Spirion FAQ
Spirion (formerly Identity Finder) is a software application dedicated to the prevention of data leakage. The application performs automatic weekly scans on your computer to find any personally identifiable information (PII) that may be stored on it. The scan looks for the following types of PII:
- social security numbers
- credit card numbers
- bank account numbers
- passwords
- driver's license numbers
- dates of birth
The product searches within files, emails, browsers and other system areas and locations that many are likely not even aware exist or have personal data stored in them. Following identification, the technology assists in securely shredding or encrypting the PII that it finds.
Visit the Spirion website to watch customized videos for your exact questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Most people don't even know that sensitive data is on their computer. It could be in a file accidentally saved, a file that was saved years ago (or by the previous user of the computer) or information that was automatically saved by a program or process. Spirion gives employees the ability to finally see the potentially sensitive data that is on their computer and the tools to either delete or appropriately protect it so that it is no longer exposed to the unnecessary risk of being stored on a desktop or laptop computer.
Spirion is deployed by your IT representative. If you do not have Spirion, contact your IT representative. You can also download it yourself from the Spirion Download page.
Yes, the expectation is that Spirion will be installed on all MSU computers. If your department isn't listed on the download page please contact your local IT staff to see when Spirion is scheduled for deployment in your area.
Installation
You can download Spirion from the download page.
Please refer to the user guide.
Data Storage
No part of a Social Security number should ever be saved.