Security

Google Workspace is secure for data types classified as Level 1 and Level 2. More information is available regarding which data types can be stored where.

 

Level 1 and Level 2 Data Storage

The following core products are currently covered under the agreement between Penn State and Google Workspace and available for use with and storage of Level 1 and Level 2 data, including student records:

  • Drive
  • Docs, Sheets, and Slides
  • Forms
  • Jamboard
  • Sites
  • Hangouts Meet
  • Groups
  • Vault
  • Classroom

Note: Gmail and Google Calendar should not be used by faculty and staff for University communications. Microsoft Office365 Outlook is the University’s approved enterprise email and calendaring system. 

Google Workspace for education cannot be used to process or store any Level 3 or Level 4 information, Protected Health Information (PHI), Personally Identifiable Information (PII), and other regulated data. More details are available on data classification levels, and questions can be directed to informationclassification@psu.edu.

Important

All PSU faculty and staff are responsible for the appropriate use of the University’s information technology resources, including the following policies: Information Assurance and IT Security (AD95),  Acceptable Use of University information Resources (AD96), and the Privacy Policy (AD53).

Failure to comply with the University’s Information Security and IT Assurance Policy may result in harm to individuals, organizations or Penn State.  The unauthorized or unacceptable use or storage of University Data, including the use of unauthorized Google Workspace for Education features, constitutes a violation of University policy and may subject the User to revocation of the privilege to use University Data or Information Technology as well as disciplinary action where appropriate.