CALS IT is in the midst of implementing a college-wide cybersecurity program with the goal of reducing digital security risks by bringing a standardized approach to cybersecurity across all CALS units. The project involves the installation of required endpoint management tools – Cisco Secure Endpoint, Qualys, and BigFix – on all eligible college-purchased, leased and donated devices. 

While good progress has been made, there’s more to go. A recent report from the campus CIO shows that 70% of college devices have Cisco Secure Endpoint installed and 60% have Qualys Cloud Agent. CALS IT will now focus on closing the remaining gaps to ensure complete coverage and compliance across all departments. These efforts will help ensure that CALS meets university standards and that college devices are well-protected against potential threats.

Next steps include: 

1. Hardware inventory: In collaboration with departments, CALS IT will build a hardware inventory of all college-purchased, leased and donated devices.
2. Tool Installation: CALS IT will work with departmental IT representatives to help coordinate the installation of Cisco Secure Endpoint, Qualys and BigFix on eligible devices.
3. Review and monitoring: CALS IT will review and monitor this cybersecurity approach – and address any challenges.

The scope of the current cybersecurity effort is focused solely on the college’s purchased, leased and donated devices. Please note that personal devices must adhere to the same security standards when used for university research and/or business, as outlined in campus policy UW-526. Further guidance on securing personal devices will be provided in the coming months.

For questions, reach out to your department IT representative or Thomas Hartman, CALS interim director of information technology, at thomas.hartman@wisc.edu.