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Working securely: NRSP Project Umbrella

As part of the Network Replacement and Security Programme (NRSP), we are adding a layer of security protection to all University-managed devices that connect to our network. The first phase of protection comes from a security product called Cisco Umbrella. The product checks for malicious web sites and will block those which appear to be potential threats, before you open them. It will be added to managed devices at the end of July 2020.

Initially, this product will be available to users of IT Services-managed devices but we intend to roll it out to all University devices over time. As always, connecting regularly to the campus VPN will give you access to critical security updates – and after the 27 July you will be able to download the Umbrella software to benefit from its protection while working remotely.

Why are we introducing this software?

Cyber criminals use fake websites to steal data, infect individual devices and infiltrate whole networks. As part of the University’s wider security and information management programme, we want to provide staff with a higher level of security protection by preventing access to known malicious websites which could inadvertently affect your device and/or the wider University. This change is especially important now that so many of us are working from home.

What will this mean for me?

When you access a website, Umbrella will log the activity and check it against a database of known or suspected malicious sites and content. This resource is maintained and updated by Cisco, globally 24/7. Attempts to access suspected sites will be redirected to a warning holding page, effectively blocking any malicious content. You will be able to click on a ‘Report an incorrect block’ link if you think pages are being blocked in error and this will be checked by IT Services.

Except malicious sites, we do not intend to block any other web pages. However, some information relating to which websites you have visited (but not the exact content) will be logged by the system for greater transparency and protection.

Website logging already happens on campus, but Umbrella will ensure that this protection is available to us all while working remotely on University managed devices. There will be no impact on performance or internet speed.

What do I need to do?

The Umbrella security product will install on managed devices automatically the first time you connect to the VPN after 27 July. You will need to reboot your computer once Cisco Umbrella is installed, but you won’t need to do anything else to benefit from this increased security protection.

The ITS project page is here. Please remember, if you use an IT Services managed device you must use the campus VPN every week to connect to the University network to get critical security updates.