Re: future of cybersecurity in Higher Ed

[Michael McLaughlin <MJMcLaughlin () CSMD EDU>]

With so much emphasis on completing this years initiative,  the new tool,  program, or system,   we risk losing sight 
of the basics.  While our institutions are emphasizing,  the latest and greatest,  this years new hot topic, we risk 
de-emphasizing the tools, techniques and systems of two, three or four years ago. While I am not saying that systems 
should not be updated, and new tools and concepts developed and implemented,  they need to be added to our existing 
proven processes, rather than replacing them.  unfortunately,  adding services, and systems on top of the existing work 
load means more staff and budget.
 
So, to answer your question,  the serious threat that I see in cybersecurity, is we are forgetting the basic 
engineering that got us this far; training, DMZ's,  defense in depth,  security zones, segregation of applications and 
data,  risk analysis, and proper planning.
 
Mike McLaughlin
Network Security Administrator
College of Southern Maryland
michael.mclaughlin () csmd edu

> > > Bret R Blackman <bblackma () MAIL UNOMAHA EDU> 10/1/2006 11:18 PM >>>


All, 

What do you see as strategic issues and serious threats in regards to cybersecurity for Higher Education over the next 
2 years?   

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Bret R. Blackman
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Director of Administrative Information Services
Information Technology Services 
bblackma () mail unomaha edu