GEM-5

Chapter 5 in this book is called "Network Security vs. Access." Again, this chapter goes with the trend of relating to chapter 6 of the Williamson text. I had not really thought of the fact that entire servers and school systems can catch one virus and bring down the entire slew of computers attached to them. I guess I knew it could happen, but had not considered that it actually did happen.

This chapter talks about the dangers of viruses, hackers, and internet connections going down. Many students are extremely familiar with technology and know more than many adults and are learning to hack into school computers and change their grades. Cost is a huge problem for network security because it is very expensive. Sensitive and confidential information is being hacked into through school computers. Students need to be safe from harmful content on the internet. Teachers need to be productive and use the technology in schools so the money is well spent. Access and functionality plays a huge part; computers or projectors may be available, but then internet or SmartBoards are not which causes major problems. In response to all of these problems schools may restrict permissions, block instant messaging, disable use of USB drives, add firewalls/antivirus/spam filters, implement policies and procedures, and restrict server use. There is a list of 6 areas for balancing security with access: 1. develop a network rights strategy, 2. manage, without restricting, desktop computer activity so that instructional needs are balanced with desktop security, 3. monitor student use, 4. block unauthorized access from the outside through the use of firewalls, 5. customize the firewall to meet functional requirements, 6. set up secure remote access, so that teachers can use the school server from home.

I think this chapter would be great for school systems when trying to secure their servers and such. I love the firewall suggestions and the 6th suggestion so that teachers can have access from home. It is inconvenient when teachers cannot access their gradebooks or other things from their home computers because of firewalls or other security that might block their access.