security issue with XP and school network

  • Thread starter Thread starter Stephanie Taylor
  • Start date Start date
S

Stephanie Taylor

For the last year, I have been accessing my school
network with my XP computer. Suddenly my technology
director is saying that doing that poses security issues
for the network. All the systems here use 98. I have
never had any trouble logging on. The first time I did it
by plugging into a port with a CAT5 cable. THe system
walked me through the process and now I just log on after
plugging it in every morning. I can only access my files.
They insist that I am compromising the security of the
network. Are they correct? I want to continue to use my
laptop when in school.

Thanks
 
I would suggest you pay attention to your technology director's
advice, otherwise you could compromise your educational career.

--
Nicholas

--------------------------------------------------------------------


| For the last year, I have been accessing my school
| network with my XP computer. Suddenly my technology
| director is saying that doing that poses security issues
| for the network. All the systems here use 98. I have
| never had any trouble logging on. The first time I did it
| by plugging into a port with a CAT5 cable. THe system
| walked me through the process and now I just log on after
| plugging it in every morning. I can only access my files.
| They insist that I am compromising the security of the
| network. Are they correct? I want to continue to use my
| laptop when in school.
|
| Thanks
 
If they're using Windows 98 for all workstations, they
have no security anyway.

Ask them exactly what you are doing that is compromising
security.

It may be that they just do not want unauthorized
machines connected to the network, in which case they
need to make that policy clear and take steps to enforce
it (which is possible, but probably not with the way they
have things configured).
 
Besides being a dick, your Tech director is worried mostly about you
bringing in a virus, a back door Trojan, or something that could transfer
from your laptop to their network that would then compromise their security
and give someone else access to passwords, accounts etc.. But unfortunately
its also his fault for leaving his security so lax that anyone with a laptop
could plug in a gain access to the network. Will you crash there network
highly doubtful. Will you be able to hack and get into things more than
likely you will.
 
Stephanie-

If your XP system is wide open (unsecure) and has a virus or worm, then the
tech director is correct.

If your XP system is kept up to date with security updates, and you have
updated Anti-Virus software running, then you aren't creating a security
problem. Use the Windows XP ICF (internet connection firewall) and your XP
system is probably more secure than anything on the network!

PS
"This post represents MY opinion and experiences only"
 
me any additional access. He says that it could. Could
it?

If it does, they need to review their security
configuration and design. He needs to tell you exactly
what you're doing "wrong", and why it isn't a global
problem with their network security design.
 
Greetings --

If the network is comprised of Win98 computers, then they have
absolutely zero security to compromise. That "technology director"
needs to find another line of work. I believe McDonald's is hiring.

Bruce Chambers

--
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