Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to secure COBA computers and the UNT network thereby reducing the risk of external and internal security attacks and the liability associated with the use of unlicensed software.
Desktop Security Policy
The policy identifies two types of computer users: those users who cannot self install software to their machines and those users who can install software.
Users will be encouraged to consult with the COBA Computing Center with regard to security and compatibility issues associated with any non-standard software they install. Please review our discussion on common security risks page.
Default COBA Policy - Users cannot self install software
The College of Business Administration standard Windows 2000 software image will be "secured." The term "secured" means that users will be able to perform the usual tasks on their machines such as starting programs, opening and saving files, and most personal customizations of desktop preferences. However, users will not be able to install any software on their systems.
When individuals require software packages that are not in the standard image, the COBA Computing Center's Technical Support Team will perform a short review of the computer safety, licensing, and business necessity issues and assist in the installation of those packages that pass the review. If a disagreement occurs on this review, users can appeal to the COBA Director of Information and Learning Technologies. If the Director, after consultation with the user and COBA Technical Support, authorizes the use of the software, COBA Technical Support will assist with the installation.
This policy decreases the risks of "hacker" attacks via software with Internet connections, i.e. instant messenger programs, peer-to-peer programs and virus attacks, since the programs will not have the ability to modify the machine's environment.
Administrative COBA Users - Have complete access to computers
For those faculty and staff whose research, teaching, or job duties involve the installation of software or other changes to their desktop systems, a waiver to this policy can be secured by obtaining permission from the COBA Director of Information and Learning Technologies. Once users have obtained the waiver, they will be granted complete administrative access to their machine.
