Secure measures

ITD policy will increase computer security

Last week, the Information Technology Division announced that it will take new measures to secure University computer accounts. This action is vital because a compromised account could turn a student's successful semester into a nightmare by unveiling personal information and threatening the security of papers and coursework stored on the student's Institutional File System space. Given the dangers of unsafe passwords, students should take heed of the division's warnings and guard themselves and their work.

Starting this month, ITD will scan student and faculty passwords for those deemed vulnerable to hacking programs and then warn the user. If the password is not changed after three weeks, ITD officials will replace it with a random alternative password. Although this action might appear drastic, it will deliver a fraction of the grief that the user would endure if his or her account were broken into. Hackers can use stolen passwords to harass or threaten someone using someone else's name. Before the user is able to detect the problem, his or her personal information, class schedule and e-mail correspondence could be accessed abused.

It is important that ITD take this situation seriously and protect the University community from harm. Students need to take the division's warnings seriously and quickly change their password to ensure their personal security. Failing to act quickly would necessitate a visit to the ITD accounts' office. While this may be a hassle, it could instill a better understanding of the necessity of protecting digital information.

The new procedure was introduced because a preliminary scan revealed numerous unsafe passwords. It is up to students to take the initiative and switch to a password that is more easily protected.

Students should avoid using predictable information, such as nicknames, relatives' names, pets or addresses in their passwords. Additionally, using common words found in a dictionary could make a password easy prey to a hacking program. There are precautions other than guarding passwords. Always shutting down a computer when departing and not leaving a computer unattended for a significant period will drastically reduce the chance of misuse.

It has often been said that vigilance is the price of freedom. This is more true in our world of electronic information and communication than ever before. As computer services improve and develop at the University, so must users enhance their understanding of the possible dangers of failing to have a secure account and take the necessary protective measures.

With every expansion of computers' usefulness to society, users become susceptible to new malicious activities. Students should take heed to ensure they will have no cause for concern for the safety of personal information.

01-20-98