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Restrictions on staff use of personally owned devices to access university systems 

Further to the recent communication regarding the tightening of controls around the use of staff members’ personally owned devices to access university digital systems and services, this is an update to provide additional information. 

Following feedback and requests from colleagues, we are extending the restrictions’ pilot to include a small number of members of staff from across the university (we are contacting volunteers directly for this).  The extension will supplement the pilot, that is also involving IT staff, to validate that the guidance instructions are complete and enable us to identify any extra user scenarios to coordinate in the transition to the new controls.   

Revised date 

As such, the pilot period will extend into March, following which the revised date for the restrictions being applied to all staff is 19 March 2025.  From that date, personally owned laptops and desk top computers will no longer be able to connect to university systems.  

Also, at that point to continue to use a personally owned smart phone or tablet, steps will need to be followed by the member of staff to apply a Microsoft security system to their device; instructions for doing this will be provided one week before the go-live date. 

 

Thank you for your support with this change, which will be a major mitigation to the ever-increasing risks for our university cyber security. 

Please note that there is separate information and instructions for colleagues who are associate or external staff, as those instructions differ in some aspects.

Technology Services

  • User instructions

    Coming soon

  • FAQ

     

     1. What will happen if I try to use my personally owned laptop or desktop computer to access UoC digital systems and services? 

    Once the restrictions are activated, attempting to access them will be unsuccessful.  You will receive an error message because that form of access will no longer be permitted.  

     2. What will happen if I try to use my personally owned smart phone or tablet to log into UoC digital systems and services? 

    On the first occasion of doing this (once the restrictions are activated) you will be presented with steps to set up your device for accessing UoC digital systems and services.  These steps use a Microsoft security system and will check that your device meets the required security standard (e.g. the device is supported by the manufacturer and the operating system has the latest software updates).   

    Then going forwards, each time you attempt to access UoC digital systems and services, the Microsoft security system will check that your device still meets the required standard.  

    If at any point your device does not meet the required standard, then the security system will give the reason why.  You will then need to resolve the issue to be able to access UoC digital systems and services (e.g. update the operating system software).   

     3. What are UoC digital systems and services? 

    They are anything within which you use a computer or mobile device to access for your UoC role – for example Outlook for your UoC emails, Teams, StaffHub, SharePoint, Word documents, Excel documents, Blackboard, SITS, Agresso, MyHR etc. 

     

    4. What are the steps that I will need to follow to set up my personally owned device, and when will I need to do them? 

    The steps are part of a Microsoft security system.  One  week prior to the activation of the system, we will provide guidance on the steps – both written guides and video guides.  The steps will be different according to whether it is an Android or iOS device.  You will need to apply them when the restrictions are activated, or at your earliest convenience after that day. 

     

     5. I only use a UoC-provided device (desktop computer, laptop computer and/or smart phone), so does this change affect me? 

    No, this change does not affect the use of UoC-provided devices; they will continue to work in the same way. 

    6. Does this change affect students using their own devices? 

    No, students’ personal devices will not be affected; they are out of scope of Cyber Essentials. 

    7. Can I find out if my personally owned smart phone or tablet is supported by the manufacturer?  

    The Microsoft security system will automatically check this when you attempt to log-in.  If you would also like to find out for yourself, then the below links provide this information for many (but not all) devices: 

    Android https://endoflife.date/android  (see long list on left hand side) 

    iOS  https://endoflife.date/iphone  (see long list on right hand) 

    Here are direct links to some of the major manufacturers, included in the above: 

    Samsung https://endoflife.date/samsung-mobile  

    Pixel https://endoflife.date/pixel  

    iPhone https://endoflife.date/iphone 

    iPad https://endoflife.date/ipad  

     

    8. Can I find out if the operating system is up to date, and remains supported, on my personally owned smart phone or tablet?

    The Microsoft security system will automatically check this when you attempt to log-in.  If you would also like to find out for yourself, you will find it in the settings on your device, for example ‘About phone’ where you can find out what version you have currently installed and also check if any updates are available (often, devices automatically update).   

    After a period of time, devices cease to receive operating system updates and so there comes a point when the operating system is no longer supported.  The below links provide this information: 

    Android https://endoflife.date/android  

    iOS  https://endoflife.date/iphone  

    Once the device has an operating system which is no longer supported, you would need to replace the device with another one which meets the security requirements.  

     9. Can I find out if the web browser is up to date on my personally owned smart phone or tablet? 

    The Microsoft security system will automatically check this when you attempt to log-in.  If you would also like to find out for yourself, you will find it in the settings on your device, for example ‘App info’ where you can find out what version you have currently installed.  You can also check if any updates are available in Play Store (Android Devices); often, devices automatically update.   

     

    For information on the latest Browser versions, see https://www.whatismybrowser.com/guides/the-latest-version/  

    10. Will I still be able to use free Adobe Creative Coud on my personally owned laptop or desktop computer? 

    Yes, that benefit will continue for members of staff.   

    11. If I leave the University or decide I no longer want to access work services on my personal phone is this easy to remove?

    Yes, the user guide will detail the steps to remove the apps and any settings to connect to UoC services. 

    12. What can I do if I do not want to have this increased level of security when using my personal device to access UoC

    It is not mandated that staff need to use personal devices to access work services, this process enables those staff who wish to have on the go access to email / teams / OneDrive etc.   

    If your role requires the use of a mobile phone then you will have already been provided with a UoC supplied corporate mobile phone.  Obtaining a mobile phone is the responsibility of your line manager and handled via a separate process – here. https://apps.powerapps.com/play/e/default-b627db1d-9958-4fd1-8ea4-8ac3b27cf00f/a/e051ce16-d77b-434d-946c-f6ab8d212926?hidenavbar=true&tenantId=b627db1d-9958-4fd1-8ea4-8ac3b27cf00f 

     

     

     

     

      

     

  • Microsoft Office 365 – home use

    In addition, please note that as an unavoidable consequence of the change, staff will no longer be able to benefit from free Microsoft Office 365 on their personally owned laptop or desktop computers.   

    We understand that this will be a disappointment to many, however due to the Microsoft licencing rules it will no longer be possible to provide the free subscription.  Nonetheless, you will be able to access a discounted subscription (up to 30% off) or you may wish to consider using free alternatives. Please see here for further information Free & discounted software

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