Increasing IT Security at NVC

NVC IT has been actively coordinating security efforts with Alamo Colleges District IT Security, Texas Department of Information Resources, Microsoft, Dell, HP and other security and software vendors to protect our institution’s data, employees and students from increased security threats targeting higher education.

The FBI and CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) have continued to warn, inform and partner up with local communities and businesses to educate and reduce the risks of Ransomware (https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/ransomware ).

Some of the IT Security protocols that our NVC employees and students will experience and will be more noticeable are:

• IT Security software and hardware patching

  • An Increase of NVC technology devices means an increase of potential threats. Mobile and desktop devices will request more often to reboot or reboot automatically due to a need to increase frequency of security patching
  • Outreach from our NVC Technicians to address potential device security threats or vulnerabilities
    • Disabling of device connectivity may occur when a known critical security and vulnerability is identified

• Software Upgrades / Removal

  • NVC IT works with every academic and support department to maintain the latest software on all our devices before the start of each semester. Upgrading of business-related software in the middle of a semester may be required due to identified security vulnerabilities.
  • Removal of unused or no longer Vendor-supported software or versions may occur as part of our efforts to upgrade or remove known obsolete software

• Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

  • Introduction of Multifactor Authentication to systems such as VPN and ACES, starting February 2022
    • Employees who currently utilize VPN will be the first to receive an opt in requirement for use of the FortiToken App and registering of their very own security token to their @alamo.edu email
    • The FortiToken App is currently the only means of receiving the required 6 Digit pin to continue to use VPN.  However, other means like SMS Texting and Email are being tested and made available as we increase the use of Multifactor Authentication