Macquarie’s Fortify program is focused on strengthening our protection against cyber attacks by enhancing workstation security. This work is important to fulfil our legal obligation to protect sensitive data, as well as our need to mitigate cyber threats, safeguard our intellectual property and build trust in our digital systems.
Several security enhancements have been made through the Fortify program this year:
- Successful implementation of multi factor authentication (MFA) for the student systems iLearn, eStudent and ApplicantPortal, providing enhanced system and data security for more than 60,000 active users.
- Automated software updates, bolstering browser and critical application security for approximately 6000 staff computers at the University and Hospital.
- Activation of Microsoft’s Company Portal application, providing a safe way for staff to download commonly used software.
- Encryption of staff laptops, ensuring data is protected in the case of loss or theft.
- Regulation of Office application macros to minimise malware attack risks.
Upcoming changes
Wave three of Fortify will include further important changes to enhance our digital security:
PC (Windows) users
- User access to PCs will be limited to standard functions. Higher privilege access to install or run software will be provided through various new tools. This transition is scheduled to occur between January and March 2024. PC users can use the Company Portal application to download a wide range of software.
- Privilege management software will automatically detect if certain tasks require additional permissions to run. It will handle these situations appropriately after verifying the staff member’s identity.
Multi factor authentication
- From 11 December 2023, students will be required to use multi factor authentication (MFA) to access Microsoft 365 applications.
- From 13 December 2023, both students and staff will be required to use multi factor authentication (MFA) to access ServiceNow (OneHelp).
Information about multi factor authentication can be found on the staff portal (and the staff intranet from 5 December).
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