![\"Data](\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/DPD.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nUConn\u2019s commitment to protect the security and privacy of that data \u2013 and to arm users with the knowledge to do the same \u2013 is at the core of several initiatives currently taking place.<\/p>\n
Although they are under way throughout the year, the initiatives are being highlighted as UConn participates in international Data Privacy Month, which culminates in Data Privacy Day on Monday, Jan. 28. The University has also been named a Data Privacy Champion<\/a> by the National Cyber Security Alliance for its efforts.<\/p>\n Data privacy website<\/strong><\/p>\n One major initiative has been the launch of a special data privacy website at UConn at http:\/\/privacy.uconn.edu<\/a>. It includes a regularly updated blog, details on UConn\u2019s secureU<\/a> initiative, and tips on everything from helpful apps to protecting against identity theft.<\/p>\n UConn\u2019s Compliance Office<\/a> and Information Security Office<\/a> are teaming up to provide the University community with information to help protect themselves, their families, colleagues, and the University from privacy breaches, and make well-reasoned choices about what they share online, in email, and on smartphones.<\/p>\n At UConn, we take privacy and data security very seriously.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n \u201cHere at UConn, we take privacy and data security very seriously. Many systems are in place, and resources are available to protect sensitive information we collect and maintain as part of our business practices,\u201d says Rachel Krinsky Rudnick, author of UConn\u2019s data privacy blog and assistant director of compliance\/privacy in the Office of Audit, Compliance & Ethics.<\/p>\n The efforts during Data Privacy Month have focused on different topics to provide readers with pointers and other resources. In addition to the privacy.uconn.edu site, information is also available on Facebook at @UConnHuskyHunt<\/a> or @UConniso<\/a>, and on Twitter at @UConnISO<\/a>.<\/p>\n Planning for an emergency<\/b><\/p>\n Some of UConn\u2019s other data privacy and security initiatives include updating plans on how to protect and recover data during natural disasters and other disruptive events.<\/p>\n \u201cAs we reflect on the impact of a natural disaster in other states on their institutions of higher education, we recognize the importance of a strong effort at UConn,\u201d says Nancy Bull, UConn\u2019s vice provost for information technology. \u201cThe impact of Hurricane Katrina on institutions of higher learning in New Orleans was an eye-opener for all of us.\u201d<\/p>\n Some of those schools faced difficulty getting to some data because their servers or hardware were damaged or inaccessible, and because they either lacked backup sites or those sites were nearly as inaccessible during the emergency as the primary spots.<\/p>\n Victor Font Jr., business continuity and disaster recovery coordinator for University Information Technology Services (UITS<\/a>), is heading up the UConn effort. He\u2019s also chairing a steering committee to determine appropriate backup data plans, and to update UConn\u2019s data recovery plans through a series of tests and exercises.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is during these exercises that we can pinpoint the weaknesses and omissions in a disaster plan. You do not want to find them during an actual disaster,\u201d Font says.<\/p>\n Statewide collaboration<\/b><\/p>\n UConn\u2019s data security and privacy efforts do not end at its own borders. Starting in the fall semester, UConn teamed up with Quinnipiac University to launch a group of information technology officials from colleges and universities throughout Connecticut that will share challenges, experiences, and solutions.<\/p>\n