Tips for Faculty & Staff

Privacy & Information Security - Wherever You Work

Nearly every UBC faculty and staff member has access to confidential information. As the loss or disclosure of this information could be very harmful, you need to know how to protect it no matter where you are working.

Thanks to significant advancements in mobile technologies, more faculty and staff are working remotely than ever before. While this is a convenient arrangement, it can cause concern when users are accessing research, financial or personal information. This type of data is at a higher risk of being compromised, corrupted, or lost when accessed remotely.            

As the University increases the support for a hybrid working environment (remotely, and in the office) – it is necessary to review some key privacy and information security reminders for all UBC employees. Security and privacy threats are pervasive, and the impact of a breach can be massive – for example, the financial impact of fines and lawsuits, reputational damage to UBC, loss of research, and of course potential harm to affected individuals.

Security Checks When Working in the Office

All Devices used for University Business—no matter whether they are owned by the University, by the User, or by a third party—must be protected from theft or unauthorized access. This is clearly mandated in Information Security Standard U7

• Physical security must be in place. For their protection, unattended Devices must be located in a room or other enclosed area that is locked or otherwise access-controlled; or a locked cabinet or other fixed container such as a locked server cabinet or cage.
• When away from your desk and while commuting, don’t leave your personal devices unattended.
• Always lock your devices when not in use: When you are not working on your mobile device, always ensure the screen is locked.
• Familiarize yourself with the other staff in your office and on the floor of the building that your office occupies. Introduce yourself to colleagues and frequent visitors. Kindly ask for UBC identification from any individuals that you don’t recognize.