An essential task of the Service Centre for Computer Systems and Communication (SCC) as HABNET operator is to ensure a high level of information security. The integration of HABNET into the worldwide INTERNET increases the risk of information loss even more considerably.
Measures for high network security
The SCC therefore has the obligation to develop strategies to ensure a high level of grid security and to minimise any losses that may occur. Absolute protection is not achievable. Data losses due to technical failures, malware attacks and user errors can be minimised by regular backups. The SCC has a great deal of experience in this area and makes the service available throughout the university.
The problem of protecting data and programmes from unauthorised access is much more complex, regardless of whether the access is for the purpose of obtaining information, theft of programmes, data and results or the arbitrary destruction of data files.
Firewall systems are used to protect the HABNET against external access and to allow only defined access.
Within HABNET, the password system plays the decisive role with regard to access protection. The SCC monitors or enforces that everyone must have a unique user identification and a sufficiently secure password that must be changed after certain periods. Further information on password security can be found here.
Great attention is paid to protecting the data in HABNET from malware attacks. Central servers and workstations are integrated into a central protection system, and the protection software is also made available for the private computers of university staff.
Further Information
We have compiled detailed information on possible threats and protective measures taken by the SCC on the topic of network security.