UPDATE 04/05/2024 at 10:00 PM: WVOT has completed the physical UPS installation. Network connectivity has been restored and additional agency services are continuing to come back online.
*** Update Reminder from the WV Office of Technology 04/05/2024 at 07:00 AM:Just reminding everyone of the UPS Cutover this evening. As noted below, please shut down your equipment at 5:00PM today. OT will begin shutting down its equipment at 5:30PM. Power will be completely shut off in building 6 and the vault at 7 PM. We will send a communication when power is restored. Once this happens we urge everyone to bring any resources that need to be brought up and test applications etc.***
WVNET has received the following notification from the WV Office of Technology regarding power to Building 6 of the Capitol Complex in Charleston WV. The proposed scheduled maintenance will cause a complete loss of power and will affect all equipment located at this facility. This location provides internet access for customers in the southern part of the state. We will have staff on hand during this procedure to ensure downtime is kept to a minimum. Please continue to check our site and social media for additonal updates as they become available.
The West Virginia Office of Technology advises its IT Contacts and Data Center Cardholders that on Friday, April 5th, 2024 there will be a scheduled power outage of the WVOT data centers beginning at 7:00 PM. We anticipate the downtime to last approximately 2-3 hours. During this period, all services hosted in our data centers will be temporarily unavailable.
The scheduled downtime is required to install a temporary Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system. To carry out this installation safely and efficiently, we must power down the data center.
We need your help to ensure servers and IT resources are shut down gracefully. Agency Service Owners and Application Administrators should shut down agency-managed servers located in Building #6 on Friday, April 5th, 2024 beginning at 5:00PM. WVOT Staff will begin shutting down WVOT-controlled and Enterprise-wide applications beginning at 5:30PM.
Power will be completely shut off in the Building 6 Data Center and Vault at 7:00PM.
Once the UPS installation is complete and power is restored, the WVOT advises all agencies to thoroughly test their applications to ensure they are functioning as expected. If applications are not functioning as expected, please contact the WVOT Service Desk at 304-558-9966 to have the issue assigned to a technician.
We understand the impact of this data center power outage and assure you that we are working diligently to minimize the impact on IT operations. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
RESOLVED: Circuit Provider Outage impacting network in parts of WV
April 2, 2024
UPDATE 3/9 7:47 AM: AEP successfully completed repairs and all circuits were active by approximately 11:00 PM 03/08/2024. A 2000-foot section of cable needed to be replaced in a rural area of WV that required technicians to physically climb poles and use tents for splicing instead of typically utilized machinery. The repair efforts impacted multiple circuit providers beyond those we utilize but all current operations have returned to normal. If you continue to experience issues, please contact the WVNET Help Desk for assistance.
UPDATE 3/8 2:45 PM: AEP has accessed the situation and due to the inability to get trucks to the affected area, the current estimated time to complete all repairs is 12:00 AM ET. We will provide additional updates as they become available.
UPDATE 3/8 10:51 AM: Zayo and AEP are actively working on circuit repairs that are impacting customers in the southern part of the state. Repairs have been impeded as the site is not vehicle accessible. Current estimates are that technicians will be on site at approximately noon, but no time frame on when repairs will be completed.
At approximately 3:40 PM on March 7, 2024, WVNET lost four of its 10Gbps circuits in the Columbus, Ohio area. We immediately opened tickets with the circuit providers, OARnet and Zayo. It appears that there has been a major fiber cut that has taken out these 4 circuits. While the WV State Network has remained up due to the design of our high-speed Transit Ring, customers in the South may notice higher latency and slower throughput. No ETA at this time.
WV Office of Technology Maintenance
April 2, 2024
The State of WV Office of Technology will be performing emergency maintenance on the UPS that powers the Data Center at the Capitol Campus Building 6 Room B110. This maintenance will be performed on 07 March 2023 after 1:00 PM. While loss of power is not expected to happen, there is a potential for this to occur that may affect connectivity for some customers. Please contact the WVNET Help Desk if you experience any issues.
For over 45 years, WVNET has strived to connect the people of West Virginia. For decades we’ve worked hard to stay at the forefront of bringing fast, reliable internet across the state. We take pride in managing the networks that link West Virginia’s schools, universities, agencies and non-profits.
In this winter newsletter, we’re excited to update you on new strides we’re making to expand connectivity in the Mountain State. We’ve outlined major infrastructure upgrades that will increase available bandwidth and accelerate speeds – critical advances to meet our state’s growing digital needs. As our Executive Director Steven White explained, “Our continuous network evolution showcases our enduring commitment to the students, educators, agencies and residents who rely on us.”
However, greater connectivity also brings greater vulnerability. We’re working hand-in-hand with state and national cybersecurity leaders to anticipate emerging threats and harden defenses. As threats like phishing and ransomware attacks grow in scale and sophistication globally, we urge our customers to join us in remaining vigilant. Please consider implementing protocols like DKIM and DMARC to secure email domains, conduct phishing awareness training, and require multifactor authentication. Together we can keep West Virginia safe.
We’re also excited to share the work our development team is doing to make our online systems more accessible across generations. As more services and learning shift digital, we aim to ensure all Mountaineers can stay connected.
The past four decades have seen immense technological change. But our mission remains the same – serving the people of West Virginia through technology. We at WVNET take pride in the pivotal role we play in empowering education, powering government, and connecting communities across the Mountain State.
UPdate From the Executive Director!
A major focus area constantly under review is continuing to be cybersecurity diligent. WVNET continues to work with multiple agencies to ensure that information is shared. This is being achieved by working with Chief Information Officers (CIO’s) across the state and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) representatives to collaborate and provide cybersecurity reports, especially for those threats that have been actively seen across the state. This sharing among peers helps to ensure we all learn from each other and grow stronger.
This year is also looking promising for continued upgrades. In January, thanks to congressional funding, we were able to install a new uninterruptable power supply for the WVNET datacenter which ensures that systems remain operational in the event of power loss. We are also in the process of finalizing upgrades to our network connectivity that will provide an exponential increase over the current configuration. As we start the new year, it is important that we continue to embrace new goals and strive to ensure that WVNET is providing the best possible services for our customers.
And on a final note, communication is a vital key to daily operations. This includes conversations occurring at every level within our organizations. We all rely heavily on email for communication. This year, several entities (Google, Yahoo) are working to ensure emails are not being hijacked by implementing DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) and Domain-based Message Authentication (DMARC) as requirements for email domains. WVNET has been deploying these requirements for multiple domains and we recommend our customers consider implementing them as well for applicable systems.
JOIN OUR TEAM!
WVNET is seeking to hire a new TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK SPECIALIST 3(on-site work required, hybrid eligible) to analyze, design, configure, install, deploy and troubleshoot LAN, WAN, Campus networks (mainly Cisco routers, switches, firewalls), associated wireless infrastructure (Extreme, Meraki), VOIP solutions (CUCM, SIP trunks, UCaaS), System Monitoring (SolarWinds NPM) and remote access (VPN ASA, AAA, TACACS, RADIUS), cloud (OCI, Azure, AWS) and associated ongoing maintenance and updating of related hardware and software. Salary range is $70,000 – $80,000 and commensurate with experience. For full job details, qualifications, etc. and to apply, visit: https://wvnet.edu/news/careers/telecommunications-network-specialist-3/
The Client Services department at WVNET is here to help you with Banner, DegreeWorks, Brightspace, Web and Development services. Our dedicated staff is here to answer questions, as well as to solve problems. We strive to provide a high level of service. To ensure we are doing our best, we have a survey available to enable you to share your experience with us and let us know what we are doing well and what we could be doing better.
Your satisfaction is very important to us. WVNET has implemented a customer satisfaction survey link in our OZ ticketing system. When a help ticket is closed, the reporter will receive an email update with a link to allow customers to fill out the survey, and, if desired, request a call from a manager. To access the form in the OZ email, click on the link.
If you’re not using OZ and you wish to take the survey, please feel free to complete the survey at https://wvnet.edu/satisfaction-survey/. We look forward to hearing from you. Have questions? Contact Harmony Garletts at hgarletts@staff.wvnet.edu.
As the new year gets under way, the Distance Learning team is launching a new tool in Brightspace called Creator +. This tool is a seamless add-in to the Brightspace Learning Management System (LMS). As many of our Brightspace schools prepare for this implementation, we are excited for the opportunity to work with our customers to transform course content into dynamic content that will boost student engagement. Between now and June 30th, we will be holding working sessions for faculty to learn to use the new tools included in Creator +. For additional information, please contact Harmony Garletts at hgarletts@staff.wvnet.edu.
DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Serving Older Users: Why Web Accessibility Matters for Education and Government
When providing online services and web-based learning, education and government institutions must ensure they don’t exclude older adults. Age-related declines in vision, hearing, dexterity, and cognition can pose barriers to accessing digital content, and the 65+ demographic continues to grow rapidly as people live longer.
Following web accessibility standards proactively makes websites, applications, and authoring tools usable for more people.
It is vital for public services like healthcare, taxes, and social welfare, to consider these segments of the population in digital systems design. All taxpayers should be able to utilize government resources online regardless of ability or age.
Similarly, education strives for inclusion. Distance learning continues to expand and offer greater opportunities throughout the state; however, ensuring learning management systems and online content follow accessibility principles enables older students to participate fully. Designing accessible websites and authoring tools allows older guest lecturers, teachers, and professors to contribute their expertise and remain professionally active.
Age diversity strengthens industries and communities. Following web accessibility guidelines helps education and government sectors live up to commitments to serve all citizens, making communities richer. Prioritizing accessibility for older users isn’t just considerate – it’s sound policy and practice.
Here are some helpful tips tailored for assisting age-related disabilities:
Support Aging Vision
Allow font size customization up to 200% without loss of content or function
Use high contrast colors and avoid purely visual cues
Provide adequate color contrast (WCAG conformant)
Design simple, clean page layouts that reduce visual clutter
Accommodate Declining Dexterity
Make clickable elements large and spaced apart
Ensure forms and other functionality work with keyboard access
Provide adequate time limits and ways to request more time
Compensate for Reduced Hearing
Allow audio and multimedia content volume control up to 200%
Provide transcripts for prerecorded audio content
Don’t rely solely on audio cues; use captioning and other redundancies
Address Cognitive Changes
Avoid long paragraphs and blocks of text
Break up complex processes into clear, logical steps
Use plain language and provide guidance within text
Minimize distractions and avoid crowding pages
Remind users of previous steps to aid memory
The Web Accessibility Initiative’s (WAI) guidelines address functional limitations associated with both disabilities and aging. Implementing criteria from Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), User Agent Accessibility Guidelines (UAAG), and Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines (ATAG) improves access for older cohorts.
WCAG compliance tackles many barriers introduced by age-related disability. But consciously addressing common vision, motor, hearing and memory issues older adults face takes websites a step further in accessibility, ensuring education and government sites don’t leave them behind.
Since 1975, WVNET has played a pivotal role in providing centralized computing services to all public higher education campuses throughout West Virginia. Later expanding to support K12, state and local government bodies as well as non-profits; the evolution of WVNET Telecommunications continues to mirror the broader advancements in networking technologies.
In the 1970s, the landscape of networking underwent a significant transformation with the proliferation of Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) technologies utilizing packet-switched methodologies. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Packet_switching
LANs were initially designed to interconnect computers and peripherals within confined areas like schools, offices, or campuses. The subsequent connection of LANs through WAN technologies paved the way for the integration of these networks into the burgeoning Internet.
During this period, various LAN technologies vied for standardization, but Ethernet, developed around the same time as the Internet in 1973-74 at Xerox PARC, emerged as the dominant and ubiquitous LAN standard. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethernet
For nearly 50 years, as technology advanced, WVNET Telecommunications adapted to the changing landscape and escalating data transmission speeds. In the early days, bandwidth and throughput was measured in bits per second (bps), and typical home and small office modems operated at speeds ranging from 300 to 56,000 bps. To serve WV’s rural communities, WVNET established a distributed statewide dialup modem pool, accessible to anyone with a telephone land line. At its height this modem service had over 18,000 customers. K12, College and University staff and students were, for the first time in history, able to access the Internet and school/work-related resources. This was truly the beginning of The Information Age for most West Virginians.
Technologies such as T1 through T5 (1.544 to 400Mbit/s) were created to push more and faster data across telephone lines, with DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) allowing up to 140 Megabit per second to home users. Channeling and multiplexing were introduced as methods to send multiple signals or streams of information over a single, shared medium. Eventually, phone lines were abandoned for dedicated point-to-point circuits using coaxial cables and fiber optics.
Today, the average WVNET customer typically connects via a 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps) connection (1,000,000,000 bps), with some utilizing multiple 10 Gbps (10,000,000,000 bps) connections.
To meet the ever-growing demand for bandwidth and improved throughput, WVNET is on the verge of completing its Transit Ring upgrade. This upgrade signifies a shift from multiple bundles of 10 Gbps circuits to multiple 100 Gbps circuits. This enhancement will ensure more bandwidth availability and faster throughput for data transmission. Having these larger data ‘pipes’ available will also mean increasing bandwidth to and from our dual upstream ISPs will take just hours instead of weeks.
The continuous evolution of WVNET’s infrastructure showcases its commitment to meeting the ever-expanding connectivity needs of its customers in West Virginia.
Systems Update
Cybersecurity Awareness
Phishing continues to be the top choice for cyber attackers.
Phishing involves deceiving people online to gain access to information. It tricks them into giving sensitive details using fake messages, often pretending to be important people or falsifying urgent situations. There are many different types of phishing but here are some top threats to look out for:
Spear Phishing: Spear phishing targets a specific group or type of individual such as a company’s Human Resources department.
Whaling: Whaling is like spear phishing but is an even more targeted type of phishing that goes after the “whales” of an organization such as the CEO, CFO, or any other CXX employee.
Smishing: Smishing is an attack that uses text messaging to execute the attack.
Search Engine Optimization Poisoning: With this method, hackers work to become the top result on a search engine. Clicking the link within the search engine then directs you to the hacker’s website where they can then steal your information as you interact with the site and/or enter sensitive information.
Some ways you can protect yourself:
Don’t rush to click on links or files. Review all links and files carefully.
Double-check messages with another means of verification such as contacting the supposed sender via another means of communication.
Don’t post too much information online.
Be very careful with emails you believe are suspicious.
Visit websites directly instead of clicking links received by email.
Use multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
Use a password manager for generating and storing unique passwords.
At WVNET we utilize a few additional methods for helping to keep ourselves protected from phishing attacks such as a robust email filtering system as well as doing regular simulated phishing attacks and training for all staff.
Important Network Updates by Upstream Provider 3ROX to take place December 19
April 2, 2024
UPDATE
3ROX has completed all maintenance as of 7:15 PM 12/20/2023. Network operations have now returned to their normal state.
Starting at 6:00 AM on December 19, you may experience suboptimal network performance to the Internet and Internet2 due to an infrastructure upgrade by our upstream provider, Three Rivers Optical Exchange, with a scheduled maintenance window of up to 36 hours. This may have an impact on services provided by WVNET. We recommend rescheduling any significant tasks that are reliant on uninterrupted internet connectivity during this period.
For any specific outages experienced, please contact the WVNET Help Desk at 304.293.5192 or email us at helpdesk@staff.wvnet.edu. Reporting outages will facilitate tracking and communication with our provider to ensure a swift resolution.
We understand the impact this may have on your work, and we appreciate your patience during this upgrade. We will provide addition updates once the upgrade has been completed.
Thanksgiving, November 23-24, 2023 Christmas, December 25, 2023 New Years, January 1, 2024
WVSTC – Taking a Breather in 2024
In 2024, we’re hitting the pause button on the West Virginia Statewide Technology Conference. But hold on, it’s not a farewell; it’s more like a “see you later.” We’re taking time to recharge, regroup, and we hope to come back in the future with a conference that’s even better suited for our customers.
Your input and ideas are valuable, so don’t hesitate to share them with us.
Keep in Touch
We may be on hiatus, but we’re not disappearing. Stay connected with us through our email list and social media for updates and developments. We’ll keep you in the loop as we prepare for the future.
UPdate From the Executive Director!
As we bid farewell to Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it is imperative to recognize that our commitment to cybersecurity should not conclude with the passing of October. Cyber threats are persistent and ever-evolving, and now, as the holiday season approaches, our digital defenses must remain as vigilant as ever.
The holiday season is traditionally a time of joy and celebration, a time when we gather with family and friends to create lasting memories. However, it’s also a time when cybercriminals become more active, preying on the increased online activity and distracted individuals.
Here are some key points to consider as we navigate the holiday cybersecurity landscape: 1. Be Cautious of Phishing Scams: During the holiday season, phishing scams tend to surge. Cybercriminals often disguise their malicious emails as enticing holiday offers, e-cards, or fake shipping notifications. It’s vital to stay vigilant and double-check the legitimacy of every email you receive.
2. Secure Your Online Shopping: Online shopping becomes the norm during the holidays. Ensure you shop on reputable websites with secure payment methods. Look for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar and use strong, unique passwords for each site.
3. Safeguard Your Personal Information: Be mindful of the personal information you share online. With increased online interactions during the holidays, ensure that you are not oversharing sensitive data on social media or other platforms.
4. Update and Secure Your Devices: Cybersecurity is only as strong as its weakest link. Make sure all your devices, including computers, smartphones, and IoT devices, have the latest security updates and patches installed.
5. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Passwords are your first line of defense. Utilize strong, unique passwords for every online account, and consider using a password manager to keep track of them securely.
6. Educate Your Family and Friends: Share your knowledge about cybersecurity with your loved ones. Ensure they are aware of the risks and practice safe online habits.
7. Monitor Your Financial Transactions: Regularly review your financial statements and report any suspicious activity immediately to your bank or credit card company.
As the Executive Director of WVNET, I am proud of the work we do to enhance the cybersecurity posture of educational institutions and organizations throughout West Virginia. Our commitment to cybersecurity doesn’t wane with the end of Cybersecurity Awareness Month; rather, it grows stronger, more vigilant, and more proactive.
In this digital age, maintaining our cybersecurity is not a choice; it is a responsibility. We must remain vigilant year-round, not just for the security of our institutions but for the protection of our individual privacy and safety. Cybersecurity is not a destination; it’s a journey, one that requires continuous learning and adaptation.
By staying alert, informed, and cautious, we can celebrate the holidays with peace of mind, knowing that we are safeguarding our digital frontier.
Welcome New Employees!
Welcome Andrew Davis!
Andrew Davis is a recent graduate of West Virginia Junior College, with an Associate’s degree in Information Technology. He joined WVNET in September as a Network Operator at WVNET and has demonstrated a sincere dedication in learning his new role. His passion for technology serves as both a career drive and a personal interest, with a mission to forge a successful IT career while providing for his family. Outside of work, Andrew finds joy in gaming, avidly following TV and movies, immersing himself in music, and passionately following ‘One Piece.’
Your satisfaction is very important to us. WVNET has implemented a customer satisfaction survey link in our OZ ticketing system. When a help ticket is closed, the reporter will receive an email update with a link to allow customers to fill out the survey, and, if desired, request a call from a manager. To access the form in the OZ email, click on the link.
If you’re not using OZ and you wish to take the survey, please feel free to complete the survey at https://wvnet.edu/satisfaction-survey/. We look forward to hearing from you. Have questions? Contact Harmony Garletts at hgarletts@staff.wvnet.edu.
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, and decision-making. AI systems are powered by algorithms that learn from data to improve at specific tasks over time without explicit programming.
AI is transforming industries from healthcare to transportation. However, the term is sometimes misused or exaggerated in popular culture, leading to misunderstandings about what today’s AI can and cannot do. So what are some key things to keep in mind when thinking about AI?
What AIis:
Algorithms that learn. AI systems use statistical techniques to “learn” from large amounts of data, allowing them to improve at tasks without traditional programming.
Pattern recognition. AI can perceive and understand inputs like images, audio, and text to complete tasks like image classification, speech-to-text, and language translation.
Predictive capabilities. AI can analyze current data to make predictions about potential future outcomes. This is used for things like predicting equipment failures or forecasting disease spread.
What AI isnot:
Sentient or conscious. Despite depictions in science fiction, real-world AI systems do not currently have human-like consciousness, emotions, or intent.
Infallible. AI systems can and do make mistakes if their training data or algorithms have biases or gaps. AI consistently requires monitoring and auditing for errors.
Magic. While impressive, AI capabilities have limitations and do not manifest intelligences from nowhere. AI is the product of human ingenuity, labor, and oversight.
Understanding what AI truly is – and is not – will be important as these technologies continue advancing and impacting our lives. By dispelling the myths around AI, we can have productive discussions about developing and regulating AI thoughtfully.
Welcome to the Future: There’s an AI for That!
In this age of rapid technological advancement, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has permeated every aspect of our lives, transforming the way we work, learn, and interact. We would like to introduce you to an innovative platform that stands at the forefront of this revolution: “There’s an AI for That“!
“There’s an AI for That” is a one-stop solution, bringing together a diverse range of AI applications designed to cater to various needs and interests. No matter what you are looking for, this platform has something for everyone. This tool has some intriguing opportunities for use in the education field, including resources for both students and faculty to enhance their learning journeys. Some examples of interesting resources found here are Excel formulas, explanations, and macro builders.
Ready to embark on your AI journey? Visit “There’s an AI for That” today to explore the limitless possibilities of AI and discover how it can transform your world.
CLIENT SERVICES-BANNER
FAFSA Simplification
The FAFSA Simplification Act of 2020 made many changes to the way students apply, how the data is processed, and how schools handle the data received, beginning with the 2024-2025 FAFSA. The FUTURE Act (Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education) also enhanced the exchange of data between the IRS and the FAFSA Processing System (FPS) in order to streamline the application process for students. The following is a basic summary of information found in the 2024-25 Draft Student Aid Index (SAI) and Pell Grant Eligibility Guide available at fsapartners.ed.gov.
The application has changed in that students, spouses, and both parents (all now known as “contributors”) will have separate FSA ID’s with which to log in and complete their portion of the FAFSA – necessary due to FUTURE Act requirements to authorize use of IRS data. The FUTURE Act also takes away the ability of a school to initiate the application FAFSA Partner Portal (was FAAAccess) due to needing authorization to match IRS data. Some questions have been removed, such as those pertaining to selective service and drug conviction. Demographic questions have been added and algorithms have been altered to better guide the family through the application.
The FAFSA collects data from the applicant and uses it to calculate their eligibility for federal financial aid programs. The FAFSA eligibility determination that was called an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will be the Student Aid Index (SAI) beginning in 2024-2025. The Student Aid Report (SAR) the student receives is now the FAFSA Submission Summary. So far, the ISIR (Institutional Student Information Record) that the school receives from the processor is still an ISIR.
Determination of Pell Grant eligibility no longer directly applies the FAFSA result (EFC/SAI) to a Pell Grant Award and Disbursement Schedule. The new formula uses family size and income, which is compared to percent of poverty level income in the dependent student’s parent’s state of legal residence or the independent student’s state of legal residence. If the student is not eligible for Pell using this test, but they have an SAI that is between the minimum and maximum Pell amounts, they may still be eligible for an amount of Pell based on the difference between their SAI amount and the maximum Pell award amount. For example, let’s assume the maximum Pell award for the aid year is $7000 and the student’s family income is greater than the maximum allowed for a Pell Grant based on a comparison to poverty level in their state. The student’s SAI of $500 would be subtracted from the maximum Pell award of $7000 and a Pell Grant would be awarded for $6500. A student attending less than full time will get a reduced amount based on enrollment as a percent of full time (92% of the full time award would be awarded for a student carrying 11 credit hours, for example).
All of these changes have delayed the availability of the 2024-2025 FAFSA to December 1, 2023 from the usual October 1. Another complication for schools is that Ellucian will not be able to provide the 2024-2025 ISIR dataload software until mid-December. Testing will need to wait until the software is available. In the meantime, schools will be required to submit Federal Work Study (FWS) earnings data via Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) system so that it’s available when the student completes the FAFSA – students no longer need to enter the FWS amount onto the FAFSA. Ellucian delivered a process that will populate a new table with FWS earnings data and two new processes to extract the data for submission to COD and to import the acknowledgement back into Banner.
This isn’t the first major overhaul of the financial aid delivery process and it will probably not be the last. Some years require extra training and others leave scars. Let’s hope this one just involves some tweaks, a little extra training, and a few procedural changes.
SYSTEMS UPDATE
Introduction:
Nearly all essential business operations in the modern age hinges on the dependability and security of systems that operate behind the scenes, often imperceptible to the daily users. These systems are akin to a “blackbox” for most individuals. At WVNET, we boast a team of proficient system administrators, adept at leveraging modern techniques to bolster security, automate processes, implement updates, and meticulously monitor a multitude of critical systems that are crucial for the seamless functioning of organizations in West Virginia.
Automation:
WVNET’s system administrators employ a suite of automation tools that are widely recognized as industry benchmarks for proficient administrative teams. Manual execution of tasks such as server deployment and configuration not only introduce the possibility of minor discrepancies resulting from human error but is also more time-consuming and lacks a comprehensive overview of the system configurations from an abstract standpoint. The adoption of Infrastructure as Code tools enables our team to effect swift changes across all automated systems and serves as a documented record of these configurations. Terraform is the preferred tool for automating the deployment of virtual machines on our cloud-based hosting service, which plays host to web servers and other critical mediators for processing and transmitting data across the state. Puppet, on the other hand, is our favored choice for configuring and managing systems. The combined use of these tools centralizes deployment and configuration management in key locations, facilitating effortless system updates and security patching.
Monitoring System Health / Recovery Methods:
At WVNET, we deploy an array of tools to fortify data security and maintain a vigilant watch over the health and status of our systems. Central to our toolkit is Nagios, a versatile and widely adopted monitoring system that shoulders the responsibility of overseeing the majority of our servers. Nagios not only provides invaluable insights when errors occur but also promptly alerts us to instances of dwindling system resources, generates comprehensive uptime reports, and issues a diverse spectrum of alerts. Its real-time capabilities grant us immediate visibility into the status of servers, applications, and network devices, empowering our team to proactively address issues by delivering timely alerts and notifications. Nagios is our steadfast solution, whether we’re detecting server outages or closely monitoring resource utilization. Together with our Network Operations Center (NOC) staff, it serves as the cornerstone in upholding the dependability and stability of our server infrastructure at WVNET.
In conjunction with our robust monitoring efforts, we prioritize data security through the implementation of multiple backup techniques. These encompass file-level backups, which safeguard individual files, and daily disk snapshots with replication off-site. This multi-tiered approach ensures that critical data is protected, and system recovery remains reliable, fortifying our commitment to data integrity and system stability.
Internal Security and Threat Detection:
In addition to managing and automating our systems, WVNET places a strong emphasis on internal security to safeguard against potential threats. We employ a multi-faceted approach that includes the utilization of security assessment tools such as Nessus and OpenVAS. These tools are instrumental in scanning our network and systems for vulnerabilities, ensuring that we identify and address potential weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors.
Nessus is renowned for its comprehensive vulnerability assessment capabilities. It scans our network infrastructure, servers, and applications to pinpoint potential security issues, assess their severity, and provide actionable recommendations for remediation. By regularly conducting Nessus scans, we bolster our proactive stance against vulnerabilities and ensure that our systems remain resilient against emerging threats.
OpenVAS, an open-source vulnerability assessment tool, complements our security strategy. It conducts in-depth scans to identify weaknesses in our systems and applications, providing us with detailed reports and risk scores. These insights allow us to prioritize remediation efforts and continually enhance our security posture.
To further strengthen our security and effectively manage the vast amount of security data generated by our systems, we’ve implemented the Wazuh Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system. Wazuh is instrumental in real-time threat detection, incident response, and security monitoring. It aggregates and analyzes security events, identifies potential threats, and notifies our team of any suspicious activity. By centralizing and automating the analysis of security data, Wazuh helps us respond promptly to security incidents, minimizing potential damage and ensuring the integrity of our systems and data.
Incorporating Nessus, OpenVAS, and Wazuh SIEM into our security framework underscores our commitment to maintaining a robust and proactive internal security infrastructure. By continuously assessing and monitoring our systems for vulnerabilities and threats, we strive to provide our clients with the highest level of protection for their critical data and business operations.
Conclusion:
Preserving the security and accessibility of information with a high level of confidence is paramount to the operational success of our clients’ businesses. Deprived of reliable access to our systems for their data, the cost could extend beyond mere financial implications, impacting their public image as well. Moreover, the assurance of data recovery through our backup systems in times of catastrophe instills confidence that not all is lost during dire situations.
TELECOM UPDATE
Welcome to the WVNET Telecom team Kyle Atkins!
Kyle joined the team after previously working in WVNET’S Network Operations Center (NOC). Kyle is originally from Madison, WV and now lives in Arthurdale, WV. He graduated from West Virginia Junior College with an Associate Degree in Network Administration and Security. Before West Virginia Network, Kyle worked for AT&T. He is married to Samantha, and they have three adopted daughters – Rhi, Nevaeh, and Alexis, one son – Buster, and seven pets – three dogs (Jade, Dexter, and Kane), two cats (Jackson and Oscar), and two pot belly pigs (Dale and Julia).
Useful Cybersecurity Resources
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) works with partners to defend against today’s threats and collaborate to build a more secure and resilient infrastructure for the future. CISA offers cybersecurity essentials for small and local government agencies.
Launched in 1989 as a cooperative for information security thought leadership, and now the world’s largest cybersecurity research and training organization, SANS (SysAdmin, Audit, Network, Security) specializes in helping reduce organizational risk. Check out these helpful resources from SANS on password managers and online security for kids:
This summer hackers are believed to have targeted a wide range of organizations, including federal and state agencies as well as corporate entities by using flaws in popular file-transfer tool MOVEit. These helpful links provide ways organizations can work to protect their identities after the breaches:
