Preserve Privacy

Protecting privacy is more crucial than ever!

Personal data, from financial information to online communications, is constantly at risk of unauthorized access and misuse. While there are some types of information you want to share with the world, other information needs to be kept private. In the same way, Harvard has categories for information and guidelines to follow when handling them.

PrivSec Risk Classifications Quick Reference Guide

The quick reference guide provides you guidance on how to classify, handle, and dispose of data appropriately.

Download the PDF Quick Reference Guide

Protecting Harvard Data and Privacy

Data Classification Guide and Policies

The data classification guide will help you determine the level of the data you are using. The included handling guide will advise you of proper ways to store, print, share, and dispose of various levels of confidential information.

University-Wide Privacy Principles

The overarching goal is to infuse privacy considerations into all that we do at Harvard. The Principles are therefore intentionally general and succinct. When you are considering the collection, use, or disclosure of personal information, we ask that you think about the Principles in their totality, considering their purpose and spirit, and then apply your best judgment.

Learn more about Privacy Principles

Working with Confidential (personal) Data

Ensure you use the Collaboration Tools Matrix to see the right place to share and store confidential data.

Share links instead of file attachments to keep control of file access after you hit send.

When you delete a file, the file still exists on the hard drive and could easily be retrieved with recovery software.

Learn to securely dispose/erase your device (KB0021633)

Protecting Your Privacy

Follow Best Practices

There are simple ways to protect yourself, your family and the university from online threats. The top four ways to stay safe online are:

Limit What You Share Online

Seemingly random details are all that criminals need to know to target you, your loved ones, and your physical belongings - online and in the real world.

Limit the information you post on social media - from personal addresses to where you like to grab coffee. Keep sensitive information private, as well as specific information about yourself, such as your full name, address, birthday and even vacation plans.

Look into reputable online tools that can help remove your personal information from the internet.

Check Your Apps Security Settings

Your mobile device could be filled with suspicious apps running in the background or using default permissions you never realized you approved - gathering your personal information without your knowledge while also putting your identity and privacy at risk.

Review app permissions and limit access where possible. Some devices allow you to set permission levels, like "only while using the app" or "never" depending on your comfort level.