Why have a Secure User Environment?

The introduction of the Secure User Environment (SUE) and the Standard Operating Environment (SOE) establishes a set of standards and processes which enable improved Corporate Governance within the University.

Prudential Services, the internal body who provide advice and assistance in this area, has reviewed both the SOE and SUE and support these initiatives.

The main drivers for a Secure User Environment are:

• Sustaining licence agreements
  By securing the user environment, the University and you are at reduced risk of breaching Copyright law, and of incurring penalties if a breach is detected.
  The Desktop Excellence project will streamline the software licensing process and ensure that the University is protected with its use of software.
  You can view the Elevated Rights Guidelines here.
  
  
• Reducing the risk of Intellectual Property theft
  The University's ability to attract research funding from industry, business and government depends on its effectiveness in managing its intellectual property (see the University's Intellectual Property Policy: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/1263/)
  
  
• Minimising the risk of introducing viruses and malware to the system resulting in system failure, and user downtime.
  Securing the user environment by only providing administrative privileges to users who require it for legitimate business reasons means that the risk of viruses and malware being installed is reduced because the threat window is smaller.
  Avoiding viruses and malware can significantly minimise the risk of system failure or reduced system performance.
  The more secure your system is, the less likely you are to encounter reduction in system performance or system failure. This will reduce the possibility for you to experience downtime.