Overview
BigFix is software that can remotely manage computers. IT professionals use it to identify security vulnerabilities and respond to cyber-attacks, and to centrally apply updates, patches, security upgrades, and applications to individual desktop and laptop computers (“endpoints”).
Provost Ralph J. Hexter has directed that BigFix should be installed on every campus -owned or -managed laptop and desktop computer (“endpoint”) as soon as possible. The campus has provided money for 30,000 licenses at UC Davis, including licenses already used on more than 16,000 desktop and laptop computers on campus.
Why is UC Davis doing this?
Using BigFix more broadly will improve the security of UC Davis’ information. The UC is steward of a vast amount of electronic data, including personal and private information, and highly valuable original research. Using BigFix will help UC Davis secure its information assets, and comply with laws and regulations pertaining to the protection of personal and health information.
Also:
- For IT professionals: BigFix allows an IT administrator, with permission granted by faculty or staff, to apply patches and perform other maintenance on multiple computers simultaneously.
- For faculty who manage their own computers:
- Computers will be better protected, and the faculty member will not need to worry about applying updates to operating system and application software.
- Protected computers will comply with cybersecurity requirements.
- Faculty will be able to download and install certain software in compliance with license agreements.
- For everyone: BigFix allows the campus to respond quickly in the event of a threat or cyberattack to identify and protect computers that may be vulnerable.
Does this directive apply to UC Health?
This installation of BigFix is planned only for the Davis campus, not for UC Davis Health.
Is UC Davis using it to monitor individual use of computers?
UC Davis is limiting its use to endpoint management, and will not use it to monitor network traffic or individual users’ activity (See http://manuals.ucdavis.edu/PPM/310/310-24.pdf , page 2).
Do other UC campuses use it?
Yes. BigFix has been widely adopted by University of California campuses, including UC Berkeley, UC San Francisco, UC Irvine, and UC Santa Cruz. Many academic and administrative departments at UC Davis have used BigFix, some for several years.
How does BigFix work?
A small software program is installed on each managed computer, running in the background and using very little processing power. A central BigFix infrastructure lets local IT staff manage departmental workstations and servers.
Who installs it?
The local IT staff that supports your workplace. The project is also developing a self-service website where faculty can learn more about BigFix and install it on computers that are not managed by IT staff, or ask for help in the installation process.
Individual instructors and staff members can also install it themselves, an option that will more likely be useful to faculty.
What’s my next step—do I wait for someone to install BigFix for me?
First, check with your department or unit to see if it uses BigFix. You might already have it on your computer. If you don’t have it on your machine, ask your department or unit IT support how they want to deploy it in your area.
If you are a dean, department head, or similar leader, please ensure that your IT professionals know about the BigFix implementation, and are working to install it as soon as possible in your area.
I’m an IT specialist, and will be installing BigFix. Where can I get training?
You can view self-serve training via links from the Service Catalog entry, and if you have suggestions for training, please send them to bigfix-admins@ucdavis.edu.
Another IT specialist question: Should I wait to install BigFix until I’ve had training?
It’s OK to install the software before you’ve learned all it can do. Just installing it is a good first step.
How can I tell if I already have BigFix on my machine?
Ask the IT administrator for your department or unit. The campus is also developing an IT Knowledge Base article that will help individuals determine if their computer already has the software.
I already use a tool that does the same thing as BigFix. Does that mean I don’t need to install BigFix?
You should still install BigFix, so the campus has a standard tool. You can probably continue to use your existing software.
How do I get a license?
Find information at in the Service Catalog.
Can I get as many licenses as I want?
The campus is paying for one license per campus-owned or –managed desktop or laptop. If you’re a system administrator and have questions, please contact bigfix-admins@ucdavis.edu. If you are a faculty member or other individual user with questions, ask the IT administrator for your department or unit, or contact the IT Express Services Desk at ithelp@ucdavis.edu.
What does “campus-managed” computer mean?
One the campus manages, but does not necessarily own. Example: A laptop maintained by a unit for an individual, perhaps because the individual uses the machine for work that s/he does involving campus assets.
I might need an exception. What do I do?
To seek an exception, please see the guidelines in this IT Knowledge Base article.
What’s the timeline?
Phase one of the initiative runs through March 31, 2016. In this first phase, the campus is applying BigFix to as many locations as possible. Meeting this deadline will maximize an energy rebate available from PG&E. The software can also be used to optimize energy use, although that is not a main motivator to adopt BigFix at UC Davis.
What happens after phase 1?
Longer term, the BigFix project team will evaluate how best to implement additional features of BigFix, and decide, based on evidence, how best to use the software for managing the campus computing environment. Any proposals will be shared and discussed with the campus. The group will also look at how to sustain and pay for the ongoing use of BigFix.
For more information:
Please see the Service Catalog entry.
You can also address questions about the BigFix initiative to your local IT support staff, or contact IT Express (ithelp@ucdavis.edu; 530-754-HELP), which will direct inquiries to the appropriate resource.