The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE

 


Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu

January 19, 2006

Popular Web Site, Facebook.com, back online at UNM

Facebook.com, the controversial and popular web site blocked by UNM for security concerns early last semester, was unblocked in time for the start of the spring semester said University officials. The site was blocked because it was poorly secured, and because the site's home page design did not make it clear that, though they must use their NetID/email as a login name, they should NOT use their UNM password. Concerns were especially great at the outset since the first invitation to join was in UNM colors and labeled “UNM's Facebook.”

Upon learning that some students used their UNM password, and that students' credentials were easy prey for hackers, CIRT consulted with UNM officials, including the University Counsel's office and the Dean of Students, discussed security and privacy concerns and decided to block the site last August. UNM students, through their employment, sometimes have access to sensitive and private data, such as health and student records

“UNM is pleased with the final outcome of the negotiations with Facebook security staff to complete the encryption process for their site,” said Dean of Students Randy Boeglin. “The encryption, combined with a clear message about not using a UNM password for Facebook access, provides the necessary security threshold we sought to protect both students and UNM computer systems. The process took longer than expected, but the final result was salutary for all parties.”

The site was created for students to build a multi-media community with their friends. Since the site was blocked at UNM, Facebook.com has worked to respond to UNM concerns and has implemented an encrypted login and has made it clear upon registration that students should not use their UNM-affiliated password. Security personnel verified completion of the fixes on Friday, and now Facebook can now be accessed from the UNM network.

In collaboration with the Dean of Students and UNM Counsel's offices, CIRT has compiled recommendations for data and identity protection at http://www4.unm.edu/weblock . On the same page, UNM has provided a link to information for anyone suspecting credit or identity theft. The most important suggestion is to immediately change your UNM NetID password if you used it at any non-UNM site.

Moira Gerety, CIRT Director, reminds students to take precautions with their personal data. “Once it's online, it can go anywhere and be available for years,” she said. “Think twice before you post and protect your password.”

 

 

 


The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation.

www.unm.edu