Computer Security

Watch Information Assurance Directions, presented by Barney Maccabe, Interim CIO, at IT Agents Meeting, December 2007

Security Notes
Security Contacts
More Resources
Report a Security Incident

As a member of the UNM computing community, it is your responsibility to help keep computing resources safe and available for use.

ITS has compiled a list of security best practices covering everything from password administration to data encryption. Every UNM computer user should apply ITS' Desktop Security Guidelines to their computer workstations on campus, at home and at work.

Security Notes

Change Your Password One of the most effective means you have of protecting UNM’s computing systems is to change your passwords regularly. ITS recommends changing your NetID password at least once a semester. Passwords for sensitive systems, such as Oracle, MVS and administrative systems, should be changed monthly. Click here to change your NetID password.

SMTP Authentication Required for Outgoing Email If you access you NetID email using a desktop email application, such as Outlook , Eudora, Netscape Mail or Macintosh Mail, you must configure the program to allow SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) authentication. Otherwise, you will not be able to send email through ITS’ email servers. See Modifying Your Email Program to Work with Your NetID Account for detailed instructions.

Secure Mainframe Access Secure access is now required for MVS, TPX, SIS, IDMS, TSO and HRS terminal sessions. Download a secure TN3270 client for Windows or Macintosh at ITS' Download page.

New Requirements for Mail Servers ITS has implemented minimum configuration requirements for mail servers. For more information, go to Mail Server Registration.

Secure an HP Printer Just like a computer, a printer can be used to attack a network and the computers connected to that network. Most networked Hewlett Packard (HP) printers come with a utility you can use to secure your printer, reducing the risk of it being used as a gateway to the network. This utility also protects against unwanted print jobs coming through the network. See Secure an HP Printer for detail instructions.

Encrypted Login ITS has implemented encrypted logins for most services including, terminal sessions, eamil, secure file transfer, using unencrypted logins.

Security Contacts

The ITS Security Administrator is responsible for information protection, security awareness and protecting UNM's computer equipment and network against unauthorized access. Contact the administrator at security@unm.edu

Departmental Security Administrators are stewards of information systems and resources security at the department/functional area level. Click here to see a complete list of UNM security contacts.

More Resources

Following are links to other pages on ITS' Web site that provide security-related information: