The risk of exposing sensitive personal information has created the need for mandatory Social Security Number (SSN) scanning. To protect the privacy of all members of the Texas A&M community, SSNs should not be present on most Texas A&M computers. All information systems must be examined to ensure that the risk of SSN exposure is minimized.
(Media-Newswire.com) - The risk of exposing sensitive personal information has created the need for mandatory Social Security Number ( SSN ) scanning. To protect the privacy of all members of the Texas A&M community, SSNs should not be present on most Texas A&M computers. All information systems must be examined to ensure that the risk of SSN exposure is minimized. Each department/unit is encouraged to:
§ Document information systems with a compelling need for online use and storage of SSNs.
§ Document specialized information systems which are incapable of storing SSNs ( e.g., instruments with embedded computer systems ).
§ Verify that all other information systems have been scanned and are free of SSNs.
§ Certify these activities in the annual ISAAC report.
§ Texas A&M recommends the following two programs for SSN scanning:
§ Identity Finder – Easy-to-use, Windows-based commercial product for scanning local drives, mapped drives, and email. Texas A&M has obtained a license for this product. This product may be purchased from SELL at identityfinder.tamu.edu .
§ Spider – Open Source set of programs for scanning computers with Windows, Unix, or Mac OSX operating systems. Spider is available at http://www2.cit.cornell.edu/security/tools/
We strongly recommend starting SSN scanning as soon as practical and completing scanning prior to ISAAC reporting ( due by May 31, 2009 ). A Standard Administrative Procedure on Data Classification and Protection is under development which will require these processes next year. Please visit http://security.tamu.edu/ssn-scanning.php for additional information about scanning software, reporting, and SSN protection. If you have questions, contact Help Desk Central at 845.8300 or helpdesk@tamu.edu.
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