Schooled in security

Iria · Aug 18, 2005, 02:36 PM

For universities, network security is a tricky balancing act.

Academic institutions want to maintain the free exchange of ideas and information between faculty, students and researchers, both on campus and from university to university. That presents a challenge for keeping networks secure. Unlike businesses, schools can't rely on using the typical firewall to keep threats out.

"Universities try to foster a more open environment, so individuals have freedom to do things like collaborate on research or do things with other universities," said Michael Gavin, a senior analyst at Forrester Research. "Universities, as a result, are reluctant to put in security that would prevent people from collaborating."

It adds up to a dilemma that could be putting college systems at risk. Earlier this month, the University of North Texas was hit by hackers who accessed the housing and financial aid records of nearly 39,000 students and alumni. California State Polytechnic University in Pomona and the University of Colorado also reported breaches in August--the latest in a spate of incidents at academic institutions.
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Read More / Source: ZDNet

Aug 18, 2005, 02:36 PM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 89	Schooled in security For universities, network security is a tricky balancing act. Academic institutions want to maintain the free exchange of ideas and information between faculty, students and researchers, both on campus and from university to university. That presents a challenge for keeping networks secure. Unlike businesses, schools can't rely on using the typical firewall to keep threats out. "Universities try to foster a more open environment, so individuals have freedom to do things like collaborate on research or do things with other universities," said Michael Gavin, a senior analyst at Forrester Research. "Universities, as a result, are reluctant to put in security that would prevent people from collaborating." It adds up to a dilemma that could be putting college systems at risk. Earlier this month, the University of North Texas was hit by hackers who accessed the housing and financial aid records of nearly 39,000 students and alumni. California State Polytechnic University in Pomona and the University of Colorado also reported breaches in August--the latest in a spate of incidents at academic institutions. __________ Read More / Source: ZDNet