Campus deployed Identity Finder to all campus computers more than a year ago. Identity Finder is a program that searches for Protected Level 1 data (such as SSNs, credit card numbers, and driver’s license numbers) in files such as Word, Excel, PDF, or email messages. More information about Identity Finder can be found at www.csuchico.edu/identityfinder.
Unprotected Level 1 data represents a major risk of identity theft for our current and former students. Last year, more than 1,000 employees scanned their campus computer for other people’s confidential information. Beginning Wednesday March 16th Identity Finder will begin automatic scans of all campus PCs.
Most scans will take less than an hour (computers with many files, particularly PDFs, or multiple Outlook mailboxes will take longer) and should not interfere with your work. The Identity Finder scan will prepare a report for you to review and take action to address potential “identity matches” stored on your computer. Identity Finder does not share, remove, or delete files that contain confidential data. After the scan has been completed, it is up to you to use Identity Finder to delete (Shred), redact (Quarantine), or archive any potential results. More information about handling Identity Finder’s results is available at https://wiki.csuchico.edu/confluence/display/help/Handling+Search+Results.
Identity Finder frequently asked questions are available at https://wiki.csuchico.edu/confluence/display/help/Identity+Finder+FAQ.
