Keeping Data Secure: Is Your Computer at Risk?

UAlbany Launches Endpoint Computing Task Force

ITS is launching a computing management and inventory task force to ensure that computers and hardware comply with University technology standards on network connectivity and security.

ALBANY, N.Y. (Jan. 25, 2018) – Pause for a moment to consider how many different applications are installed on the computer you use: browsers, PDF readers, multi-media apps, an entire office suite, photo editors, anti-virus software – and don’t forget the base operating system.

Every piece of installed software requires regular security updates to prevent cybercriminals from gaining unauthorized access to your computer and its files. If you are unsure if your computer is up-to-date – or if you still have that old dusty server under your desk running on Windows 2000 – it might be time to call ITS.

UAlbany is launching a computing management and inventory task force with the goal of assuring that all “endpoint” devices (computers and hardware that can connect to the internet) comply with existing University technology standards governing network connectivity and security. The reason behind this task force can be taken from news headlines every day: Cybercriminals are actively trying to steal your data, and if they succeed it can turn your life upside-down.

“Cybercrime is a multibillion-dollar industry, and cybercriminals are constantly developing new methods of attack,” said said Martin Manjak, UAlbany’s chief information security officer. “It’s therefore up to all of us at UAlbany to take the necessary precautions to protect our institution’s academic, research and business records – as well as the personal information of faculty, students, and staff – from loss, exposure or unauthorized access.”

In order to protect the University network and assets, all end point devices need to comply with existing technology standards governing network connectivity and security.

Manjak has been tasked with leading the task force, which will be comprised of faculty, research personnel, administrative, and technical staff.

• Their objectives will be to assist ITS in developing procedures to meet the following goals:
• To actively manage all institutionally-owned “endpoint” computing devices (i.e. computers and other internet-capable equipment that are connected to the University’s network).
• To assure that endpoint devices comply with existing University technology standards governing network connectivity and security.

To obtain a comprehensive and accurate inventory of all endpoint computing equipment on campus. “As a public educational institution, UAlbany is also obligated to follow state and federal mandates which require special security measures to protect certain types of data, such as financial aid information, health records or research files,” said Vice President for Information Technology Services and Chief Information Officer Simeon Ananou. “But beyond our security and compliance requirements, it’s critical that we develop an institutional understanding of how all of us play a role in safeguarding the University from malicious attacks.”

This is one more reason that ITS is leading the University on a comprehensive, sustained effort to secure the UAlbany’s computing assets. It takes only one misstep to put the entire network at risk, and cybercriminals are ready to take advantage.

For more information, contact ITS at (518) 442-4000 or the Information Security office at [email protected].

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