Campus Network Security Made Easy
In October, higher education saw one of its largest data security breaches ever, as the Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and other personal information for about 760,000 current and former Ohio State University students were accessed by unauthorized network users. But it was a breach at the University of Hawaii (UH) that might be the most damaging of all.
That’s because a former UH student filed a class-action lawsuit against the school Nov. 18 in what is believed to be the first such case of its kind. If the lawsuit succeeds, or if UH settles, it could change how colleges and universities handle sensitive information going forward.
Even before these events made headlines, many colleges and universities already were re-examining their network security practices. But securing school networks is a huge challenge. All sorts of devices—including laptops, smart phones, netbooks, and tablets—request access to a campus network from many different locations.
From granting access to staff and students using multiple devices, to making sure that all necessary applications receive permission to run on a network, school IT staff have a lot to consider as they build secure campus networks that are easy to maintain.
With the generous support of Juniper Networks and Qwest Communications, we’ve collected these stories from our archives, along with other relevant materials, to help you make smart decisions when it comes to securing your own campus networks.
—The Editors
Security holes discovered in iPhones, iPads
A new security hole has opened up in Apple Inc.'s iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices, raising alarms about the susceptibility of some of the world's hottest tech…
Facebook malware threatens campus web security
Students will click on just about anything posted to their Facebook walls—a social media habit that has brought a flood of malware to college campus networks.…
Cloud computing: No longer if, but when
The IT industry has debated the role of cloud computing ad nauseam. Over the past few years, two armed camps have emerged arguing the perceived benefits and risks…
The best way to avoid data loss on campus
Misplaced USB drives or other portable storage devices account for several of the most recent security-breach instances in higher education. And campus technology chiefs have a simple solution…
How four institutions manage security threats
IT managers at Stanford University were concerned. As security threats to colleges and universities increased, Stanford needed to keep private matters private—but at the same time, the university’s…
eCN Special Report: Next-Generation Network Security
In the Middle Ages, city planners and feudal land owners relied on a multilayered approach to keep marauders at bay: Those laying siege to a castle, for instance,…
Universities use tool to battle student ID theft
College students have to know which data are most vulnerable before they can protect their identity online. The creators of a new software program that fights identity theft…
How to avoid accidental data breaches
While most CIOs spend their days worrying about the external hacking threats, a university’s greatest vulnerability comes from its own students, faculty, and administrative staff.…
Mizzou finds balance between web security, intellectual freedom
In fostering an open learning environment, it's important that a university's IT department doesn't inhibit independent thinking or intellectual freedom. However, the web surfing habits of employees were…
Data analysis tool offered to campuses free of charge
Faculty and students on 200 campuses nationwide will have free access to advanced data management and analytics software via cloud computing beginning in the fall 2010 semester, after…
Reality Check: How to protect your network from everyday security threats (Video)
Layers of Security: How Qwest protects your data from computers to the cloud (Video)
Solution Brief: Juniper Networks Solutions for Research and Education
White Paper: Best Practices for Better Security
White Paper: Don’t Let Data and Business Assets Slip Out the Back Door