IT Code of Connection

This code applies to all systems and devices connecting to University networks, or accessing University of Sheffield services or data.

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Version and ownership
Version Date Author(s) Comments
1.0 13/11/2019 Tom Griffin Creation
2.0 23/05/2023 Matthew Doxey Major review
2.1 12/06/2024 David Afflick and Matthew Doxey Review
2.1 24/06/2024 Tom Griffin Approved

Classification - Internal


If you have any questions, or require advice on configuring and securing your system, contact IT help and support.

If you are unable to comply with the any of the controls listed in the code of connection, you should contact Information Security to discuss and agree a solution.


Control Statement Applies to Endpoint Applies to  Servers Applies to Applications
Governance You must comply with the University’s IT Code of Practice and any other policies and procedures that are relevant to you. Yes Yes Yes
Asset management IT asset management records must be kept up to date for any hardware or software used. Network registration details must be kept up to date (including ownership of an asset) - if  you fail to keep records up to date then systems may be disconnected from the network. Yes Yes Yes
Accounts

Only necessary accounts must be enabled, unused accounts & any guest accounts must be disabled. Privileged accounts must not be used for non-administrative activities or to unlock devices. 

Where systems or hardware have accounts with default usernames and passwords, these must be changed.

All accounts must be protected with strong passwords as outlined in the next section below.

Yes Yes Yes
Password requirements

Non-centrally authenticated devices and systems (for example, username and password is separate to primary University credentials):

  • A minimum of 10 characters. Must contain at least 1 alphabetic letter, 1 numeric digit and 1 special character.

 Mobile devices:

  • Must be locked with a 6 digit PIN code or with biometric access.
Yes Yes Yes
Encryption All systems must implement the encryption requirements detailed in the cryptography policy and standard (student of staff login required), including encrypting data both at rest (such as Bitlocker, Filevault) and in transit (such as TLS). Yes Yes Yes
Brute Force Protection

Any configuration options should be enabled on devices and systems to limit the number of failed logins within a given timeframe to prevent brute force attacks.

Baseline requirements:

  • No more than 5 failed login attempts in 1 minute or the account is locked for 10 minutes.
Yes Yes Yes
Firewall All systems must have a firewall installed, enabled and configured appropriately. Yes Yes No
Software patching Security patches must be applied promptly as outlined in the vulnerability management policy (staff login required). Unpatched systems that present a security threat will be suspended from the University network. Unsupported software must not be used. Yes Yes Yes
Software licences All software must be licensed and used in accordance with the publisher’s recommendations.  Yes Yes Yes
Antivirus software Antivirus software, or equivalent security tooling, must be installed, enabled, updated and configured appropriately. Yes Yes No
Unused software and features Unused software, services and features must be disabled. Auto-Run or Auto-Play features should be disabled. Yes Yes No
Security testing You must not carry out any unauthorised security tests (such as vulnerability testing of other peoples systems). IT Services tests the security of systems connected to the University network. You can request a security test of your system or application by contacting Information Security. Yes Yes Yes
Network management You must not extend the University network (for example by using a wireless access point) without authorisation. Yes No No
Security incidents You must report all security incidents to IT Services in accordance with the University’s information security incident policy. Yes Yes Yes
System security Systems must be secured/hardened in accordance with vendor supplied and/or industry good practice guides. Systems communicating sensitive information must only do so over secure protocols such as SSH/HTTPS. Unused/insecure network services must be disabled. No Yes Yes
Secure development If providing a service or application (such as a web application) then you must ensure that the system has been developed in accordance with recognised good security practice, such as OWASP Top 10. No No Yes

Supporting policies and guidance