The protection of intellectual property as well as personally identifiable information including student records, personnel information, and research data remains a top priority for the UVM information security program.

In accordance with security best practices as well as common practices in peer higher education institutions, we continue to expand the use of Duo Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). You are familiar with this method for accessing PeopleSoft and Banner; it is an added measure of security for access to sensitive systems and data.

Consistent with practices in effect at large research universities, ETS plans to expand the use of Duo to include web access to UVM email and all services under the Microsoft 365 umbrella (Teams, OneDrive) effective March 13, 2023. We have engaged our various stakeholder groups, including the Information Security Council and the ERTC to provide input and feedback on our approach. At their suggestion, the use of Duo was expanded at the beginning of the spring semester to include Brightspace, our new LMS, in its early implementation and pilot phases.

Please be on the lookout for detailed information as we prepare the campus for these important changes. We thank you for participating in these efforts as we continue to improve protections now and in the future for the data that our students and community have entrusted to us.