Network Security Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does the University need a Firewall?

Colleges and Universities are becoming more aware of the need for increased security for our networks. Unfortunately, higher education is a prime target for hacker attacks. Some of the attraction lies in the sensitive nature of our data, including everything from credit card numbers and social security numbers to institutional financial records and research data. Campus networks are also targeted because they contain a large number of computers that sometimes can be taken over for use in launching denial-of-service attacks on other computers systems elsewhere on the Internet. The firewall acts as the University's "ambassador" to the Internet. The primary purpose of the University's firewall is to take a proactive and preventive measure approach to mitigating the numerous electronic security intrusions possible in today's Internet age. This approach also permits a more efficient utilization of the University's limited Internet bandwidth for University business services.

What can a Firewall protect against?

A firewall can protect the University against any type of network-borne intrusion. However, the University's firewall is configured to support University business. Thus many, but not all network-borne intrusions are prevented from the Internet.

What can't a Firewall protect against?

Firewalls can't protect against intrusions that don't go through the firewall or a computer user within the UC network. However, the option to implement a second tier firewall is available to Colleges and departments on the main campus network. This second tier firewall provides additional protection from other computer users within the UC network.

What is the "Open Zone"?

In the context of firewalls, the "Open Zone" refers to a part of the network that is neither part of the internal UC network nor directly part of the Internet. The "Open Zone" can be used for open access from the Internet to web pages and servers owned or affiliated with the University. The "Open Zone" is an unsecured "barrier" network (meaning traffic does not go through the firewall) between the University's internal network and an external connection to the Internet.

Who is the IT Coordinator?

The person assigned to provide administrative oversight to an academic or administrative unit and serve as a contact person for that unit with the University's central information technology organization. A unit may not require that their IT Coordinator possess an extensive technical background. At a minimum, all IT Coordinators are expected to be consumers of Information Technology.

I am a new faculty or staff member; how can I find out who my IT Unit Coordinator is to get assistance?

Please contact the UCit Help Desk at 556-HELP.

Where can I found information about the UC VPN?

Take a look at the FAQ document for the VPN.