My answer is based on yes and no to both Temple University and each other:
Yes, ITACS students present a risk to TEMPLE UNIVERSITY because:
ITACS students are taught specialized knowledge of vulnerabilities.
ITACS students may have unique access to university resources.
ITACS students coursework involves real-world hacking techniques.
No, they don’t because:
ITACS students are trained in ethics and responsible use.
ITACS students expertise can strengthen the university’s defenses.
ITACS students activities are often supervised in academic settings.
Yes, they present a risk to EACH OTHER because:
ITACS students openly share IT exploits and vulnerabilities with peers.
Academic competition might spur malicious actions. (Please note students understand the importance of ethics and collaboration in their field.)
No, they don’t because:
ITACS students share a mutual respect and understanding of consequences.
ITACS students training makes them more aware of potential threats.
While ITACS students have the knowledge to pose a risk, academic training and oversight largely mitigate these vulnerabilities.
I can see how it can be a yes or no answer to the vulnerabilities question, but ITACS may just be more of a vulnerability since some may know enough to be dangerous. Especially after taking certain courses where you learn how to remote access machines and make changes etc. but like you pointed out that it is done under supervision. Another one that didn’t dawn on me was that could strengthen the vulnerabilities and act as more of a deference vs vulnerability, along with ethics and collaboration in the field that is present in this program.
I could not agree more! We as ITACS students the tools we are using can make us very dangerous! That why it is paramount that we as students become security champions and share the importance of having a secure system and do the day to day maintenance of how we access, use, and share data.
I definitely agree with your comment. I feel that the way you described it, it all depends on the specific student. Of course, we learn more than the average student learns on how to hack and what hackers can do with certain levels of access. However, we are taught to do it ethically. Does that teaching mean that we will only hack ethically? Not necessarily. Some people can learn all of that and still use it maliciously. All in all, I think based off of your explanation, ITACS students do pose more of a risk, simply because of the extra possibilities.
I think this depends on what “represent” means in this case. I understand this as ITACS students being a reminder and, therefore, representation of the fact that vulnerabilities do exist in the IoT. So often are regular end users forgetful of the security risks of simply being on the internet. ITACS students are a great representation that yes, companies are prioritizing their business around security measures because IT MATTERS. And, at an even higher level, the economy depends on this. Yes, ITACS students represent information security vulnerabilities to both Temple University and each other.
ITACS students represent security vulnerabilities to both Temple University and each other. These can come from a number of areas including malware, phishing scams, breeches, technology connections shared by students, financial scams with credit cards or other bank information, or even just by sharing information. There are numerous ways that a student can unknowingly fall victim to these types of issues and cause themselves and the university to be at risk. The University can also be hacked and information shared. In addition the student can share its information with vendors in purchasing or accessing something for a class which can expose themselves and the university to be at risk.
The student needs to be educated to what risks are out there and what to watch for to help prevent it from happening and even then there is no guarantee.
ITACS students pose information security vulnerabilities majorly to Temple University than each other. As students who have access to the University’s portal, if an account is compromised, an attacker can use that avenue to gain unauthorized permission to the portal, thus, exposing a vast majority of Temple University community (staff and students). Additionally, possession of a loaner device by an ITACS student can also represent a vulnerability to Temple University if the device is lost and gets into the hands of a cybercriminal.
Do ITACS students represent information security vulnerabilities to Temple University, each other, or both? Explain your answer.
Yes, ITACS students do post a risk or anyone on a device that accesses the Internet is a security vulnerability to the university and each other. In this week’s reading, especially from the Vecca text, it goes over and shows that security is everyone’s job but can be looked at as an inconvenience. You can also look at the students specifically and see that they just may not know much about Network security, or they could already be a professional that works at a 3rd party Network security company that has years of experience and may just want to test the waters of Universities Network. The reality is simply, any device or person that is accessing anything Internet wise is a risk and data is sensitive not matter where it is which could include and University, bank etc.
Yes to each other as well as we may have devices that are already infected by cyber criminals that we don’t even know about that could be set up to attack other machines without the end user even being aware. Being a student in this program may make you more of a target to security vulnerabilities.
Yes, I believe that ITACS Temple students have the potential to set a trend in information security at Temple. ITACS students will be trained with the skills to manage big data and business information and be educated in ethical and moral practices. While there is a possibility of misconduct, I believe that students prioritize their education over any mishandling of information. As with any science student at Temple, there is a risk of losing information or trading secrets. Chapter 1 addresses this issue, and I am confident that Temple will make reasonable efforts to protect and prevent data loss.
Rather than considering students as a possible trend at Temple, I think that we can contribute significant value to the institution. As technology evolves at an exponential rate, knowledge expands accordingly. With the support of Temple’s educational resources and facilities, the institution has the potential to reach unprecedented heights.
I did not really think about how the ITACS student being a trendsetter for data protection and the ethical and moral practices that we will go through. Having an understanding of big data and how to manage it correctly in a business setting is critical in a university setting and I believe it will gain more or a positive in this setting. I like how you pointed out that while the acceleration of technology advances quickly, so do educational resources that have a potential to reach unprecedented heights.
Yes, ITACS students represent information security vulnerabilities to each other and Temple Univeristy.
The weakest link in a network is as strong as the strongest link. Any authenticated user on a network can be vulnerable to the network and the users accessing the network. While connected to the school’s network, students can unintentionally click on a malicious link which hackers can potentially use to gain access to the network. Also, during projects and joint assignments, students will work together by sharing files, devices, and personal information. These can be vulnerable to the students because they can’t tell who can access their files and information.
ITACS students like any students of the university represent a vulnerability to the university itself as well as those around them, because they are authorized users that can access otherwise non-public university places/networks, the damage to which they can cause with what information is available to them is exigent, ITACS students specifically can represent both a bigger vulnerability or a smaller vulnerability comparatively, based on the nature of the student an ITACS student could be seen as both a bigger vulnerability as they’re being trained to and are more informed with security procedures/protocols and will know more about how overcome such obstacles to threaten the university and those around them. And the other side of the coin they represent less of a vulnerability as again they’re more trained with security and should know more about running a tight ship and have an overall higher cyber hygiene and security awareness.
I see it as a two-sided coin as well but also think how much we are spending to take this program or any program here at Temple that I would assume that any education we receive in this program will be kept to the highest standard. I like how you pointed out having an overall higher cyber hygiene (great wording there) and security wellness. From my previous networking school that I attended in the past, the students were more aggressive and started using networking skills to carry out suspicious activity on the network’s backend and resulted in negative consequences. Then again though, this is a graduate program and I believe that the program’s population will act in a professional manner.
To mitigate these vulnerabilities, it is important for Temple University to establish robust information security policies, provide comprehensive training to ITACS students on ethical conduct, and foster a culture of responsible and ethical behavior within the ITACS program. Additionally, promoting collaboration, emphasizing the importance of ethics, and encouraging reporting of any suspicious or unethical activities can help create a safer and more secure environment for all ITACS students and the university as a whole.
Yes we are all walking vulnerabilities, it just how it is. The fact that we carry so many devices that can expose to so many threats is crazy! I was speaking with a colleague who has been in IT for several years and because he did not take an extra few seconds to simply look a bit deeper he ended up clicking on a link that caused a security incident. We as budding IT professionals and ITACS students we need to be vigilient and set the example to others of how important IT security is.
ITACS students are, as with any student or employee, considered possible vulnerabilities. Confidential data about not only the user themselves, but other users and the University can be accessed not just from University machines, but personal devices owned by the users, similar to the “endpoint” vulnerabilities described in Vacca chapter 1. Students can possibly divulge, share or compromise confidential information relating to the institution or other students through various means, intentional or otherwise. Though not given nearly as much access as an employee or staff member, and not given direct admin rights, University students still have access to data that is considered private on a user to user and university-wide level. This is reflected in the user agreements that must be agreed to when logging into University devices and when access University systems, and ITACS students are not nor should they be exempt from these risk assessments and agreements
ITACS students have the potential to create security vulnerabilities to Temple University and each other. While they may possess a greater understanding of information security, it does not exempt them from fallibility. Ultimately, ITACS students are like any other individual and remain susceptible to errors. As long as ITACS students utilize computers and engage in social interactions, potential errors and vulnerabilities will continue to exist regardless of one’s experience, education, and expertise. To minimize vulnerabilities to Temple University and each other, the most effective solution is through the spread of information security education and awareness.
After doing some of readings I did not realize how something simple as forgetting to lock your machine can potentially cause a security incident. The most senior IT specialist as well as a computer novice can make this misstep. I believe that no one is exempt from security. We as ITACS students have to set the example not only on campus but in our work place and home. We are in agreement that training and education is effective, but pushing back a little, you can have all the training in the world but if a user does not follow simple procedures, it could go bad.
I think ITACS students and Temple University both represent vulnerabilities to each other. This is because the students are learning about various possibilities of threats and risks. This information can be used by students to strategically maneuver around the network security. As students, we have access to the universities protected network. Our devices may be connected to University wifi which can be an entry point to exploit the system. On the other hand, the university poses vulnerability to the students by essentially providing them with the knowledge and tools to avoid detection in the system.
However, the university will obviously be well-versed on possible threats and risks that an ITACS student may pose.
I really like that you presented the two-way street that both ITACS and TU can represent vulnerabilities to each other, Unnati. For this reason, I concur with your statement here. I also want to present another layer that TU is well-versed on possible threats especially since this program is even being offered and ITACS students work in TU’s ITS department but this is not the case for all universities so this is an interesting point to pose since the question of how many schools may be cultivating a community of students who are more well versed in cybersecurity threats than the institution itself.
The short answer yes. I say that because we have all types of people with various technical knowledge that could pose as a threat to Temple. You have to the novice user who is afraid to make any changes or unknowingly clicks on a malware message, so they end up breaking something. Then you have the expert who in is so comfortable and I dare say, so arrogant that they miss a minor step (check box or a missed character) which can also cause problems. I have been a member of both clubs. Neither is malicious in intent, but we can be too cautious and too relaxed. There will always be these types of threats because there will always be these types of students.
That’s definitely something a lot of people may forget about. Just because we’re in a cybersecurity-focused program doesn’t guarantee that everyone has the same experience or knowledge. Of course we all don’t intend to put ourselves, each other, and the school at risk but human errors happen. I believe that most people grow from their mistakes, and we are all susceptible to the same learning experiences.
ITACS students do represent information security vulnerabilities to Temple University, but not any more than any other student, faculty, or person connected to the internet. Being connected to the same internet as the computers that hold sensitive information is all it takes to be a threat. We also represent a vulnerability to each other, but not any more than any other person connected to the wifi. However, it certainly is possible for us to use our connections to hack one another. This is just one of those possibilities that Temple can put protections in place for, but ultimately they just have to accept the fact that it is a vulnerability that will alway exist.
ITACS students can pose information security vulnerabilities to Temple University. This is because they have access to sensitive information and systems within the university’s network. If an ITACS student were to misuse their knowledge or intentionally engage in malicious activities, they could potentially compromise the security of the university’s data, networks, and infrastructure. This could result in unauthorized access, data breaches, or other cybersecurity incidents that could harm the university’s operations and reputation.
Furthermore, ITACS students can also pose vulnerabilities to each other. In a learning environment like ITACS, students often work on practical exercises, projects, and assignments that involve testing and exploiting vulnerabilities to gain hands-on experience. While these activities are essential for learning, there is a risk that some students may misuse their skills or engage in unethical behavior, such as hacking into other students’ systems or stealing their data. This could lead to breaches of privacy, academic dishonesty, or even personal harm among the ITACS student community.
However, it’s important to note that not all ITACS students represent vulnerabilities. The vast majority of ITACS students are committed to ethical practices, have a strong sense of responsibility, and adhere to professional codes of conduct. They understand the importance of cybersecurity and work towards enhancing it rather than exploiting it. These students contribute to strengthening information security within Temple University and help create a more secure environment for everyone.
Therefore, while ITACS students have the potential to represent information security vulnerabilities to Temple University and each other, it is crucial to recognize that this is not inherent to being an ITACS student. The responsibility lies with the individual’s choices and actions, and the majority of ITACS students prioritize ethical practices and contribute positively to information security.
Explanation:
• Vulnerabilities to Temple University: ITACS students, due to their knowledge and skills in information security, may pose vulnerabilities to Temple University’s information systems. While their intentions may be honorable, their deep understanding of computer networks, systems, and software can potentially be exploited by malicious actors if their skills are not used responsibly. For example, if an ITACS student becomes involved in unethical practices or fails to follow proper security protocols, they could inadvertently expose sensitive information, compromise systems, or enable unauthorized access to university resources.
• Vulnerabilities to each other: ITACS students, who are often technically proficient and eager to test their skills, may also represent vulnerabilities to their fellow students. In the pursuit of knowledge and experimentation, some students might engage in activities that breach ethical boundaries, such as hacking into systems without permission or sharing sensitive data without consent. This can create risks within the ITACS student community, as it can lead to distrust, potential conflicts, and damage to personal and professional reputations.
I believe that ITACS students represent information security vulnerabilities to Temple University and each other just like any other students. ITACS student bring their own devices (laptops, mobile phones, hard drives) to campus and connect to Temple’s network. These devices may be unprotected and /or infected with malware and become an entry point to gain unauthorized access to Temple’s network.
Students may also visit unsafe websites looking for discounted software and /or textbooks. These websites may lead to malware being download on the computer in use. Student also may share password with friends and visitors thus giving access to the network or the device to unauthorized people.
College students can represent information vulnerabilities to the university and each other based on their online activities, cybersecurity training and awareness (some ITACS students may implement secure practices during the semester when the teachings is fresh on their minds), and security practices. Therefore, it is important that the university and its students follow their own best practices to protect themselves and others.
My answer is based on yes and no to both Temple University and each other:
Yes, ITACS students present a risk to TEMPLE UNIVERSITY because:
ITACS students are taught specialized knowledge of vulnerabilities.
ITACS students may have unique access to university resources.
ITACS students coursework involves real-world hacking techniques.
No, they don’t because:
ITACS students are trained in ethics and responsible use.
ITACS students expertise can strengthen the university’s defenses.
ITACS students activities are often supervised in academic settings.
Yes, they present a risk to EACH OTHER because:
ITACS students openly share IT exploits and vulnerabilities with peers.
Academic competition might spur malicious actions. (Please note students understand the importance of ethics and collaboration in their field.)
No, they don’t because:
ITACS students share a mutual respect and understanding of consequences.
ITACS students training makes them more aware of potential threats.
While ITACS students have the knowledge to pose a risk, academic training and oversight largely mitigate these vulnerabilities.
I can see how it can be a yes or no answer to the vulnerabilities question, but ITACS may just be more of a vulnerability since some may know enough to be dangerous. Especially after taking certain courses where you learn how to remote access machines and make changes etc. but like you pointed out that it is done under supervision. Another one that didn’t dawn on me was that could strengthen the vulnerabilities and act as more of a deference vs vulnerability, along with ethics and collaboration in the field that is present in this program.
I could not agree more! We as ITACS students the tools we are using can make us very dangerous! That why it is paramount that we as students become security champions and share the importance of having a secure system and do the day to day maintenance of how we access, use, and share data.
I definitely agree with your comment. I feel that the way you described it, it all depends on the specific student. Of course, we learn more than the average student learns on how to hack and what hackers can do with certain levels of access. However, we are taught to do it ethically. Does that teaching mean that we will only hack ethically? Not necessarily. Some people can learn all of that and still use it maliciously. All in all, I think based off of your explanation, ITACS students do pose more of a risk, simply because of the extra possibilities.
I think this depends on what “represent” means in this case. I understand this as ITACS students being a reminder and, therefore, representation of the fact that vulnerabilities do exist in the IoT. So often are regular end users forgetful of the security risks of simply being on the internet. ITACS students are a great representation that yes, companies are prioritizing their business around security measures because IT MATTERS. And, at an even higher level, the economy depends on this. Yes, ITACS students represent information security vulnerabilities to both Temple University and each other.
ITACS students represent security vulnerabilities to both Temple University and each other. These can come from a number of areas including malware, phishing scams, breeches, technology connections shared by students, financial scams with credit cards or other bank information, or even just by sharing information. There are numerous ways that a student can unknowingly fall victim to these types of issues and cause themselves and the university to be at risk. The University can also be hacked and information shared. In addition the student can share its information with vendors in purchasing or accessing something for a class which can expose themselves and the university to be at risk.
The student needs to be educated to what risks are out there and what to watch for to help prevent it from happening and even then there is no guarantee.
ITACS students pose information security vulnerabilities majorly to Temple University than each other. As students who have access to the University’s portal, if an account is compromised, an attacker can use that avenue to gain unauthorized permission to the portal, thus, exposing a vast majority of Temple University community (staff and students). Additionally, possession of a loaner device by an ITACS student can also represent a vulnerability to Temple University if the device is lost and gets into the hands of a cybercriminal.
Do ITACS students represent information security vulnerabilities to Temple University, each other, or both? Explain your answer.
Yes, ITACS students do post a risk or anyone on a device that accesses the Internet is a security vulnerability to the university and each other. In this week’s reading, especially from the Vecca text, it goes over and shows that security is everyone’s job but can be looked at as an inconvenience. You can also look at the students specifically and see that they just may not know much about Network security, or they could already be a professional that works at a 3rd party Network security company that has years of experience and may just want to test the waters of Universities Network. The reality is simply, any device or person that is accessing anything Internet wise is a risk and data is sensitive not matter where it is which could include and University, bank etc.
Yes to each other as well as we may have devices that are already infected by cyber criminals that we don’t even know about that could be set up to attack other machines without the end user even being aware. Being a student in this program may make you more of a target to security vulnerabilities.
Yes, I believe that ITACS Temple students have the potential to set a trend in information security at Temple. ITACS students will be trained with the skills to manage big data and business information and be educated in ethical and moral practices. While there is a possibility of misconduct, I believe that students prioritize their education over any mishandling of information. As with any science student at Temple, there is a risk of losing information or trading secrets. Chapter 1 addresses this issue, and I am confident that Temple will make reasonable efforts to protect and prevent data loss.
Rather than considering students as a possible trend at Temple, I think that we can contribute significant value to the institution. As technology evolves at an exponential rate, knowledge expands accordingly. With the support of Temple’s educational resources and facilities, the institution has the potential to reach unprecedented heights.
I did not really think about how the ITACS student being a trendsetter for data protection and the ethical and moral practices that we will go through. Having an understanding of big data and how to manage it correctly in a business setting is critical in a university setting and I believe it will gain more or a positive in this setting. I like how you pointed out that while the acceleration of technology advances quickly, so do educational resources that have a potential to reach unprecedented heights.
Yes, ITACS students represent information security vulnerabilities to each other and Temple Univeristy.
The weakest link in a network is as strong as the strongest link. Any authenticated user on a network can be vulnerable to the network and the users accessing the network. While connected to the school’s network, students can unintentionally click on a malicious link which hackers can potentially use to gain access to the network. Also, during projects and joint assignments, students will work together by sharing files, devices, and personal information. These can be vulnerable to the students because they can’t tell who can access their files and information.
ITACS students like any students of the university represent a vulnerability to the university itself as well as those around them, because they are authorized users that can access otherwise non-public university places/networks, the damage to which they can cause with what information is available to them is exigent, ITACS students specifically can represent both a bigger vulnerability or a smaller vulnerability comparatively, based on the nature of the student an ITACS student could be seen as both a bigger vulnerability as they’re being trained to and are more informed with security procedures/protocols and will know more about how overcome such obstacles to threaten the university and those around them. And the other side of the coin they represent less of a vulnerability as again they’re more trained with security and should know more about running a tight ship and have an overall higher cyber hygiene and security awareness.
I see it as a two-sided coin as well but also think how much we are spending to take this program or any program here at Temple that I would assume that any education we receive in this program will be kept to the highest standard. I like how you pointed out having an overall higher cyber hygiene (great wording there) and security wellness. From my previous networking school that I attended in the past, the students were more aggressive and started using networking skills to carry out suspicious activity on the network’s backend and resulted in negative consequences. Then again though, this is a graduate program and I believe that the program’s population will act in a professional manner.
To mitigate these vulnerabilities, it is important for Temple University to establish robust information security policies, provide comprehensive training to ITACS students on ethical conduct, and foster a culture of responsible and ethical behavior within the ITACS program. Additionally, promoting collaboration, emphasizing the importance of ethics, and encouraging reporting of any suspicious or unethical activities can help create a safer and more secure environment for all ITACS students and the university as a whole.
Yes we are all walking vulnerabilities, it just how it is. The fact that we carry so many devices that can expose to so many threats is crazy! I was speaking with a colleague who has been in IT for several years and because he did not take an extra few seconds to simply look a bit deeper he ended up clicking on a link that caused a security incident. We as budding IT professionals and ITACS students we need to be vigilient and set the example to others of how important IT security is.
ITACS students are, as with any student or employee, considered possible vulnerabilities. Confidential data about not only the user themselves, but other users and the University can be accessed not just from University machines, but personal devices owned by the users, similar to the “endpoint” vulnerabilities described in Vacca chapter 1. Students can possibly divulge, share or compromise confidential information relating to the institution or other students through various means, intentional or otherwise. Though not given nearly as much access as an employee or staff member, and not given direct admin rights, University students still have access to data that is considered private on a user to user and university-wide level. This is reflected in the user agreements that must be agreed to when logging into University devices and when access University systems, and ITACS students are not nor should they be exempt from these risk assessments and agreements
ITACS students have the potential to create security vulnerabilities to Temple University and each other. While they may possess a greater understanding of information security, it does not exempt them from fallibility. Ultimately, ITACS students are like any other individual and remain susceptible to errors. As long as ITACS students utilize computers and engage in social interactions, potential errors and vulnerabilities will continue to exist regardless of one’s experience, education, and expertise. To minimize vulnerabilities to Temple University and each other, the most effective solution is through the spread of information security education and awareness.
After doing some of readings I did not realize how something simple as forgetting to lock your machine can potentially cause a security incident. The most senior IT specialist as well as a computer novice can make this misstep. I believe that no one is exempt from security. We as ITACS students have to set the example not only on campus but in our work place and home. We are in agreement that training and education is effective, but pushing back a little, you can have all the training in the world but if a user does not follow simple procedures, it could go bad.
I think ITACS students and Temple University both represent vulnerabilities to each other. This is because the students are learning about various possibilities of threats and risks. This information can be used by students to strategically maneuver around the network security. As students, we have access to the universities protected network. Our devices may be connected to University wifi which can be an entry point to exploit the system. On the other hand, the university poses vulnerability to the students by essentially providing them with the knowledge and tools to avoid detection in the system.
However, the university will obviously be well-versed on possible threats and risks that an ITACS student may pose.
I really like that you presented the two-way street that both ITACS and TU can represent vulnerabilities to each other, Unnati. For this reason, I concur with your statement here. I also want to present another layer that TU is well-versed on possible threats especially since this program is even being offered and ITACS students work in TU’s ITS department but this is not the case for all universities so this is an interesting point to pose since the question of how many schools may be cultivating a community of students who are more well versed in cybersecurity threats than the institution itself.
The short answer yes. I say that because we have all types of people with various technical knowledge that could pose as a threat to Temple. You have to the novice user who is afraid to make any changes or unknowingly clicks on a malware message, so they end up breaking something. Then you have the expert who in is so comfortable and I dare say, so arrogant that they miss a minor step (check box or a missed character) which can also cause problems. I have been a member of both clubs. Neither is malicious in intent, but we can be too cautious and too relaxed. There will always be these types of threats because there will always be these types of students.
Hey Erskine,
That’s definitely something a lot of people may forget about. Just because we’re in a cybersecurity-focused program doesn’t guarantee that everyone has the same experience or knowledge. Of course we all don’t intend to put ourselves, each other, and the school at risk but human errors happen. I believe that most people grow from their mistakes, and we are all susceptible to the same learning experiences.
ITACS students do represent information security vulnerabilities to Temple University, but not any more than any other student, faculty, or person connected to the internet. Being connected to the same internet as the computers that hold sensitive information is all it takes to be a threat. We also represent a vulnerability to each other, but not any more than any other person connected to the wifi. However, it certainly is possible for us to use our connections to hack one another. This is just one of those possibilities that Temple can put protections in place for, but ultimately they just have to accept the fact that it is a vulnerability that will alway exist.
ITACS students can pose information security vulnerabilities to Temple University. This is because they have access to sensitive information and systems within the university’s network. If an ITACS student were to misuse their knowledge or intentionally engage in malicious activities, they could potentially compromise the security of the university’s data, networks, and infrastructure. This could result in unauthorized access, data breaches, or other cybersecurity incidents that could harm the university’s operations and reputation.
Furthermore, ITACS students can also pose vulnerabilities to each other. In a learning environment like ITACS, students often work on practical exercises, projects, and assignments that involve testing and exploiting vulnerabilities to gain hands-on experience. While these activities are essential for learning, there is a risk that some students may misuse their skills or engage in unethical behavior, such as hacking into other students’ systems or stealing their data. This could lead to breaches of privacy, academic dishonesty, or even personal harm among the ITACS student community.
However, it’s important to note that not all ITACS students represent vulnerabilities. The vast majority of ITACS students are committed to ethical practices, have a strong sense of responsibility, and adhere to professional codes of conduct. They understand the importance of cybersecurity and work towards enhancing it rather than exploiting it. These students contribute to strengthening information security within Temple University and help create a more secure environment for everyone.
Therefore, while ITACS students have the potential to represent information security vulnerabilities to Temple University and each other, it is crucial to recognize that this is not inherent to being an ITACS student. The responsibility lies with the individual’s choices and actions, and the majority of ITACS students prioritize ethical practices and contribute positively to information security.
Explanation:
• Vulnerabilities to Temple University: ITACS students, due to their knowledge and skills in information security, may pose vulnerabilities to Temple University’s information systems. While their intentions may be honorable, their deep understanding of computer networks, systems, and software can potentially be exploited by malicious actors if their skills are not used responsibly. For example, if an ITACS student becomes involved in unethical practices or fails to follow proper security protocols, they could inadvertently expose sensitive information, compromise systems, or enable unauthorized access to university resources.
• Vulnerabilities to each other: ITACS students, who are often technically proficient and eager to test their skills, may also represent vulnerabilities to their fellow students. In the pursuit of knowledge and experimentation, some students might engage in activities that breach ethical boundaries, such as hacking into systems without permission or sharing sensitive data without consent. This can create risks within the ITACS student community, as it can lead to distrust, potential conflicts, and damage to personal and professional reputations.
I believe that ITACS students represent information security vulnerabilities to Temple University and each other just like any other students. ITACS student bring their own devices (laptops, mobile phones, hard drives) to campus and connect to Temple’s network. These devices may be unprotected and /or infected with malware and become an entry point to gain unauthorized access to Temple’s network.
Students may also visit unsafe websites looking for discounted software and /or textbooks. These websites may lead to malware being download on the computer in use. Student also may share password with friends and visitors thus giving access to the network or the device to unauthorized people.
College students can represent information vulnerabilities to the university and each other based on their online activities, cybersecurity training and awareness (some ITACS students may implement secure practices during the semester when the teachings is fresh on their minds), and security practices. Therefore, it is important that the university and its students follow their own best practices to protect themselves and others.