject to the same requirements.  
   

• Are mobile devices included in the mandate?

  No, mobile devices such as phones and tablets* are not subject to the same requirements as computers and laptops under the mandate.

  That said, it is still crucial to secure your mobile devices to protect your data. To safeguard your data, utilize complex passwords or biometric authentication, maintain up-to-date software, and exercise caution when using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities. Be sure to remain vigilant against phishing attempts and establish regular data backup routines. For more information about best practices, refer to Mobile Security Guidance.

  *Note: Microsoft Surface Tablets require installation and use of the security tools. 

• Will the mandate still go into effect now that President Drake is stepping down?

  Yes, the mandate remains in effect. While President Drake has communicated the mandate, it is a directive endorsed and supported by the UC Regents, the governing board of the University of California. This ensures the mandate's continuity and prioritization as a critical component of UC's cybersecurity strategy, regardless of leadership changes.