Administrative Access

Administrative (root or superuser on UNIX systems) access to statistics department computer systems is necessary for the creation and modification of accounts and system-wide software packages. Such access will be granted within each division only to the administrators who are directly responsible for system, user account, and software maintenance within that specific domain. This may include administrators from other divisions of the department who are expected to serve in an emergency and/or backup role to the primary administrators within the division. Other administrators and users who need access to specific services/files will be accommodated by special group permissions, limited purpose suid scripts, and/or software specifically setup to grant such access.

Administrative passwords must be kept secure and confidential at all times and should not be shared with any unauthorized persons. A hard copy of current administrative passwords (including any passwords required for dial-in servers, network devices, printers, and other equipment) will be placed in a sealed envelope to be stored in a secure location by the heads of the respective divisions and not to be opened except in emergency situations. It will be the responsibility of the primary system administrator within each division to insure that this information is kept current.

Administrative passwords will be changed from time to time to maintain their confidentiality. The relevant passwords must be changed whenever there is evidence that an administrative password may have been comprised, and in particular when a potential security breach has been detected. The relevant passwords will also be changed whenever a system administrator with knowledge of administrative passwords leaves or changes their position with the department.

Information	Academic Programs	Personnel
Departmental Units	Department Resources	Links

Last modified: Mon Jun 5 08:50:22 EDT 2000