Cyber Security Forum for Higher Education

Purpose

The purpose of the Cyber Security Forum for Higher Education is to create a forum for the discussion of higher education computer and network security issues between the corporate community and the EDUCAUSE/Internet2 Computer and Network Security Task Force with the goal of improving higher education cyber security through mutual efforts.

Background and Rationale

It is no longer sufficient for higher education and industry to work on cyber security in parallel; it must become a collaborative, broad-based effort to be successful. There are real and possibly enduring differences between higher education values and those associated with managing information technology; thus, there is a need to foster practical solutions and strategies for enhancing cyber security in open network environments. There is a need for an executive-level partnership to promote and manage activities. Furthermore, The National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace has called for "voluntary partnerships among government, industry, academia, and nongovernmental groups to secure and defend cyberspace."

Operating Principles

The Forum will focus on the cyber security needs of higher education while respecting the business needs of its corporate participants. The Forum will seek to build a position of trust with higher education, business and government, adhering to principles of open-mindedness, fairness, ethical decision making, and balanced advocacy.

Projects and Publications

• "Cyber Security: It Takes a Community," by Rodney Petersen & Diana Oblinger, University Business, April 2004.

More Information

For more information or to participate in the Forum, please e-mail us at Security-Task-Force@educause.edu or call 202.872.4200.