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AirWatch - Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) For Any New CUIT-Issued Mobile Device

  • Updated

Dear colleagues,

 

In response to the global growth in cybersecurity threats, CUIT is launching a number of important initiatives, including a new Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) solution called AirWatch. In the coming months, AirWatch will be deployed to all new or upgraded CUIT-managed mobile devices, including all smartphones, across the University. CUIT has piloted EMM on our own mobile devices over the past nine months and we have found it to be unobtrusive and user-friendly.

 

To ensure that all CUIT-issued mobile devices are secure, and that we are in compliance with University policy, this implementation is mandatory for all Columbia faculty and staff with a University-provided mobile device. If you would like to read more about AirWatch EMM and the relevant University policies, please visit CUIT’s website, search “EMM”, and select the first result.

 

What AirWatch Features Will be Implemented?

  • Passcode lock: If you do not already require a passcode to access your device, you will be prompted to create one. This passcode will be 6 digits long, providing stronger security than the common 4-digit passcode, and will prevent unauthorized access to your device in case it is lost or stolen. For additional security, ten consecutive failed attempts at entering your passcode will result in a device wipe.

    • Please note that this password requirement disables the ability to use the swipe unlock feature on Android devices.

  • Encryption: Encryption will be enabled on your device so that if it is ever lost or stolen, the data will remain secure.

  • Remote passcode reset: If for any reason you forget your passcode, CUIT can send a passcode reset command, at your request, to your device.

  • Remote device wipe: In the event your mobile device is lost or stolen, CUIT can remotely wipe your device, with your approval.

 

Protecting and ensuring your privacy remains a key part of CUIT’s mission, and AirWatch will be used only to provide the functionality listed above. We will have no access to your files or your data on the device. AirWatch enrollment also comes with a Privacy app, which allows you to review the information that CUIT does and does not have access to at any time.

 

Mandatory: Enrolling in AirWatch on your Mobile Device after October 9th

Please carefully review this information and the instructions below.

 

Beginning October 9, when you upgrade to, or purchase a new, CUIT-issued cell phone or tablet, CUIT will automatically include AirWatch on your device before you receive it. When you turn on your new or upgraded device, you will be immediately prompted to start the first steps for enrollment.

 

In order for the rollout of AirWatch to proceed smoothly, we recommend that any staff member using CUIT-managed devices to do the following:

 

  1. Prior to your scheduled delivery date, ensure that you save any important data that you do not want to lose. Make sure you understand which data is stored locally on your device (for example, Notes), which is stored in the device manufacturer’s cloud service (for example, iCloud), and which is stored in a Columbia cloud service (LionMail and/or Exchange). Data stored in a cloud service will not be lost during installation.

  • iOS devices: Because of the way that Apple requires its devices to be managed, you will not be able to restore your device from a backup after the AirWatch installation.

    • Make sure to back up all photos and videos on your device following Apple's instructions.

    • Restoring apps for iOS devices: Because you will not be able to restore your phone from a backup following the installation of AirWatch, you will need to re-download all apps you have purchased from the Apple App Store. After AirWatch installation, and once your device is set up as you desire, you can continue to back up your device as you normally would.

  • Android devices: Android data can be restored from a backup following the installation of AirWatch.

  • Ensure that you have backed up your data following the instructions for your device on Samsung’s website. This includes photos and videos, which cannot be restored from a backup.

2) After receiving your new or upgraded device, turn it on and follow the AirWatch Agent enrollment steps detailed on CUIT’s website: search “EMM” and select the second result. Scroll down to find the guide for your specific phone.

 

Help and Support

If, after reviewing the information above, you have questions about backing up your data, restoring your apps or enrolling in AirWatch, please contact the CUIT Service Desk at askcuit@columbia.edu or 212-854-1919.

 

Thank you in advance for your support of this important effort to strengthen the University’s security infrastructure.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jose A. Santiago
Assistant Vice President
Client Support Services
Columbia University Information Technology

 

Medha Bhalodkar
CISO & Assistant Vice President
Security & Identity Management
Columbia University Information Technology