Frequently Asked Questions
What is IPI?
The Identity Protection Initiative (IPI) was
launched as a result of security concerns about documents and systems
containing sensitive personal information. Initially conceptualized as a
mechanism to reduce the gratuitous use of the social security number as a
primary identifier, the charge of the initiative was expanded to address a more
extensive cadre of personal information. The work of IPI is led by a Steering
Team composed of senior institutional leaders and reports to the MCG President.
How is IPI different from HIPAA?
HIPAA is a legally-mandated program which
deals primarily with securing information about patients and their health care. IPI
is a voluntary initiative which is more concerned with security of the
personal information of faculty, staff and students.
Why is IPI important to MCG?
Campus administrators feel the institution
should take a proactive stance to ensure that all members of the MCG community
feel safe on campus – both physically safe and confident that appropriate
measures have been taken to protect them from identity theft.
How does IPI affect me?
With estimates of identity theft victims
ranging from three to 10 million individuals annually, every member of the MCG
community should be concerned about the security of his or her personal
information and should be willing to go the extra mile to secure the
information of others.
Why should I be concerned with IPI?
The initiative may require you to change
some of the ways you work and think about what you do each day – locking doors
and file cabinets, clearing work from your desk when you step away for a break,
using secure screensavers, encrypting files, etc. Check the
IPI Taking
Initiative page for more
information.
How can I learn more about IPI?
This Web site, occasional e-mail messages
and stories in the Beeper will keep you up to date. You may also contact Janet
Hopkins
in the Office of Decision Support for additional information.
What can I do at my current position to
assist with the IPI?
Check the
IPI Taking Initiative page for
more information.
Do you have materials to help me communicate the
importance of this initiative to my colleagues?
The IPI Steering Team has produced IPI buttons and posters. Please
contact Janet Hopkins if you would like any of these items to use in your
department.
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