Required apps and recommended tools
Stay current, protect yourself, and manage your accounts
The integrity of our educational and research missions is critically important to our work here at HMS. As most of our day-to-day work is executed or enabled by IT systems – from laptops and mobile devices to high-performance computing platforms – threats to those systems endanger our mission. This software helps to protect you and the HMS community from these risks.
Required security software
Systems management software (SMS)
Get automatic updates and security protections from HMS ITSystems management software (SMS) helps HMS IT protect your system by enabling the distribution of applications crucial to the School's information security.
After you install SMS, CrowdStrike—required threat-monitoring software—will be automatically installed.
Antivirus and anti-malware
Protect your computer from malicious activityQuad-based faculty and staff at HMS, HSDM, and Wyss must install CrowdStrike Next-Generation Antivirus software on any Harvard-owned or grant-purchased system connected to the HMS network or used to conduct HMS business.
Recommended security software
Password manager
Create, save, and access strong passwordsOrganize all of your personal and professional passwords in one secure, central location with the 1Password password manager. The built-in password generator can also help create unique and complex passwords for all your accounts. You can even continue to use your Family account when you leave Harvard.
1Password has replaced LastPass as the University’s preferred password manager. Transfer your LastPass passwords to 1Password.
To get started with 1Password, visit Harvard University's 1Password Manager website.
Collaboration tools
Use recommended tools for sensitive dataReview the data classification levels to understand the level of security needed for your data, then review the Collaboration Tools Matrix from HUIT and additional tools offered by HMS IT.
VPN client
Easily connect to virtual private networksTo connect to campus resources through a VPN, you must Request an account, download Ivanti Connect Secure (formerly Pulse Secure Connect), and follow the instructions to connect.