Upgrade StorageInstitute not allowing Zotero after Microsoft 11 update citing security concerns
Please let me preface this post with I am not an ICT person in any way.
Our institute is requiring everyone to upgrade to Microsoft 11. I was warned that when it happens, I will lose Zotero as my reference manager software. I asked why, and they've come back with the following:
"At this stage, ICT is not able to support Zotero on managed Windows 11 devices enrolled via Intune. This position is based on our current security and compliance requirements, including alignment with the Institute’s Essential Eight uplift.
From a security perspective, applications deployed to managed devices must meet a number of controls, including:
• Application control and trusted deployment — software must be packaged, validated, and deployed through Intune in a controlled manner
• Patch and vulnerability management — applications must have a clear, enterprise-supported update mechanism to ensure timely security patching
• Data handling and storage — applications must align with Institute data governance requirements, including how and where data is stored or synchronised
• Auditability and supportability — ICT must be able to monitor, support, and respond to issues within the environment
At present, Zotero does not meet these requirements for inclusion in the managed environment. In particular, limitations around enterprise-level control, update management, and data handling introduce risks that cannot be accepted within the Institute’s security posture.
For reference management, the Institute supports EndNote as the approved and fully supported platform. This ensures a consistent, secure, and supportable experience across all managed devices.
We review applications on a regular cycle (every six months — next is September). If Zotero meets the required security and enterprise support standards in a future review, it can be reconsidered at that time."
Is there anyone able to provide me with a response to the ICT so that we can keep Zotero? I really hate EndNote.
Our institute is requiring everyone to upgrade to Microsoft 11. I was warned that when it happens, I will lose Zotero as my reference manager software. I asked why, and they've come back with the following:
"At this stage, ICT is not able to support Zotero on managed Windows 11 devices enrolled via Intune. This position is based on our current security and compliance requirements, including alignment with the Institute’s Essential Eight uplift.
From a security perspective, applications deployed to managed devices must meet a number of controls, including:
• Application control and trusted deployment — software must be packaged, validated, and deployed through Intune in a controlled manner
• Patch and vulnerability management — applications must have a clear, enterprise-supported update mechanism to ensure timely security patching
• Data handling and storage — applications must align with Institute data governance requirements, including how and where data is stored or synchronised
• Auditability and supportability — ICT must be able to monitor, support, and respond to issues within the environment
At present, Zotero does not meet these requirements for inclusion in the managed environment. In particular, limitations around enterprise-level control, update management, and data handling introduce risks that cannot be accepted within the Institute’s security posture.
For reference management, the Institute supports EndNote as the approved and fully supported platform. This ensures a consistent, secure, and supportable experience across all managed devices.
We review applications on a regular cycle (every six months — next is September). If Zotero meets the required security and enterprise support standards in a future review, it can be reconsidered at that time."
Is there anyone able to provide me with a response to the ICT so that we can keep Zotero? I really hate EndNote.
Try with the standard install package first. If you are asked for admin privileges, simply press no/cancel, and the installation will proceed in userspace.
If that doesn't work, try the portable version:
https://portableapps.com/apps/office/zotero-portable
If there's anyone out there who can suggest a response to IT I'd greatly appreciate it