Asmat Noori, Interim Chief Information Security Officer, looks forward to U-M’s transition on February 25 to the Okta identity management platform. It provides an enhanced sign-in experience with new passwordless options such as Face ID, Touch ID, and Windows Hello. Noori says, “The new capabilities Okta offers for protecting university accounts will help us meet the challenges of ever-evolving cybersecurity threats.” As U-M takes this step forward in account management, it’s fitting to acknowledge the contributions of DePriest Dockins, recent retiree and former Director of Identity & Access Management (IAM). Noori notes, “DePriest’s thoughtful leadership has been integral to the evolution of IAM at the university, and to the successful ITS internship program, which he championed and led since it began in 2014.”
Noori also reminds the security community that all faculty and staff were required to complete DCE101: Data Protection and Cybersecurity at U-M, available in My LINC, by February 13, 2026. As of February 15, more than 28,000 faculty and staff have completed it. Noori says, “Providing cybersecurity and data protection awareness training across the U-M community marks a milestone in protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of U-M systems and data.”
Sol Bermann, Executive Director of Privacy & Faculty Affairs, invites the U-M community and the public to this year’s Privacy@Michigan event series that began in January and continues through March. All are welcome to join us for these thought-provoking conversations with speakers who are at the forefront of research and advocacy related to pressing privacy concerns. Bermann says, “We all read the news. It’s never been more important to be aware and protect privacy as a human right and a civil liberty.” Bermann is pleased to announce that the first-ever Unveil: Privacy@Michigan Student Art Contest is underway, and winners will be honored at a ceremony and exhibition on March 27. Bermann adds, “Unveil celebrates artistic expression and enables students to engage personally with privacy, surveillance, and their autonomy in today’s society. We’re excited to shine a spotlight on student creativity and civic engagement.”