Don't Get Scratched by the Scratch folder on the "I" Drive! (InfoSec Bulletin #4 - July 21, 2006)

Did you know that the "scratch" folder on the "I" drive is provided for your temporary use? It is! Just prevent it from scratching back by never using it for sensitive information because the files you place in the scratch folder can be seen by everyone with a University network account!

Sensitive information includes but is not limited to information such as medical and health records, grades and other enrollment information, salary and other financial information, social security number, addresses, phone numbers or other information of a personal nature, confidential or proprietary research data and other information that would not be routinely published for unrestricted public access.

The Information Technology Division provides the "Scratch" folder on the "I" Drive as a temporary storage location for large files that need to be shared by two or more users who do not have access to the same more secure folders on the "I" drive. It is very convenient and any data placed in the scratch folder is automatically deleted, usually overnight, every night.

But, as a folder everyone can access, it is not a place for sensitive information!

Questions?

For more information on information security, you are welcome to contact the University Information Security Officer:

Bruce W. Edwards
Information Security Officer
University of Louisville
MedCenter One Building
501 East Broadway, Suite 320
Louisville, KY 40202

e-mail: bruce.edwardsjr @ louisville.edu (Remove spaces in email address, there to minimize spam)

Web: http://security.louisville.edu