SecureU - Protection of Student Information Is Major Focus at Virginia Tech

Cyber Security

Published: 01/20/08

Protection of Student Information Is Major Focus at Virginia Tech
From "Fending Off Digital Thieves" by: Anna L. Mallory, Roanoke Times: Randy Marchany, director of Virginia Tech's information security lab, has the responsibility of protecting the school's computer networks, including updating and patching software and systems, looking for potential break-ins, and educating people about securing their information. "Every time somebody comes up with a new hole and you find a fix for the attack, somebody comes up with a countermeasure," says Marchany, adding that simply locking down the university community against certain Web sites or computer programs is not an option. Most universities use tools such as firewalls and encryption to protect data, as well as ideas like Google searches for private data, but Marchany points out that malicious hackers have the same tools. In addition, rather than using digital means to ferret out private information, many thieves will target people themselves, tricking them into turning over sensitive information; this is why it is important to get the word out about protecting personal information.

The Identity Theft Resource Center, a nonprofit dedicated to the understanding and prevention of identity theft, says that schools around the country put 1.2 million sensitive records at risk last year. In Virginia, most public institutions must report security incidents to the Virginia Information Technology Agency, but Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia, and the College of William & Mary are exempt from this rule under the state's Higher Education Restructuring Act. Nonetheless, Virginia Tech's IT department follows most of the guidelines in place for other public institutions, says Marchany.

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