This week a change was made to cloud.UNE functionality. Users choosing to share access to their files or folders via a URL link will now have the option of adding a password to that link, rather than passwords being a fixed requirement.

This change has been introduced to facilitate linking to research datasets requiring open access. Given the sensitivities of the data you could be storing in cloud.UNE, it is important that you make a note of this change and always remember to select the option to add a password to any links you choose to generate against your sensitive files and folders in the ‘sharing’ tab.

ITD have provided the following security assurances:

• Existing files and folders will not have their current established access parameters changed in any way.
• Existing file shares will not be altered or have their passwords removed by this change.
• No files stored in cloud.UNE can be accessed by unauthorised users unless you as the owner choose to generate a link via the ‘share link’ checkbox and disseminate that link publicly.
• For public links on folders, cloud.UNE users must not check “Allow editing” in the ‘Sharing’ tab. Allowing editing on folders with public links renders them vulnerable to use for illegal materials distribution.
• Once a ‘Share link’ has been unchecked the previously generated URL will no longer work to access the file or folder. Keep this in mind for removing access and/or accidental clicks requiring a new link to be sent to necessary parties.

A short video showing the process of sharing a password protected link from cloud.UNE is available here:

https://capture.une.edu.au/ess/echo/presentation/e5a88db3-b8c3-4c2d-b465-993178a1cce0

Cloud.UNE users can expect a new instruction guide for these changes to be added to their cloud directory in the coming days.

If you have further questions about these changes please contact either:

ITD Service Desk on email: servicedesk@une.edu.au or phone: 61 2 6773 5000

Or

Research Data Librarian –  email: libraryresearch@une.edu.au or phone: 61 2 6773 5989