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Security
If you define computer security as "the protection of my
data", security has many facets: the Internet firewall,
anti-virus filters, backups, electronic signatures, encryption, and
single login/password authentication.
A firewall is in place that protects us from the Internet.
Only critical traffic like e-mail messages are allowed onto the campus
LAN. The firewall is monitored and we are attacked many times a
day.
Viruses are usually transmitted via e-mail these days, which the
firewall does not stop. See Viruses for
more information.
Hackers are routinely exploiting computer server vulnerabilities.
It is important for all computer system owners to demonstrate vigilance
in protecting systems and data. See
Hackers Security Alert for more information.
Most computer services authenticate to our Windows NT domain,
"Stargate". The easiest way to make a big improvement on
security is for everyone to choose good passwords.
Backups come in handy when you accidentally delete a file, but
they are also used sometimes to repair virus damage. It is best to
do backups nightly and store a copy off-site. There should be some
"depth" to a backup scheme - several days' worth at least - so
if it takes 2 days to realize there's damage, there's a backup 3 days
old to rely on (ie, the newer backups are infected).
The Internet is vulnerable to high-tech terrorism: virus attacks,
security breaches, 'denial of service" (DOS) attacks, and so
on. Expect these weaknesses to be addressed by the industry and by
IS during the next few years.
There is a Security FAQ.
To start learning more about security:
CERT
Coordination Center
CAIC - Computer Incident Advisory
Capability
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