#  Information Security and Data Privacy 

 



##  Information Security and Data Privacy (PrivSec) 

Protecting information is more than just keeping computers online and hackers out. It means systems that prioritize data safety, thoughtful consideration of the information we collect, and careful stewardship of its use.

Our mission is to protect Harvard's information assets and bolster the University's trustworthiness as a steward of personal data.



 

 [Learn more about the team chevron\_right](/about) 

 

       ![students in auditorium](/sites/g/files/omnuum12036/files/styles/hwp_28_10__1920x685/public/it-security/files/home-bg.jpg?itok=IpCWkMZL) 

 

 



 

 



 

##  Know the risks and how to safeguard assets. 

 



 warning\_amber 

 [### Classify Risk

 ](/classify-risk)Determine the risk "level".



 

 

 done\_all 

 [### Apply Standards

 ](/apply-standards)Secure system configuration.



 

 

 shield 

 [### Shield Data

 ](/shield-data)Secure data handling.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

##  Know the responsibilities of each role. 

 



 groups 

 [### Community Members

 ](/community-members-responsibilities) 

 

 engineering 

 [### System or Service Custodian

 ](/system-administrators-responsibilities) 

 

 admin\_panel\_settings 

 [### Data Stewards

 ](/data-stewards-best-practices) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

##  Know the frameworks that govern our actions. 

 



 [### Industry Standards and Regulations

 ](/policies-and-standards)Security standards ensure consistent protection and quality in safeguarding systems and data, while privacy regulations provide legal frameworks to protect personal information.



 

 

 [### University Information Security Policy

 ](/information-security-policy)This policy outlines the roles and responsibilities for protecting data and systems, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of University assets.



 

 

 [### University-Wide Privacy Principles

 ](/privacy-principles)While our university-wide privacy principles are aspirational, they reflect common elements found in privacy regulations worldwide, many of which apply to Harvard.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

##  Know the best practices. 

Both at home and at the university.

[Visit the Best Practices Resource Hub](https://privsec.harvard.edu/best-practices) for additional best practices and helpful resources

 

 



  [### Prevent Phishing

 ](/prevent-phishing)Stay vigilant: verify emails, texts, and calls; click cautiously.



 

   ![Fish hook icon](/sites/g/files/omnuum12036/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-11/cw-600.png?itok=zfYvwroT) 

 

 

 

  [### Apply Updates

 ](/apply-updates)Set software to auto-update; install updates and restart if needed.



 

   ![Download icon](/sites/g/files/omnuum12036/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-11/au-600_0.png?itok=aagl4wtW) 

 

 

 

  [### Protect Identity

 ](/protect-identity)Use strong, unique passwords; enable multi-factor; utilize password managers.



 

   ![Thumbprint icon](/sites/g/files/omnuum12036/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-09/usp-600.png?itok=6QBfaZ3_) 

 

 

 

  [### Preserve Privacy

 ](/preserve-privacy)Adhere to the principles; minimize sensitive personal data.



 

   ![Lock icon](/sites/g/files/omnuum12036/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-09/kyd-600.png?h=a0817d09&itok=3vbtX423) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

##  Stay up to date 

 



  [### Digital Digest

 ](https://us21.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=b3ced6aad07fe37bb586f3ea8&id=1aaa48259f)Join the mailing list to receive the Digital Digest newsletter from HUIT.



 

   ![newsletters](/sites/g/files/omnuum12036/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-01/newsletter2.jpg?itok=YH2MuBuB) 

 

 

 

  [### HUIT News & Updates

 ](https://huit.harvard.edu)Keep up to date on the latest news from HUIT.



 

   ![laptop and books](/sites/g/files/omnuum12036/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-01/laptop%20and%20books.jpeg?itok=DvhGRD96) 

 

 

 

  [### View Upcoming Events

 ](/awareness-education-events)Visit Awareness & Education's upcoming events.



 

   ![eventcalendar](/sites/g/files/omnuum12036/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-12/eventcalendar.png?itok=4OMj5UJY) 

 

 

 

  [### Phish Bowl

 ](/phishing-awareness#phishbowl)Learn about our Phishing Simulation Program and view past phish!



 

   ![colorful cartoon fish in a fish bowl](/sites/g/files/omnuum12036/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-04/phishbowl3_0.png?itok=PTMfohMt) 

 

 

 

  

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