WWU Urges Caution with Apps During Cybersecurity Awareness Month
BELLINGHAM, WA – October [Current Year] – As cybersecurity Awareness Month kicks off, Western Washington University is reinforcing teh critical importance of data security, reminding all faculty, staff, and students to utilize only sanctioned applications when handling sensitive university information. WWU handles a broad spectrum of confidential data, including student records, financial details, research findings, and internal communications, making robust data protection paramount.
The university emphasizes that sanctioned apps – those vetted by WWU’s Information Technology Services (ITS) and Purchasing/Contracts teams – are designed with security, compliance, and data protection as core principles.Approved tools include Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, OneDrive), Canvas, OnBase, Banner, and other platforms listed on the university’s software portal.
A growing concern centers around the use of unsanctioned applications, particularly generative AI tools. WWU specifically cautions against using public AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Bard, or Claude with confidential data. These tools may process and store user input in ways that compromise privacy or expose sensitive information to external parties.
“It’s crucial to remember that often, when a service is offered for free, the cost is covered by utilizing your data,” a WWU spokesperson explained.
To safeguard university data, the following practices are strongly advised:
* Avoid public AI Tools: Do not input student records, internal documents, or proprietary research into unapproved AI chatbots.
* Skip Personal Cloud Storage: Refrain from using personal cloud storage solutions like Google Drive,Dropbox,or iCloud for university-related data.
* Use WWU Email: Always utilize your official WWU email account and approved platforms for file sharing.
Resources for Safe App Usage:
* Approved App List: Check the comprehensive list of approved and recommended applications at https://softwarecentral.wwu.edu.
* Need Help? Contact the WWU Helpdesk at helpdesk@wwu.edu if you are unsure about an app’s security. For AI-specific guidance,visit https://aihub.wwu.edu/ or email ai.hub@wwu.edu.
* Microsoft Copilot: When in doubt, leverage the secure AI tools being piloted within Microsoft 365, which are designed for internal use and do not share data externally.
WWU stresses that data protection is not solely a technical responsibility, but a matter of trust within the university community. by adhering to these guidelines, everyone plays a vital role in maintaining the security of sensitive information.
