Data Privacy & Protection

The Office of Information Security (OIS) along with our partners in the Data Governance Board and  the Office of General Counsel are committed to ensuring that faculty, staff, and students understand their role in handling, storing, and sharing information securely. Through policies, best practices, and technology safeguards, we help create a privacy-first culture that upholds compliance and protects sensitive data.

How We Protect Data

We implement robust security measures to keep university data secure, including:

• Encryption and Secure Storage: Protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access.
• Access Controls: Ensuring only authorized users can access restricted information.
• Data Classification and Handling: Defining how data should be stored, shared, and retained.
• Privacy Compliance: Aligning with regulations such as FERPA to safeguard personal data.

How You Can Protect Data

Everyone plays a role in data privacy and security. Here’s how you can help:

• Think Before You Share: Be mindful of where and how you share sensitive information.
• Use Strong Passwords and Multi-factor Authentication (MFA): Secure your accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
• Store Data Securely: Use approved cloud storage and encryption for confidential files.
• Recognize and Report Threats: Be aware of phishing, social engineering, and data breaches.

By following privacy best practices, we can work together to safeguard personal, academic, and research data while enabling a secure and trusted digital environment.