Click here to receive your FREE subscription to Campus Technology
Data Security
Peace (of Mind) in Our Time
10/1/2007
Take notes! These five key
security trends will reshape
how universities defend their
databases in 2008 and beyond.
In the ever-changing world of computer security, Jon Allen never sits still. As information security officer at Baylor University (TX), Allen recently embraced encryption software to strengthen the university’s overall security framework.
“You can’t be in reaction mode when it comes to security,” says Allen. “You always have to be watching the market for new advances—from both the vendor community as well as the hacker community.”
That’s for sure. Allen is quick to note that there’s no silver bullet to information security; universities must continue to keep their antivirus, anti-spyware, firewall, and patch management systems in good working order. But that’s not all, he explains: These days, the largest target for hackers appears to be university databases (see “The Big Target”). Now, universities are searching for new solutions to safeguard those systems. In fact, at least five key security trends are emerging across the higher ed landscape:
- Encryption. Many universities are following Baylor’s lead by leveraging encryption technology—not only on desktops, but also on database servers.
- Information Leakage. There’s also a concerted push under way to stop so-called information leakage via e-mail.
- Wireless. Colleges are revamping their WiFi networks to disable rogue access points and other weak links that may provide an open doorway to databases.
- Appliances. A range of security appliances can inspect network traffic and stop database information from falling into the wrong hands.
- Open Source. The open source development model is moving into network security devices and applications, providing group collaboration against hackers.
Together, these five leading trends provide a comprehensive data security framework for today’s universities. However, universities also must leverage best practices and common sense for effective IT security (see “People Are Still Your Best Defense”).
The Encryption Challenge
During a typical year, 81 percent of US businesses lose one or more laptops containing sensitive information, according to the Ponemon Institute and Vontu, a San Francisco-based provider of data loss-prevention products.
Recommended Reading
- Get Users on Board
- Greening IT
- It's a Zinch
- Meeting up Virtually
- Online Tutorials to the Rescue
Now's the time to use online tutorials to streamline professional development and help desk management.
- Retention Rx
