UF Restricted Data Use on Mobile Computing and Storage Devices

Elias G. Eldayrie, Vice President and CIO

University citizens must be ever-vigilant about potential restricted data losses.  Data losses and theft of restricted information is a possible result of the increased use of mobile computing and storage devices like laptops, smartphones, and USB flash drives. In response to the increased risk posed by highly portable devices, a Mobile Computing and Storage Devices policy was prepared by the Information Security & Compliance Advisory Committee, part of the UF Information Technology (UFIT) governance structure.

The policy details a number of protection measures, including requirements for the inventory, labeling, and encryption of portable devices. A standards document is also available to assist academic, research, and administrative staff with compliance.

To facilitate implementation of the mobile computing and storage devices requirements, UF will be offering faculty and staff centrally funded laptop encryption software and encrypted USB flash drives in exchange for older, unencrypted models. Information about both of these programs will be presented first to campus IT staff at an upcoming workshop and then to the university community. More information is available at the Information Security website.

All IT-related policies are available at: http://www.it.ufl.edu/policies. Please email any questions you may have about the Mobile Computing and Storage Devices policy to: security-l@lists.ufl.edu.