Research

Connecting at McGill

McGill is a constant target of cyber attacks. Safeguard your research data and personal information with the following resources:

• Learn to recognize phishing scams that attempt to steal your personal information.
• Password tips:
  • Create a strong password that is unique to your McGill account.
  • Do not share your password with anyone.
  • Do not use your McGill password on external systems.
• Enable two-factor authentication on your McGill account. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is required on all McGill accounts because it helps verify that you are the person who is signing into your account.Don’t delay, enroll now at mcgill.ca/2fa
  • The importance of using 2FA and VPN: a second layer of protection for your credentials
• Keep your devices up to date: How updates secure your device

Prevent fraud

Be aware that hackers often study an organization, learn its financial approval processes, and target approvers. Some signs of attempted fraud may include:

• An urgent email asking you to approve a request without going through the standard process
• The email address of a message appears to be from McGill but is not - refer to the link in the above section to learn more about phishing scams. 

For more information, the following resources are available:

• McGill Procurement Services publishes warnings of possible fraud and contact information for reporting fraudulent activity.
• Government of Canada - Protection from frauds and scams

Choosing the right tools for research

McGill is committed to providing you with the tools you need to support your research. See the full list of McGill-approved cloud services for software supporting secure data storage, file sharing, publishing and collaboration.

Below are some examples of these and other solutions:

Research software and services

Collaborate, share and store:

• Microsoft 365: A robust suite of integrated applications, O365 offers a variety of tools enabling collaboration, data storage, videoconferencing, and more.
  • OneDrive: Secure cloud-based file storage and sharing
  • MS Teams: A chat-based group collaboration space enabling communicating and information sharing in a single location
• D2: Primary web-based solution used at McGill to manage records or final versions of documents.
• Departmental file storage: Files stored on McGill's network are regularly backed up and can be restored in case of accidental data loss.

Collect your data

• Conduct interviews: Several web conferencing solutions are available to researchers.
  • Webex: Enterprise web conferencing platform for meetings, training and events
  • MS Teams: Web and audio conferencing features in addition to collaboration and file sharing capabilities
• Surveys / forms:
  • LimeSurvey: Allows users to create and publish surveys to a public or a private audience.
  • MS Forms: Quickly and easily create quizzes, registration forms, and polls.

Securely store data

MS OneDrive for Business:

• Secure cloud-based file storage and sharing solution
• Intellectual property and personal data are protected in OneDrive's secure environment

Encrypt your files and computer

Encryption is a means of protecting the data stored on your computer. Data encryption is strongly recommended for anyone storing confidential data on their laptops. In case your device is stolen or left unattended, no one will be able to access your encrypted files without entering the password (also known as the encryption key).

• Data encryption for files and computers
• Full Disk Encryption (FDE) (for McGill-managed computers)

Host websites

Create and publish websites using the following McGill platforms:

• McGill Web Management System (WMS): McGill's primary centrally-supported web publishing platform: a user-friendly, feature-rich, method of building and maintaining web pages.
• Virtual Web Hosting Service at McGill (VHOST): Publish independently designed websites on a centrally managed system that is secure, reliable and easily recoverable, with a reduced risk of server downtime

Use McGill's research networks

Researchers at McGill have access to secure networks with guaranteed high bandwidths. Learn more

Digital research services hub

Consultation and training for researchers seeking technical services and support. Visit the Digital research services website.

IT Support for research administration

McGill provides IT support to administrative units that assist academics with their applications for research funds or research ethics approval. Learn more.

Acquiring software solutions

Buying new software? All storage and collaborations must be McGill-approved and comply with the McGill Cloud Directive - for all IT policies, see IT Policies, Regulations, Directives & Standards.

Other considerations when acquiring software:

• Software Piracy : Unauthorized software use can have serious consequences. Ensure that your software use complies with licensing agreements.
• The Cloud services website provides information including:
  • Cloud solution approval process
  • Types of data and what can be stored in the cloud
  • List of approved solutions at McGill

Traveling for research

Use the following resources to keep your devices, research data and personal information safe while travelling.

Connecting remotely

• Virtual private network (VPN): The McGill VPN allows for secure communications over the Internet. You will need VPN to access McGill restricted sites and resources.
• Wireless network connectivity at McGill (WiFi): Access the McGill network without having to plug in to a network jack.
  • Index of articles for setting up wireless connectivity
  • Eduroam: An authentication service that allows users to securely access the wireless networks of other educational institutions with the credentials they use at their home institution.
  • Use McGill-provisioned services designed to provide consistent secure access globally, such as MS Teams, OneDrive, etc.

Encrypt your files and computer

Encryption is a means of protecting the data stored on your computer. Data encryption is strongly recommended for anyone storing confidential data on their laptops. In case your device is stolen or left unattended, no one will be able to access your encrypted files without entering the password (also known as the encryption key).

• Data encryption for files and computers
• Full Disk Encryption (FDE) (for McGill-managed computers)

Staying safe while working remotely

• Working remotely: setup information, tools and resources
• Travel security tips: stay safe online while you're on the move.