Web Security
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF TULSA:
“The National Security Agency has designated The University of Tulsa as a Center of Excellence in Information Assurance. As one of seven institutions chosen this year, the TU Center for Information Security will help protect Internet systems from hackers and cyberterrorists.
The center was recognized at an NSA conference in Washington, D.C., on May 24. TU researchers were also honored during a special White House reception the next day.
Computer security is a familiar topic to TU students, who in the past six years have won 21 nationally competitive scholarships for their research on computer security. These awards include Goldwater Scholarships and fellowships from the National Science Foundation and Department of Defense.”
Computer Security Response Team Web Site
The University of Tulsa’s Department of Safety and Security in conjunction with the TU’s CIR investigate all reports of violations regarding university computers, net bandwidth, and/or electronic communication originating from, or sent to university computers. Criminal activity, or hacking attempts are prosecuted to the full extent of the law, and are subject to disciplinary action within the university when applicable.
The University of Tulsa provides free internet access to all it’s students, and full time employees. The University in no way (except as outlined in state and federal law) restricts content viewed on the world wide web or internet. However there are a few things you should remember when dealing with individuals on the internet, and also when viewing content, or saving content from the web, as well.
RELATIONS
- Be aware that all data you send or sent is not confidential (this is not the U.S. Mail - it can be easily intercepted, and messages rest on servers until long after your latest dirty joke’s punch line wears off).
- Be very careful when disclosing last names, addresses, phone numbers, and ANY personal information about yourself (there are some strange rangers out there - that cute guy/girl you think you are chatting with could turn out to be a fat guy in Minnesota... or worse).
PURCHASING
- If ordering consumer products over the internet, use a credit card (not a debit, or “check” card - as these give the consumer certain rights related to the goods purchased. It is much more difficult to dispute a charge with a Check Card.
- Use only ONE card - while the SSL layering protects your data much better than the kid swiping your card at the supermarket, it will be much easier to locate fraudulent purchases if only one card is used.
- Check with consumer protection services before dealing with unknown businesses. Better Business Bureau is a good place to start. Laws and enforcement of them regulating the internet are still forming, but the internet is not the “Wild Wild West” it once was.
DOWNLOADING CONTENT
- Do not open attachments from unknown senders.
- Be extremely careful when downloading content from websites which are not well-known. MP3’s, besides possibly infracting on copyright laws - are riddled with viruses that can destroy your term paper, or your best jokes from that cute guy in Latin Class.
- Use and update your anti-virus software OFTEN.
- DO NOT INSTALL UNAPPROVED PROGRAMS ON UNIVERSITY NETWORKED COMPUTERS.
Please send all questions to the
TU Security Office