ITS addresses computer security

On any given day, more than 2,000 attacks are made on ASU’s web server. That figure comes from Steve Lape, information technology security officer in Information Technology Services.

Hackers attempt to get into the system for a variety of reasons. Mr. Lape says that they may want to deface the website as a political statement, or they may think there could be a financial gain in hacking into the system. It could even be a disgruntled student, faculty, or staff who gets upset over something and is seeking a way to “get back.”

Whatever the reason, Mr. Lape’s job is to stop them before they get into the system. This not only protects the system, in many cases, it protects the individuals who use the system.

“Many of the hackers use what they call Brute Force, which is when they get a dictionary online and then match words with passwords until they crack the code,” he says.

That’s why he urges users to avoid words in creating passwords. He says that the best passwords are those that include a number and a symbol—something that could not be matched by Brute Force.

An example, WW2MS=mh, would be almost impossible to match, and while it would appear to be almost impossible to remember too, it could be easily remembered by its creator, “Walton Way to Monte Sano equals my home.”

He says that passwords need to be a minimum of eight characters, using upper and lower case in addition to numbers and symbols.

Keeping the computer system secure is the main focus of Mr. Lape’s position. He also is involved in a new campus effort to ensure the operation of the computer systems, should a disaster—natural or manmade—occur. An Information Security Advisory Board has been formed to develop some policies and procedures for Augusta State.

The aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita pointed out the need for institutions to have a plan (as well as a back-up plan) to ensure business continuity. “For example, if a tornado hit campus and knocked out the system, which servers would need to be brought up first?” he asked. This is what the advisory board will be studying and recommending.

“We have to have a plan,” says Mr. Lape. "Considering the vast amount of information and business that is now conducted online, we can’t afford not to."

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