I Am Using a Computer That is Supported By an IT Department
Applies to: Faculty, staff, researchers, student employees and contractors with a UBC-owned desktop or laptop computer that is:
- Supported by the central IT Department (UBC IT) in Vancouver or Okanagan
- Supported by a Faculty, Department or Research IT Department
Malware Protection and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
UBC’s Information Security Standard U7, Securing Computing and Mobile Storage Devices/Media, requires that EDR software approved by the CISO be installed on all UBC-owned desktop and laptop computers, where technically possible.
To meet this requirement, your IT Support Staff has installed Cisco Secure Endpoint, formerly Cisco Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) for Endpoints, on your computer. The software is updated automatically and no action is required on your part to keep your software up-to-date.
Automatic Blocking of Malicious Websites
Automatic Blocking of Malicious Websites is also required as per UBC’s Information Security Standard U7, Securing Computing and Mobile Storage Devices/Media. To meet this requirement, your IT Support Staff have installed the Umbrella Roaming Security Module, a DNS firewall that protects computers from malware by preventing them from communicating with malicious websites. Malicious websites can be sites that attempt to install viruses (like ransomware), steal your personal information or, in a worst-case scenario, gain complete control over your computer. The Umbrella module is an extension to the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client, which allows for connectivity to the UBC myVPN service.
Umbrella Roaming Security Module will protect your computer regardless of whether it is connected to VPN, and is the same protection that is used on-campus (when connecting to UBC wireless or when using a wired connection) to protect all faculty, staff and students.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I know if the software has been installed?
The AnyConnect client will ‘popup’ with a new “Roaming Security” window stating that “Umbrella is active”; this is a clear indicator that the Umbrella Roaming Security module has been installed and is working properly.
Encryption
At UBC, we are regulated by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), which requires us to protect personal information from unauthorized collection, use, or disclosure. In support of the law, current UBC policy also requires that all laptop and desktop computers— whether UBC-supplied or personally-owned—used for University Business be encrypted.
Note: If a personally-owned desktop or laptop computer is ONLY accessing UBC Electronic Information and Systems through Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) or UBC's Virtual Desktop Interface (VDI) sessions then encryption is not required at this time, but is recommended.
Desktop and laptop computers centrally supported by UBC IT will already have full disk encryption, or you can request encryption by contacting your faculty or department’s local IT support.
Not sure if your computer has been encrypted? Follow the instructions on the UBC IT Knowledge Base, or visit the Privacy Matters website to learn more about encryption.