Internet2 2003 Annual Report

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EDUCAUSE/Internet2 Computer and Network Security Task Force: Securing Higher Education Computing Environments

www.educause.edu/security/task-force.asp

During 2003, the EDUCAUSE/Internet2 Computer and Network Security Task Force continued working to improve the security of college and university computing environments and to increase awareness of IT security issues across higher education. In addition to ongoing outreach and education efforts, the Task Force began several new initiatives, including the Security Education and Awareness initiative, the Effective Security Practices Working Group, the Risk Assessment initiative, and the Cyber Security Forum for Higher Education.

Continuing its work with industry, a delegation representing the Task Force met with representatives from Microsoft to discuss higher education security issues. The Task Force considered strategies for broader vendor engagement by the higher education community. In similar engagement with government, members of the Task Force attended the National Cyber Security Summit, which provided an opportunity to communicate and collaborate with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as it moves towards developing the next stage of its cybersecurity strategy.

The Security Task Force commissioned and led the development of a number of new publications, including a white paper entitled “IT Security for Higher Education: A Legal Perspective,” and an “Effective Security Practices Guide,” which is available online. Task Force members edited a new book, Computer and Network Security in Higher Education. Members of the Task Force also served on an Advisory Committee for a survey on computer and network security conducted by the EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research, the findings from which were made available online in the fall.

Throughout the year, the Task Force helped organize and identify speakers for events, including pre-conference seminars at the national EDUCAUSE and Internet2 meetings. The Task Force also coordinated security presentations and online seminars related for a number of higher education associations and member organizations. In April, EDUCAUSE and Internet2 hosted the first Security Professionals Workshop. Due to the success of this event, the second annual Security Professionals Workshop will take place in May 2004 in Washington, D.C.

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