Re: Password security

["Basgen, Brian" <bbasgen () PIMA EDU>]

Encrypting passwords is essential for basic system security. It isn't just best security practice: I think it would be 
challenging to talk about system security in any context where passwords were not encrypted.

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Brian Basgen
Director of Client Services (Acting)
& Information Security Officer
Pima Community College
Office: 520-206-4873
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From: The EDUCAUSE Security Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:SECURITY () LISTSERV EDUCAUSE EDU] On Behalf Of Palmer, 
Kevin
Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 4:01 PM
To: SECURITY () LISTSERV EDUCAUSE EDU
Subject: [SECURITY] Password security

Colleagues,
  I apologize in advance for the cross listing, but it was suggested that this list may have some interesting responses 
to this issue.

  I have a question regarding a very large third party CRM vendor.  As expected, the vendor allows users 
(leads/applicants) to set up password-protected accounts to enter in general and sensitive information about themselves 
and eventually use this and additional information to submit an application to the institution.  We (Tech staff) have 
recently learned that the user passwords are stored in clear text, and are available to the employees in admissions who 
work on the system.

  We have asked about encrypting the passwords, and the vendor has told our folks that no one else in higher education 
is encrypting passwords and that it would be difficult, leading our admissions/enrollment management folks to question 
whether or not this is a "best practice".  I think it is simply being prudent, and that there is no reason for anyone 
to know another persons' authentication credentials.  What are your thoughts?  Is this over-the-top security?

Best regards,
Kev

Kevin Palmer
Chief Information Officer
Columbia College
1001 Rogers Street
Launer 9
Columbia, MO 65216
(573)875-7329
kpalmer () ccis edu<mailto:kpalmer () ccis edu>
www.ccis.edu<http://www.ccis.edu/>
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