Providing and maintaining a safe and secure Network – both wired and wireless, is a critical and daunting task.\u00a0 Nearly all IT systems – servers that run our software and applications, desktop computers, smartphones, tablets and yes – even the laundry facilities -depend upon our network.\u00a0 To that end, our IT Security team – lead by Rich Parmalee and Ethal Rollins have worked with their IT&I colleagues and vendors to implement some important upgrades and improvements.<\/p>\n
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Firewall upgrade:<\/strong><\/p>\n Following best practices of a five year replacement cycle, we replaced existing firewall hardware to stay current, remain within a supported platform, and to handle the increase in the use of networked technology over the Internet.\u00a0 A quick comparison between new and old firewalls:<\/p>\n And in addition, our IT&I team helped WCSU save ~$22K per year by purchasing new hardware (with annual maintenance included) versus renewing maintenance on the existing old hardware.<\/p>\n Coming soon: The Protective Enclave:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The Protective Enclave is a physical and\/or logical separation of applications, systems and networks that process DCL3 data<\/a>.\u00a0 The Protective Enclave provides a high security computing environment for the limited number of Faculty\/Staff that process DCL3 data<\/a> at the colleges and the CSCU System Office. In the past, DCL3 data<\/a> was accessed from applications running directly on workstations. Now, DCL3 data<\/a> must only be accessed from inside the CSCU Protective Enclave using applications launched from a virtual desktop.<\/p>\n The Protective Enclave will require additional security controls and restrictions to ensure the application and data remain protected. When accessing the Protective Enclave, Faculty and Staff will login through a secure channel to access to a virtual desktop. Once logged onto the virtual desktop, you will be able to access\/work with DCL3 data<\/a> (e.g., Banner, secure websites, documents contain confidential information, etc.). DCL3 data will not be able to leave the Protective Enclave.<\/p>\n\n