Mobile Device Security

Mobile Device Security Policy

In an effort to further secure and protect University data and information, Information Technology Services requires a password lock on all University and personal mobile/tablet devices attached to the Mercy University email (@mercy.edu) system. This way if the mobile device is lost, misplaced, or stolen, the password will work to prevent any unauthorized access.

If do not wish to add a password lock on your personal mobile device, you can delete the Mercy email (@mercy.edu) account from your personal mobile device and this new policy will not affect your personal device(s).

It is strongly recommended that you immediately begin backing up your mobile device since many device manufactures will indefinitely lock it if you login incorrectly too many times in a row. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  How do I back up my mobile device?

A:  Backing up your mobile device is not the same for all device manufactures or mobile device versions, so review your device manufactures support website for the most current instructions. Two helpful links are:

Apple IOS Devices: You can utilize either iTunes or iCloud to back up your device and data -  http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT5262

Android Devices: Consult your device manufactures website for their recommended procedure to back up your device data. There are also several third party application available in the Google Play Store to assist in backing up your Android Device.

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Q:  What do you mean by require a password lock?

A:  You will be required to enter a password before you can access the device.

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Q:  What do you mean by mobile device?

A:  A mobile device is a portable computing device such as a tablet or smartphone. The Apple iPhone/iPad and Samsung Galaxy are just a couple examples of these devices.

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Q:  What does “attached to the Mercy University email system” mean?

A:  It means that you have configured your Mercy email (@mercy.edu) so that it is accessible through the mobile device’s “Mail” application.

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Q:  Will this password be different than my @mercy.edu email password?

A:  Yes, it will be different.

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Q:  If I have a personal tablet or mobile device, will this new policy affect me?

A:  It will only affect you if your phone is attached to the Mercy University email (@mercy.edu) system. If you do not wish to add a passcode to your personal mobile device, you can simply delete the Mercy University email account from the device.

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Q:  If I have a University issued mobile device, will this new policy affect me?

A:  Yes, if you have a University issued mobile device, a password lock will be required.

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Q:  If I use the OWA for iPhone app to access my Mercy University email (@mercy.edu) on my personal mobile device, will I be required to set a password on my mobile device?

A:  Yes, both ActiveSync and OWA use the Mercy University Microsoft 365 mailbox policies.

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Q:  What happens if I have exceeded the maximum failed login attempts?

A:  The device will reset to factory defaults settings and all data will be lost. If you have followed the recommended backup procedures you will be able to restore your data from the date of the last backup.

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Q:  How do I delete my Mercy University email (@mercy.edu) from my personal device(s) so that this new policy will not affect my personal device(s)?

A: 

To Delete a mail account from your IOS devices:

  1. Tap Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars.
  2. Tap the affected email account.
  3. Tap Delete Account.

 To Delete a mail account from your Android devices:

  1. Open the Settings menu  on your device.
  2. Under "Accounts," touch the name of the account you want to remove (i.e. Mercy).
  3. Touch the Menu icon in the top right corner of the screen.
  4. Touch Remove account. 

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Q:  If I use a touch ID or fingerprint to unlock my mobile device, do I still need to use a password?

A:  You can continue to use the touch ID or fingerprint, but depending on the device manufacturer, the mobile device may require you to use a password occasionally. Some examples of when a password may be required follow: (1) After restarting your device (2) When more than 48 hours have elapsed from the last time you unlocked your device (3) When updating passcode or fingerprint settings