HMS IT needs specific information about devices connected to the HMS network to protect everyone against viruses, malware, and other cyberattacks. An inventory of connected devices is necessary for us to assess threats to the network. Registering your device will provide the technical information needed to evaluate the potential security risks of connecting that device to the network.

To help you register your devices, when you connect to the HMS network for the first time, your browser will automatically open a web page. On that page,  you can complete the one-time registration of your device and configure it to connect securely to the HMS network.

Note – To register new smart devices like media players, gaming consoles, and SBCs like Raspberry Pi, you must visit the smart device registration page from an on-campus, wired connection, or through a VPN.

Register your devices

Wireless connections

For computers, phones, and tablets

Register from anywhere to access wireless networks from Harvard and HMS

Wired connections

For desktop and laptop computers

Register from anywhere to get connected when you're on campus

Smart devices

For other types of wired devices

Register while connected to an on-campus network jack or through a VPN connection

More information

Support documentation

Step-by-step instructions on device registration
How to register

Availability and access

Find out who can register devices and access the HMS network
Eligibility OS support

Anyone who has an HMS account ID can access the registration pages to register their devices. You must be on campus or connect to VPN to access the smart device registration page, but you can access the general wired and wireless registration pages from anywhere.

Devices with supported operating systems will usually be given full access to both the local HMS intranet and the public internet. Those with unsupported operating systems can only connect to the public internet over wireless networks. If you are not running a supported operating system and would like help upgrading, you can contact HMS IT support.

Privacy

What HMS IT tracks and why
Data logged SMS software

Registering your device will enable HMS IT systems to confirm that you are a member of the HMS community who is eligible for access and that your device’s technical specifications—such as the type of operating system—do not pose a threat to the HMS network.

Registered devices may also have required software installed that will scan your device to confirm that security requirements for the device are met.

Impact of cyberattacks

Learn how data breaches affect everyone
Impacts to you and HMS

Cyberattacks and data breaches threaten organizations and individuals in many ways. These impacts include: 

  • Theft of intellectual property and research
  • Exposure of private information
  • Disruption of work when systems are shut down because of an attack

Besides damaging trust in systems that have been affected, cyberattacks can have a significant financial impact on organizations. According to Statista, the average cost of a data breach in 2020 was close to $8.64 million, a 10% rise over the last five years.

Year

Cost (USD, in millions)

2006

3.54

2007

4.79

2008

6.36

2009

6.66

2010

6.75

2011

7.24

2012

5.5

2013

5.4

2014

5.85

2015

6.53

2016

7.01

2017

7.35

2018

7.91

2019

8.19

2020

8.64

As a member of the HMS community, you can help keep the network secured and protected from outside threats. Registering your device is an important step in protecting yourself and the community.

Relevant security policies

Review official security policy
Policies and practices

You may need to sign in to review these documents: