By By Elizabeth Pierdominici
While many students are away from campus this summer, the University has undergone extensive network strengthening and an image facelift that may rejuvenate system security and school spirit. The infiltration of spam and viruses on the University’s network system has often put a wrench in daily internet activity for students.
“Although it is not a horrible ordeal, losing internet access for a few days can be frustrating and inconvenient,” Danielle Feign, junior drama major and summer resident, said. “I think it is really nice that the University is trying to make their network better.”
The University Systems and Networking Department reviewed several possible programs to eliminate the spam and virus problem, but Proofpoint, Inc. proved to offer messaging security that is accurate and flexible, Melissa Connolly, assistant vice president of University Relations, said.
About six months ago, the average rate of daily spam reached 500,000. Since the network supports thousands of e-mail accounts for the 13,000 students and faculty, this problem would persist and progress.
“The University always evaluates how to handle spam and viruses,” Connolly said. “Due to the heavy traffic of users, there is great concern and investment on the behalf of the University to allow students and faculty to access the Internet while protecting their network.”
Proofpoint allows Pride account users to access a daily spam report and decide which documents may be harmful. Other programs usually conduct a general diagnostic search that automatically deletes any suspicious document, regardless of whether it is truly spam or not.
To further advance general network and Internet access, Student Computing Services (SCS) has upgraded all switchers in the residence halls throughout the summer with few complications, Daniel Ramirez, ResNet coordinator said.
One of the ultimate goals of SCS is to avoid future network failures that cause entire residence halls to be without Internet access until they are able to track down and neutralize the port with a virus.
Both Connolly and Ramirez said students may not notice an immediate difference in performance based on Proofpoint’s program, but they regard the strengthening of the network as a matter of long-term necessity and convenience.
In addition to upgrading spam and virus protection, the University has initiated the practice of a strong password for all network users. As of July 11, all former network passwords have expired and users are prompted to change their passwords upon logging on to the portal.
The system requires an alpha-numeric and character combination to eliminate hacking and other security violations. This entails a “Self-Service Password System” that requires two secret “Password Self-Service” questions – one standard question the network issues and one that the user may create. If a password is forgotten, the user may simply answer the two questions and create a new password or reference the Help Desk for further assistance.
Since users are required to change their passwords twice a year, in July and January, Connolly urged students and faculty set up the “self-service password questions” properly to avoid complications with passwords.
“The University has often ranked high in being one of the most technologically advanced schools in the nation,” Connolly said. “Thus the University places a premium on technology to ensure that students and faculty have access to educational opportunities in an enhanced educational atmosphere. There is in aim to marry technology and teaching.”