[13465] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Re: Library Computer Hacking
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Jeff Trzeciak)
Mon Aug 7 20:17:41 2000
Date: Mon, 07 Aug 2000 08:28:15 -0400
From: Jeff Trzeciak <ae5308@WAYNE.EDU>
To: PACS-L@LISTSERV.UH.EDU
Reply-to: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L@LISTSERV.UH.EDU>
Message-id: <398EAB5F.C22CF294@wayne.edu>
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Dean,
Perhaps it can be attributed to our size (big), our mission (public) and
our location (metropolitan) but we're regularly hit with hackers.
Earlier in the year we (finally) installed a firewall to protect our
main servers (catalog, web, database, etc). None of the hacking appeared
to be malicious. It seems most hackers just want somewhere big to load
their mp3 files! However, it caused drains on our system and we
experienced huge slow downs as a result. We've also had the occassional
hacker who loads a trojan horse program remotely onto one of our staff
workstations which was NOT properly secured. They were then able to
"steal" the IP and hack into other systems without getting caught.
We're beefing up security in that area as well. We also have hackers
who use our publicy accessible workstations to hack into other systems,
send email threats, participate in credit card fraud - you name it.
We're in the process of restricting logins and hope to have something in
place soon validate users. So, I agree with you and feel that those who
do not are simply placing their heads in the sand.
"Dean M. Riley" wrote:
>
> After all these years, we are finally going to put our library catalog on
> the web. That will, of course, mean changes to some of routines --
> particularly in regard to network security. I suspect that some of my
> colleagues will not agree with my assessment but I believe that libraries
> are just as vulnerable to hacking as any other organization and should
> therefore be as vigorously protected as possible. I recall one discussion
> where one colleague just did not believe that libraries were regular
> targets of hackers. I only know of one incident personally but I would
> suspect that there are many more. With all the hacking stories we hear in
> hear from the media in today's environment, this seems like a silly
> question -- but would you all agree with that assessment?
>
> Thanks for your comments and opinions.
>
> Dean Riley
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Dean M. Riley Phone: 281-649-3000 x2304
> Systems Librarian FAX: 281-649-3489
> Houston Baptist University Email: driley@hbu.edu
> Moody Library
> 7502 Fondren
> Houston, TX 77074-3298
>
> "A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty
> 'Hi-yo, Silver.' The Lone Ranger."
>
> All expressed opinions are mine and do not necessarily reflect those of
> Houston Baptist University.
--
*****************************************************************************
Jeffrey G. Trzeciak
Assistant Library Director, Systems
Wayne State University Libraries
633 Science and Engineering Library
5048 Gullen Mall
Detroit, MI 48202
Phone: 313.577.6013
Fax: 313.577.8720
E-mail: jeffrey.trzeciak@wayne.edu
*****************************************************************************
