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.