August 2004 — Features
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Minimizing Security Vulnerabilities in High-Tech Classrooms
First, we need to understand how our systems get infected by viruses. Each day, we exchange information with our students using various technological tools, including e-mail, CDs, floppy disks, USB storage devices, scanned copies of documents, WebCT or Blackboard, network drives, etc. All these methods of communication are vulnerable to virus infections or other threats. In other words, most viruses attack our systems from three basic channels:
1. Network-based computers to which our labs and offices are connected;
2. Home or dorm computers; and
3. Wireless computers.
The second step is to understand basic terms such as "authentication" and "encryption," as well as to know their roles in network systems. For instance, most operating systems are based on security authentication systems to recognize users. In this regard, all the permissions and restrictions to use a campus computer are based on authentication after successfully logging on. With Windows-based computers, students and faculty members who want to access a computer on campus need to press the "Ctrl-Alt-Delete" keys, and then enter a valid user name and password.
Many computer labs in universities have generic user names and passwords created by technical services to make the transition of logging in easier. Encryption is another method that gives hackers less chance to capture our user IDs and passwords. Finally, it is important to understand the ways of protecting computers on a continual basis. There are currently many good anti-virus programs on the market. Our campus, after a diligent search of available programs, has decided to use Panda Software (www.panda software.com) to secure high-tech classrooms, as well as campus desktops, laptops and wireless networks.
Spam
Spam is "flooding the Internet with many copies of the same message in an attempt to force the message on people who would not otherwise choose to receive it" (Mueller). We get spam messages through our e-mail accounts as well as by accessing Web sites. Our university uses PureMessage software from Sophos to protect its users. Similar products from companies such as FrontBridge Technologies, Symantec and SurfControl also provide comprehensive protection services to customers, including general virus protection for desktops, servers and remote laptop users.
Wireless Systems
Odyssey is a security solution that lets users securely access a wireless local area network. With Odyssey, a product of Funk Software, it is possible to connect to other networks securely. This package allows and uses a variety of authentication profiles and methods so that wireless users can get into access-point networks or peer-to-peer networks as a means of connecting to the Internet. (Access-point networks are one of the most common methods of networking, allowing users to link their computers to a single network system. When there is no access point, two or more computers can create a private network through peer-to-peer networking. This is especially desired when users want to share files and applications.) The following are requirements to secure wireless networks from the "Odyssey Client: User and Administrator Guide" (online at www.funk.com/Docs/odyc30man.pdf ):
