August 2020 Update
FY 2021 Goals
During Fiscal Year 2021, the IAM team, in collaboration with representatives from the Schools and Centers, will focus on the following goals:
- Purchase IAM product and hire implementation partner
- Install new Identity Management system in development and test environments
- Develop plan to address functionality gaps between new product and legacy Penn Community system
- Complete data management strategy for data conversion, source/target integrations, and manually-entered data
- Complete identity-matching design and begin data conversion and source system integration
- Present business process implementation plans for client endorsement
Internal IAM Project
The Internal IAM project includes a re-engineering of Penn’s core IAM infrastructure, replacing decades-old, custom-built identity management systems and processes with a standards-based, modern solution to strengthen Penn’s overall security posture and ability to comply with emerging global regulatory requirements. The new IAM solution will be implemented in phases. Recent progress includes:
- After a comprehensive review of Penn’s current Identity Management environment, assessment of the offerings of all major software vendors, and consultation with peer institutions, the team has selected a preferred vendor for an Identity Management solution and an implementation partner.
- Contract negotiations with these vendors are being finalized, and the team is planning for an October project kick-off. More information will be forthcoming after contract negotiations are complete.
Related IAM Work
- PennPath reminder – PennPath is a login system to support emerging academic and business needs for populations that do not have nor require PennKeys. The PennPath offering is now serving a growing list of programs and businesses and their 4200+ users. To learn more, visit the PennPath website.
- Two-Step Verification for students (Fall 2020) – Two-Step enrollment for new students will be the same as in prior years, with a deadline of October 13. The team is updating documentation and support materials with an emphasis on remote students. To learn more, visit the Two-Step website.
- Two-Step for O365 – PennO365 works with the University’s multi-factor authentication service, Two-Step Verification, providing an additional level of security to both PennKey and PennO365 credentials. Tools are available for departments that would like to require their users to use Two-Step for O365. These tools allow for self-enrollment by users to be spread out over time. Administrators interested in using the Two-Step for O365 toolkit for their users should contact help@isc.upenn.edu.
- The IAM Policy Working Group – This group continues its work to establish the University’s first comprehensive set of Identity and Access Management policies, including policy statements, best and acceptable practices, and technical standards documents. This group includes leaders from individual Schools and Centers, University Registrar, Public Safety, Human Resources, Business Services, Alumni Relations, and more.
Questions & Feedback
ISC values your feedback. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact penn-iam@upenn.edu.
We look forward to sharing more progress with you soon!
The Penn IAM Team
