Purposes of a Systemwide TDI Approach

• What is the purpose of a Threat Detection and Identification (TDI) system?
• Where can additional information about the University’s decision to deploy a systemwide threat detection and identification solution be found?
• Even if a systemwide approach to TDI is desirable, is a significant expenditure on this system rather than other potentially more critical local cybersecurity investments wise?

What is the purpose of a Threat Detection and Identification system?

The purpose of TDI is to give us a systemwide tool to help manage and reduce cybersecurity risk. A common view of security systemwide is valuable and a critical input to inform readiness, allocate budget and measure risk reduction strategies.

TDI allows UC to spot bad actors in a consistent way.  In addition to its ability to spot malware and compromises it also allows UC to respond quickly across the system to new threats in a uniform way.

Where can additional information about the University’s decision to deploy a systemwide threat detection and identification solution be found?

Current public information about the University’s cybersecurity program can be found online at http://security.ucop.edu/; letters from President Napolitano and Chief Operating Officer Nava discuss the purposes of the systemwide initiative.

Even if a systemwide approach to TDI is desirable, is a significant expenditure on this system rather than other potentially more important local cybersecurity investments wise?

UC has adopted a multifaceted approach to cybersecurity.  TDI is just one part of the overall program.    TDI aids UC in protecting information assets, helps detect attackers and is a valuable tool in responding to attacks when they do occur,

Other investments in cybersecurity and risk management are important too.  Most of those investments are directed by location priorities and needs.  Some, like TDI, are driven by systemwide needs.

Like other complex problems faced by UC, balancing systemwide and local cybersecurity investment is important.  UC leadership is making every effort to achieve an appropriate balance and has established a systemwide governance mechanism to provide critical input and feedback.