Overview

In order to properly account for and audit technology devices, as well as to quickly respond in the case of information security incidents, Provost IT requires that technology hardware being used by departments we support be registered to Provost IT. This registration process typically takes place with USC Information Technology Services and, for most users, this process is automatically done by Provost IT on behalf of end-users when a device (desktop, laptop, etc.) is set up for the first time.

Purpose

These guidelines help departments understand the correct procedures and rules for registering network-connected technology devices, including desktops and laptops, with USC Information Technology Services. They also help departments understand the reasoning and methodology behind such procedures and guidelines.

Guidelines

All desktops, laptops, and other network-connected technology devices in use by departments supported by Provost IT must be registered with USC Information Technology Services by and to Provost IT. Departments and users supported by Provost IT should not attempt to register their own network hardware without first contacting Provost IT.

Some of the reasons for this policy include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Misconfiguration prevention: Provost IT uses network registration information as a way to proactively reach out to users should a problem occur with their network device(s). If a device is not registered to and by Provost IT, misconfigurations may cause the device to become disabled, resulting in a complete loss of network access.
• Security compliance scanning: Provost IT regularly scans the network devices we maintain and provide support for to ensure that they are safe, secure and operating in compliance with university information security policies. Devices not registered by us may not receive these scans, which can put confidential research data, student information, payment card information, or health information at risk.
• Security incident response: should a security issue occur regarding a device we support, we are able to quickly respond in collaboration with USC Information Technology Services’ Information Security Office. If a device is not registered to Provost IT, however, it represents a significant risk to the university and your department if the response to a security incident is slowed due to a registration issue.
• Performance and reliability: devices registered by Provost IT will be placed in the correct “segment” of the USC network to ensure maximum performance, security, and communication back with Provost IT systems and applications.
• Compliance with USC Information Technology Services (centralized IT) policies: devices registered by Provost IT are first verified to be in compliance with centralized connection standards before being registered – a process that we transparently take care of.

There are additional reasons not listed above for Provost IT requires network devices in use by departments we support be registered to us. Provost IT will register devices automatically for users at the time of purchase (through Provost IT) and will help re-register a device if its ownership changes or if it is moved to a new location.

Devices located on Provost IT’s network with registration information listing a contact other than Provost IT are subject to removal or re-registration. Only Provost IT staff may register new devices on behalf of users or on our networks/VLANs, and, per the university’s central IT policies, network connectivity or infrastructure devices (such as switches, hubs or routers) may not be connected to any network on-campus.

Device registration is a free process. For help registering a device or checking its registration information, contact us.

Scope

This policy applies to all users and departments supported by Provost IT, and to departments which receive any level of help desk support from us.