Remote Access to Administrative Systems and Data Policy

Access to the university’s administrative systems and data from networks that are not controlled by the university is restricted to a prescribed multilayer security strategy to defend against malicious attacks, unauthorized access to administrative systems and data, and potential compromise of the remote access device. No other means of remote access to administrative systems will be provided.

Multi-layer Security Strategy

 Remote access to UB’s administrative systems must comply with the following requirements:

1. An institutionally owned device must be securely configured, including installation and support of the appropriate VPN software, and token key generator software or hardware token (fob).
2. A personally owned device must be securely configured, including installation of the appropriate VPN software and utilize a hardware token (fob).
3. Device configuration, regardless of ownership, must comply with university’s recommended procedures for anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall and vendor security updates.
4. Authorized individuals using two-factor authentication must use the appropriate VPN software exclusively to authenticate sessions to university administrative systems and data.

Access to university administrative systems through non-university networks possess substantial risks to confidential and restricted university data, and to personal information accessible via those administrative systems. The Internet is by design an open and insecure suite of protocols that provide ample opportunity for surreptitious and malicious activities by interlopers. Applying appropriate workstation configuration procedures and standards, and implementing multi-layer security controls will better protect university administrative systems from hackers. Accordingly, two-factor authentication for authorized users is necessary is to ensure data stream encryption for sessions through the Internet.

This policy is applicable to the following administrative system and data:

Device

Institutionally or privately owned computing device (e.g., laptop, desktop, tablet, smartphone) capable of supporting the appropriate VPN software, token key generation software, or utilize a hardware token (fob) to establish a work session to university administrative applications through the Internet. 

Hardware Token

A physical device assigned to an authorized individual used to prove the individual’s identity electronically.

Securely Configured

Adhering to the guidelines and practices in accordance with:

•  UB Minimum Security Standards for Desktops, Laptops, Mobile, and Other Endpoint Devices
•  UB Minimum Server Security and Hardening Standards

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

An encrypted communications channel between the device and the university network. VPN access is specific to the role of the individual (AdminVPN for HUB administrative users; CITVPN for system support staff).

The Information Technology Policy Officer is responsible for the maintenance of this policy, and for responding to questions regarding this policy. The Chief Information Officer is the responsible officer.

Implementing this policy provides you with required, multi-layered protection from malicious programs and unauthorized access. Failure to implement these security controls may result in the workstation being compromised, university data placed at risk, as well as risks to personal protected information. If your machine is compromised and it is remotely connected to the university’s network, the university will immediately prohibit your connection until corrective actions are taken.