Availability

Availability means information resources (e.g., computer hardware, software, networks, and data) are accessible when you need them. Ongoing availability is crucial to daily operations of our institution. Without access to our information resources, everything grinds to a halt, which is why medical and educational institutions like WashU are often targeted for ransomware attacks.

Information security and data management are high stakes for institutions like WashU. Ransomware attacks attempt to withhold availability of critical information resources until a ransom is paid. WashU uses various hardware and software measures to detect and prevent such attacks, protecting the Availability of our information resources. Our users also contribute to this effort by detecting and reporting phishing and other suspicious activity.

Researchers can help protect the Availability of their data by creating backups using approved resources (e.g., WashU’s Box and OneDrive).

Resources

• Secure Storage and Communication Services
• File Shares & Storage
• WUSTL Box – Information Technology How To

Related

• Keeping Information Security Simple – Backup, Backup, Backup
• Save, Secure, and Share with Box and OneDrive
• Phishing 101
• How to use your source-checking skills to stay safe from phishing
• The Race Against Ransomware
• Avoiding Exposure to Ransomware