Data discovery is the activity of finding where sensitive data resides so that it can be adequately protected or securely removed. IS&T distributes Spirion (formerly Identity Finder), a software tool that can easily retrieve electronic data stored on computers and servers.
Benefits and key features
Spirion seeks specifically for data that, if inadvertently exposed or breached, might expose MIT to reputational harm and significant financial costs. It would also require notifying the individuals affected. Such data includes Social Security Numbers (SSNs), credit card and bank account numbers, passwords, and driver's license numbers.
- Centrally managed
- Scheduled scans
- Instant reporting to the desktop if sensitive files have been detected.
- Scrubs, encrypts, shreds, or quarantines detected files.
- Scans web history, email and attachments, local and networked file systems.
Requirements
Authorization to access computers used for MIT's research and business purposes.
Getting started
Faculty and staff: Download Spirion to an individual computer. IT technicians can organize DLC-wide scheduled scanning and reporting by emailing euc-help@mit.edu to get started.