Enhancing Mobile Security at Concordia
Cyber security threats are growing as people increasingly use mobile devices to access apps and data. To counter this, Concordia is enhancing mobile security efforts to protect our information. These efforts also ensure compliance with new Quebec government regulations.
These new regulations require all Concordia-owned mobile devices (like phones and tablets) to be managed remotely using a Concordia Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution.
This helps ensure:
- Devices get important updates for their operating systems.
- Devices are compliant with government rules for apps, making sure our mobile devices stay as safe and up-to-date as Concordia's computers and laptops.
How it Works
Receipt and deployment:
- Secure handling: IITS receives and sets up your devices according to established procedures.
- Inventory and management: Devices are recorded in Concordia’s system and connected to Microsoft Intune, Concordia's MDM solution, for automatic updates and security.
- Configuration: Let the technician know if you need any special applications, data transferred, or custom settings configured on your device.
Compliance:
Approved apps only: Only approved and supported applications are allowed on University devices. Unapproved, outdated, or unsupported apps are not permitted.
Security and privacy features:
- Virus and malware protection: Enhanced safeguards against harmful software and applications.
- Password protection: Strong password requirements and locks to keep your device secure.
- App restrictions: Blocking certain apps due to privacy concerns based on government regulations.
- Regular updates: Automatic updates for the operating system and apps to ensure everything runs smoothly and securely.
Resources and support
For any issues related to Concordia-owned mobile devices, please contact the IT Service Desk instead of Departmental IT Support. The IT Service Desk can be reached at help@concordia.ca or (514) 848-2424 ext. 7613.
FAQs
Mocrosoft Intune is a tool that allows Concordia to manage its phones/tablets remotely and that keeps Concordia devices secure and up to date. It automatically installs the latest security patches, operating system updates, and application updates.
Concordia can see information such as device model, manufacturer, OS information, installed apps, serial number, owner, and compliance with security policies. Concordia cannot see or access personal information such as browsing history, email, passwords, documents, images or other sensitive data.
Only apps prohibited by the government for security and privacy concerns will be blocked.
Concordia uses Intune and Jamf (MAC OS) to manage Concordia-owned devices. These tools help ensure that all devices meet Concordia required security standards and governmental regulations by automatically providing updates and security patches.