User Authentication for Access to University Computer Resources

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Effective: January 1998
Last Updated: May 2002

Responsible University Officer:
  • Chief Information Officer

Policy Owner:
  • Chief Information Officer

Policy Contact:
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POLICY STATEMENT

The University will provide centrally funded Internet Services to those who are affiliated with the University by using a single source of authentication to provide consistent user identification. Internet Services (including e-mail, internet modem authentication, information storage, etc.) provided by the Office of Information Technology are valuable assets used by students, staff, and faculty engaged in education, research, outreach, and the business of the University. The data accessed using these services and the network are costly resources that must be protected from unauthorized use.

Access to Internet Services provided by the University require use of the X.500 authentication hub. The X.500 directory will be used as the only source of authentication.

REASON FOR POLICY

The purpose of this policy is:

  • To ensure that only authorized individuals are allowed access to central Internet Services on the University network.
  • To ensure that we can adequately identify users of Internet Services using University resources.
  • To ensure consistent authentication for Internet Services using University network access.
  • To conserve and protect University resources.
  • To safeguard the integrity of computers, networks, and data of Internet Services.
  • To require that departments be responsible for non-student, non-staff individuals to whom they give access.

PROCEDURES

FORMS/INSTRUCTIONS

ADDITIONAL CONTACTS

Subject Contact Phone Fax/Email
Primary Contact Ken Hanna 612-625-1505 k-hann1@umn.edu
X.500 Account Administration Accounts Help line, Academic & Distributed Computing Services 612-626-8366
Student Information Technology Helpline (1-HELP) 612-301-4357
Computer, Network, or Phone Misuse or Security Issues Technology Helpline (1-HELP) 612-301-4357
Services for Sponsored Affiliates Technology Helpline (1-HELP) 612-301-4357 https://www.umn.edu/dirtools/sponsor
U Card Application U Card Office 612-626-9900
Alumni Membership U of M Alumni Association 612-624-2323
1-800-862-5867
1-800-UM-ALUMS
612-626-8167
umalumni@tc.umn.edu

DEFINITIONS

Authenticate
A verification that substantiates that the person is who they say they are. For purposes of this policy, the X.500 directory is used for this verification.
Alumni Qualifications
A member of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, and
  • a graduate of the University of Minnesota
  • someone who has attended the University for at least one year in a degree granting program
  • a current or past employee of the University of Minnesota.
X.500 Directory
Every student, faculty member, staff person, and affiliate of the University who is entered into the X.500 directory is given a unique X.500 user name. X.500 accounts are created for staff nightly after entry into the PeopleSoft system, and for new students as part of the registration process. Accounts are set up as needed for affiliates of the University. The X.500 Directory is the source for the Student-Staff Directory and on-line look up services.
Sponsored Affiliate Account
A sponsored Affiliated Account is an X.500 account that is purchased for an affiliate of the University. Normally, sponsored affiliate accounts are established for individuals such as committee workers, volunteers, or contract workers. Departments may purchase sponsored accounts. The department is charged an annual fee for maintaining sponsored accounts.
Internet Services
The Office of Information Technology (OIT) department that provides certain support services in its role as an Internet Service Provider. These services include but are not limited to email, internet modem authentication, and information storage. The services are provided based on the needs of the member of the University community.
University Community
Student, faculty member, staff person, alumni association member, and sponsored affiliate of the University.

RESPONSIBILITIES

System/Network Administrator
Allow only authorized access to Internet Services resources such as computers, networks, and data. Report any security incidents or suspicious activity on local computers, modems, or the network.
Department or College
Be responsible for the activities of individuals sponsored. Ensure that sponsored account users understand and comply with University policies, procedures, and laws relating to conditions of use before authorizing access.

Purchase X.500 accounts for non-student, non-staff individuals who may need access to local computers or the University network. Update account information as needed.

Assurance and Security/Office of Information Technology
Respond to security reports/questions/problems.

APPENDICES

Rates

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

There are no frequently asked questions for this policy.

RELATED INFORMATION

HISTORY

Amended: May 2002 - Clarified Policy Statement and Reason, Updated Contacts, Rates, Definitions, Responsibilities, Related Information and Procedure.

Amended: July 2000 - Updated Forms section.

Effective:
January 1998

To obtain a copy of a historical policy, e-mail the U Policy Librarian at policy@umn.edu or call 612-624-4372.

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