Telecommuting Safely
IT Security Guidance
First: Please do the following on any home network where you are conducting University business:
- Change the default access settings and default password on your router and wireless network.
- Update the firmware on any network device.
- Disable WPS (Wi-fi Protected Setup) on your wireless network.
Consult your home router/access point user’s manual if you have questions or you can contact the Information Security Office (ISO) at iso@tennessee.edu.
Second: Take the necessary precautions on the system that you are using to access University business information.
If you are using a University owned computer, please do the following:
- Ensure that ManageEngine and Malwarebytes are installed on the device.
- Install two-factor authentication installed on the device.
- Consider encrypting the hard drive on the device.
- Log on to the VPN prior to accessing University information.
Please contact the ISO at iso@tennessee.edu if you need help with any of these actions.
If you must use a personally owned device, please do the following:
- Ensure that you have antivirus and antimalware installed on the device.
- Do not store this information on the personally owned device.
- Log on to the VPN prior to accessing University information.
Additional best practices to follow include:
- Be aware of phishing attempts. Validate emails and requests before responding.
- Investigate the University’s collaboration platform, Microsoft Teams.
- Restrict web browsing that you do and ensure that your family does the same if you are accessing University information with a family owned device.
- Limit using external hard drives or flash drives.
- Ensure no one is watching enter credentials. Continue to lock your screen when stepping away from the device.
If you have questions or if you need to report a security issue, please call your local campus/institute Helpdesk for more information or you can contact the ISO directly at iso@tennessee.edu.