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{{attachment:HelpdeskDocsTemplate/logo.png}} {{attachment:HelpdeskDocsTemplate/UTS.png}} = Data Privacy in Transit and Procedures for Secure File Transmission =
== Data Privacy Principles and Definitions ==
Data privacy is a shared responsibility in the university environment. The fundamental nature of higher education involves keeping student records, employee records, and research data for long periods of time. The foundational fair information practice principles are defined by the [[https://www.ftc.gov/reports/privacy-online-fair-information-practices-electronic-marketplace-federal-trade-commission|Federal Trade Commission Fair Information Practice Principles]]. A good review for the higher education environment is presented by the [[https://ethics.berkeley.edu/privacy/fipps|University of California - Berkeley Office of Ethics Fair Information Practice Principles Privacy Course]].
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== User Documentation for Secure File Transmission and Encryption ==
-----
At Oakland University, the policy underlying data privacy and data sharing is [[https://www.oakland.edu/policies/information-technology/860/|Policy #860 Information Security]].
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Topic: Secure File Transmission and Encryption <<BR>>
Audience: Students, Faculty and Staff <<BR>>
Creation Date: August 5, 2011 <<BR>>
Author: Chitralekha Gopalaiah <<BR>>
Key principles from that policy:
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'''What is encryption?'''  * Data should only be shared with those with a defined "need to know", with authorization from the employee's supervisor, and with approval from the named Data Steward.
 * Data shared with a third party, such as a solution provider with whom there is a data feed requirement, should only be shared under terms specified in a contract.
 * Confidential data must be encrypted at all points in the process. That means that the data must be encrypted at each storage point and during each transmission process.
 * Processes that can be centrally documented and automated are inherently more secure than ad-hoc or locally managed processes.
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Encryption refers to algorithmic schemes that encode plain text into non-readable form or cyphertext, thereby providing privacy. The receiver of the encrypted text uses a "key" to decrypt the message, returning it to its original plain text form.  == What is encryption? ==
Encryption refers to algorithmic schemes that encode plain text into non-readable form or cyphertext, thereby providing privacy. The receiver of the encrypted text uses a "key" to decrypt the message, returning it to its original plain text form.
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Encryption is commonly used in protecting information within many kinds of civilian systems.  Encryption is commonly used in protecting information within many kinds of systems.
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 * Encryption can be used to protect data "at rest", such as files on computers and storage devices (e.g. USB flash drives).
 * Encryption is also used to protect data in transit, for example data being transferred via networks (e.g. the Internet, e-commerce), mobile telephones, wireless microphones, wireless intercom systems, Bluetooth devices and bank automatic teller machines.
Encrypting data in transit also helps to secure it as it is often difficult to physically secure all access to networks.
 * Encryption, by itself, can protect the confidentiality of messages, but other techniques are still needed to protect the integrity and authenticity of a message; for example, verification of a message authentication code (MAC) or a digital signature. 
 * Digital signature and encryption must be applied at message creation time (i.e. on the same device it has been composed) to avoid tampering. Otherwise any node between the sender and the encryption agent could potentially tamper it.
 * Encryption can be used to protect data "at rest", such as files on computers and storage devices.
 * Encryption is also used to protect data in transit, such as data transferred via networks
. Encrypting data in transit also helps to secure it as it is often difficult to physically secure all access to networks.
 * Encryption, by itself, can protect the confidentiality of messages, but other techniques are still needed to protect the integrity and authenticity of a message; for example, verification of a message authentication code (MAC) or a digital signature are other protective techniques.
 * Digital signature and encryption must be applied at message creation time to avoid tampering. Otherwise any node between the sender and the encryption agent could potentially tamper it.
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If you are sending or receiving data classified as Confidential under University [[http://www2.oakland.edu/audit/Policy860.doc|Policy #860 Information Security]], you need to have the permission of the data steward and you need to use a process for "secure file transmission." If you are sending or receiving data classified as Confidential under University [[http://www2.oakland.edu/audit/Policy860.doc|Policy #860 Information Security]], you need to have the permission of the Data Steward and you need to use a process for "secure file transmission."
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File Transmission<<BR>>
In practice, there are several types of file transmissions most users perform, including the transmission of files through SFTP (secure file transfer protocol), submitting forms by a Web server, and sending e-mail.
Information transferred in this way should be encrypted before transmission. Transferring unencrypted files with these methods means the files travel as plain text, ready to be intercepted and interpreted by anyone.
Many PGP programs exist to allow a user to encrypt a file. Other stronger methods exist for purchase, including products made by RSA security. The advantage of using these programs is that the encryption can be tested before the file is sent, ensuring its usefulness.
usefulness.
File Transmission<<BR>> In practice, there are several types of file transmissions most users perform, including the transmission of files through SFTP (secure file transfer protocol), submitting forms by a Web server, and sending e-mail. Information transferred in this way should be encrypted before transmission. Transferring unencrypted files with these methods means the files travel as plain text, ready to be intercepted and interpreted by anyone. Many privacy protection programs exist to allow a user to encrypt a file.  The advantage of using these programs is that the encryption can be tested before the file is sent, ensuring its usefulness.
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SSL<<BR>>
The final encrypted transmission method is SSL (secure sockets layer). SSL is a method of encrypting all the communications between computers. It is used to encrypt and decrypt communications between a Web browser and a Web server. Whenever you use URLs beginning with https://, you're using SSL. SSL is included with security capable Netscape browsers. SSL uses technology based on the commercially available public key encryption products of RSA, Inc. SSL itself is an open standard, and the algorithms are free to all. SSL libraries can be used to encrypt all traffic among computers, because the encryption occurs at a level that makes it transparent to both the user and any programs he or she is running.
SSL<<BR>> The final encrypted transmission method is SSL (secure sockets layer). SSL is a method of encrypting all the communications between computers. It is used to encrypt and decrypt communications between a Web browser and a Web server. Whenever you use URLs beginning with https://, you're using SSL. SSL is included with security capable browsers. SSL itself is an open standard, and the algorithms are free to all. SSL libraries can be used to encrypt all traffic among computers, because the encryption occurs at a level that makes it transparent to both the user and any programs.
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1. Download and follow the instructions to install the software:<<BR>>
http://www.gnupg.org/download/index.html (look for the Binaries section to make your life easier)<<BR>>
1. Download and follow the instructions to install the software:<<BR>> http://www.gnupg.org/download/index.html (look for the Binaries section to make your life easier)<<BR>>
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3. Export your public key so that you can give it to others. Run a command similar to this one (replace key name with the key name that you chose when you generated the key pair):
gpg --armor --output !YourCompany.asc --export "!YourCompany "<<BR>>
3. Export your public key so that you can give it to others. Run a command similar to this one (replace key name with the key name that you chose when you generated the key pair): gpg --armor --output !YourCompany.asc --export "!YourCompany "<<BR>>
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5. Sign their public key. You need to know their User ID (the name that they gave their key). Run the command gpg --sign-key "their User ID"
To encrypt files, use the following format:
gpg --yes -eq -r "their User ID" -o encrypted_file.pgp file_to_encrypt<<BR>>
5. Sign their public key. You need to know their User ID (the name that they gave their key). Run the command gpg --sign-key "their User ID"<<BR>> To encrypt files, use the following format: gpg --yes -eq -r "their User ID" -o encrypted_file.pgp file_to_encrypt<<BR>>
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6. To decrypt files, use the following format:<<BR>>
gpg -o decrypted_file_name file_to_decrypt.pgp<<BR>>
6. To decrypt files, use the following format:<<BR>> gpg -o decrypted_file_name file_to_decrypt.pgp<<BR>>
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'''Does Oakland university use any tool for transmission and enrcyption of files?''' '''Does Oakland University use any tool for transmission and encryption of files?'''
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Yes, We use GoAnywhere tool for encryption, decryption and transmission of files, which in turn uses PGP encryption and decryption.
Help
document for GoAnywhere can be found at  https://goanywhere.oakland.edu/goanywhere/webhelp/goanywhere.htm
Yes. University Technology Services (UTS) uses the !GoAnywhere tool for encryption, decryption and transmission of files, which in turn uses PGP encryption and decryption.  User documentation for !GoAnywhere can be found at https://goanywhere.oakland.edu under the Help tab. A User ID is required and only UTS Staff have access to !GoAnywhere. For general documentation about !GoAnywhere, non-users can view documentation at https://www.goanywhere.com under the PRODUCTS tab.

'''Can a process to encrypt data and send to a vendor be auto
mated?'''
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Contact database application team for any questions <<BR>>
L
akshmi Maktala (makt[email protected]) <<BR>>
Chitra Gopalaiah ([email protected]) <<BR>>
Milus Earl Jones (ejone
[email protected]) <<BR>>
Contact database application team for any questions at:  UTS Support( u[email protected] ) <<BR>>
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For further help, please email [[mailto:[email protected]|<<MailTo(helpdesk@oakland.edu)>>]], visit us at 202 Kresge Library or call (248)370-4357 Monday-Friday, 8 am - 5 pm. For further help, please email [[mailto:[email protected]|<<MailTo(ut[email protected])>>]].

Data Privacy in Transit and Procedures for Secure File Transmission

Data Privacy Principles and Definitions

Data privacy is a shared responsibility in the university environment. The fundamental nature of higher education involves keeping student records, employee records, and research data for long periods of time. The foundational fair information practice principles are defined by the Federal Trade Commission Fair Information Practice Principles. A good review for the higher education environment is presented by the University of California - Berkeley Office of Ethics Fair Information Practice Principles Privacy Course.

At Oakland University, the policy underlying data privacy and data sharing is Policy #860 Information Security.

Key principles from that policy:

  • Data should only be shared with those with a defined "need to know", with authorization from the employee's supervisor, and with approval from the named Data Steward.
  • Data shared with a third party, such as a solution provider with whom there is a data feed requirement, should only be shared under terms specified in a contract.
  • Confidential data must be encrypted at all points in the process. That means that the data must be encrypted at each storage point and during each transmission process.
  • Processes that can be centrally documented and automated are inherently more secure than ad-hoc or locally managed processes.

What is encryption?

Encryption refers to algorithmic schemes that encode plain text into non-readable form or cyphertext, thereby providing privacy. The receiver of the encrypted text uses a "key" to decrypt the message, returning it to its original plain text form.

Encryption is used to protect the confidentiality of information when it must reside or be transmitted through otherwise unsafe environments. Encryption is also used for "digital signatures" to authenticate the origin of messages or data.

Where is encryption used?

Encryption is commonly used in protecting information within many kinds of systems.

  • Encryption can be used to protect data "at rest", such as files on computers and storage devices.
  • Encryption is also used to protect data in transit, such as data transferred via networks. Encrypting data in transit also helps to secure it as it is often difficult to physically secure all access to networks.
  • Encryption, by itself, can protect the confidentiality of messages, but other techniques are still needed to protect the integrity and authenticity of a message; for example, verification of a message authentication code (MAC) or a digital signature are other protective techniques.
  • Digital signature and encryption must be applied at message creation time to avoid tampering. Otherwise any node between the sender and the encryption agent could potentially tamper it.

Under what circumstances do I need secure file transmissions?

If you are sending or receiving data classified as Confidential under University Policy #860 Information Security, you need to have the permission of the Data Steward and you need to use a process for "secure file transmission."

What is a secure file transmission?

In a secure file transmission, the data file is encrypted, the transmission method is encrypted, and whenever possible the delivery points are secured so that the file may not be transmitted to an unauthorized location.

How is the transmission encrypted?

File Transmission
In practice, there are several types of file transmissions most users perform, including the transmission of files through SFTP (secure file transfer protocol), submitting forms by a Web server, and sending e-mail. Information transferred in this way should be encrypted before transmission. Transferring unencrypted files with these methods means the files travel as plain text, ready to be intercepted and interpreted by anyone. Many privacy protection programs exist to allow a user to encrypt a file. The advantage of using these programs is that the encryption can be tested before the file is sent, ensuring its usefulness.

SSL
The final encrypted transmission method is SSL (secure sockets layer). SSL is a method of encrypting all the communications between computers. It is used to encrypt and decrypt communications between a Web browser and a Web server. Whenever you use URLs beginning with https://, you're using SSL. SSL is included with security capable browsers. SSL itself is an open standard, and the algorithms are free to all. SSL libraries can be used to encrypt all traffic among computers, because the encryption occurs at a level that makes it transparent to both the user and any programs.

How do I encrypt and decrypt a file?

We use PGP for encryption and decryption. Below are the steps.

1. Download and follow the instructions to install the software:
http://www.gnupg.org/download/index.html (look for the Binaries section to make your life easier)

2. Generate a public/private key pair: Go to your GnuPG install directory and type in gpg --gen-key. The default settings are usually good (DSA (1024 bit) and Elgamal (2048 bit)/never expires).

3. Export your public key so that you can give it to others. Run a command similar to this one (replace key name with the key name that you chose when you generated the key pair): gpg --armor --output YourCompany.asc --export "YourCompany "

4. To encrypt a file for someone else to decrypt you have to import their public key. Copy their public key file to your GnuPG install directory and run the command gpg --import other_persons_pub_key_file.asc

5. Sign their public key. You need to know their User ID (the name that they gave their key). Run the command gpg --sign-key "their User ID"
To encrypt files, use the following format: gpg --yes -eq -r "their User ID" -o encrypted_file.pgp file_to_encrypt

6. To decrypt files, use the following format:
gpg -o decrypted_file_name file_to_decrypt.pgp

Does Oakland University use any tool for transmission and encryption of files?

Yes. University Technology Services (UTS) uses the GoAnywhere tool for encryption, decryption and transmission of files, which in turn uses PGP encryption and decryption. User documentation for GoAnywhere can be found at https://goanywhere.oakland.edu under the Help tab. A User ID is required and only UTS Staff have access to GoAnywhere. For general documentation about GoAnywhere, non-users can view documentation at https://www.goanywhere.com under the PRODUCTS tab.

Can a process to encrypt data and send to a vendor be automated?

Who do I contact for assistance?

Contact database application team for any questions at: UTS Support( [email protected] )


For further help, please email <<MailTo([email protected])>>.