Research Network Enhancements

Implementation of data safeguards to protect the research community

The Office of Information Technology and the Office of the Dean for Research are collaborating on an initiative to improve research data safeguards, advance research data integrity, and enhance network performance at Princeton.

This effort will strengthen the integrity and accuracy of research data by defending it against alteration, loss, cybercrime, and unauthorized interference; it will help ensure Princeton is in compliance with new federal research security requirements. 

Enhancements to the research network

By the end of calendar year 2025, the University will take steps in the following areas:

  • Network Improvements: Starting fall 2025, Princeton's Office of Information Technology (OIT), in collaboration with the Office of the Dean for Research (ODFR), will implement new network deisgn and hardware upgrades to protect research data as well as improve network speed, resilience, and redundancy.
  • Data Safeguards: The data safeguards are intended to defend research data against alteration, loss, cybercrime, and unauthorized interference, in response to increasing cyber-attacks targeting the education/research sector.
  • Firewalls and Network Capacity: In fall 2025, OIT will install a central firewall to provide an additional layer of defense and increase the network capacity and resiliency for buildings and devices routed through it.
  • Research Security Requirements: The project will also position Princeton to meet new federal government research data security requirements which mandate that universities implement comprehensive research security programs, including cybersecurity practices. The network improvements will provide the University with the necessary flexibility to apply new and evolving cybersecurity controls as required by federal research sponsors. 

What to know

We don’t expect any significant disruption to lab operations as this initiative progresses. Additional information and communications will be shared as the project evolves.

  • OIT is surveying lab managers to collect information related to wired and wireless devices. Complete the survey here
  • Beginning June 2025, OIT & ODFR will solicit a small number of pilot partners for early access onboarding. If you’re interested in participating or would like more information, please reach out to Sarah Kampel.
  • Following the successful onboarding of pilot partners, ODFR & OIT will contact Department Chairs and Managers in fall 2025 to coordinate the timing of the rollout of the new data safeguards.  
  • No changes to the campus network as a result of the central firewall are expected before fall 2025, at the earliest.
  • Related Memo: Latest requirements and compliance reminders for Princeton researchers

Improving the research network

Beginning in the fall of 2025, OIT will install a central firewall on the campus network, adding an additional internal layer of defense for internal networks, and complementing the protection offered by the existing perimeter firewall. Building networks that are routed through the central firewall will see an increase in network capacity and resiliency, along with improved network redundancy.

Servers with lock

Meeting compliance requirements

Controlling and protecting communications across key internal boundaries is a core research security requirement that was originally communicated to academic research institutions via National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33). 

NSPM-33 requires that universities implement a comprehensive Research Security program, including attesting to the implementation of cybersecurity practices to protect federally funded research. By implementing this new network architecture, combined with recent network upgrades associated with the Next Generation Network, Princeton will be well positioned to meet this requirement. 

Safeguarding our data

Data safeguards strengthen the integrity and accuracy of all research data by defending it against alteration, loss, cybercrime, and unauthorized interference. Over the past two years, the education and research sector has seen a surge in cyber-attacks and is now consistently ranked in the top three most targeted industries in the U.S. In a knowledge economy, data holds immense value, and due to recently updated guidelines from the federal government, Universities now have a clearer framework to follow to protect research data and data subjects.