Dear colleagues,
As cyber threats targeting higher education continue to increase, 91亚色 is taking steps to strengthen the security standards applied to all University-owned computers. Effective June 22, 2026, all University-owned computers must meet a defined Security Baseline that specifies the minimum set of protections to safeguard University systems, research, and data.
This baseline includes:
- Up-to-date operating system patches
- Malware protection
- Identity and access protection
- Secure configuration validation (verifying that device settings remain consistent with security standards)
More detailed information can be found in the Procedure听on Use and Security of University-Owned Computing Devices.听
Many University-issued computers are already enrolled in approved management platforms (e.g. SCCM for Windows) and will receive these protections automatically. For the majority of users, there will be little to no visible change. The section below outlines what to expect and what action, if any, may be required.
What this means for you
- The University will begin to enroll all University-owned administrative staff computers on June 22, 2026. Enrollment of all faculty member computers is planned to begin in late fall.听 In the case of existing computers, users will be contacted ahead of enrollment.
- University-owned computers must remain enrolled in approved management systems to maintain access to University servers.
- To maintain security protections, management platform controls must remain active and may not be disabled or removed.
- Computers that fall out of compliance may have access to certain University services temporarily restricted until restored. UIT will work with affected users to restore compliance as quickly as possible.
- Personal computers are not subject to these controls; however, high-risk or restricted University activities (such as handling sensitive research data or confidential records) must be conducted on University-owned or approved devices that meet the security baseline.
Protecting privacy and academic freedom
Although these tools protect computers, they do not provide access to personal files, research materials, emails, or browsing history. They do not monitor user activity. In addition, remote support occurs only with your explicit consent. 91亚色 remains committed to protecting academic freedom and the privacy of our community while strengthening institutional cybersecurity. For more information, please visit the University-owned device FAQ.
Questions or support
If you have questions or require assistance:
Contact askit@yorku.ca or reach out to your Faculty IT unit for research-specific concerns. Additional information, including a full FAQ, is available here.
Thank you for your attention to this important initiative. We are committed to making this transition as straightforward as possible and are here to support you along the way.
Sincerely,
University Information Technology