IU, Microsoft align for cybersecurity

Microsoft and IU are forming a new partnership that will help make IU’s computer systems safer.\nMicrosoft Corporation and the Research and Education Networking Information Sharing and Analysis Center are forming an alliance that will extend the reach of Microsoft Security Cooperation Program to include colleges and universities.\nAccording to a press release, REN-ISAC is a community for sharing sensitive information regarding cybersecurity threats, incidents, response and protection. The center was established by IU with close cooperation of the Internet2 and EDUCAUSE organizations to help protect the nation’s higher education and research community from cyber attacks, according to the press release. The basic mission of this new alliance is to enhance computer security measures worldwide. \n“The goal of bringing Microsoft in is that it will provide a rich source of information in which we can support REN-ISAC member’s cybersecurity and response,” said Doug Pearson, technical director \nof REN-ISAC. \nThe purpose of the alliance is to have a more consolidated team effort toward protecting computers, according to the REN-ISAC public relations department. The press release states that the agreement will share information regarding computer vulnerabilities, exploits and fixes for bugs and viruses. In addition, it will also provide Microsoft a single point of contact with the REN-ISAC’s growing membership. The membership currently consists of 500 individual members representing nearly 200 \ndifferent institutions.\n“IU established REN-ISAC as a major component of broader efforts to improve information-technology security at colleges, universities and research facilities,” said Mark Bruhn, executive director of REN-ISAC and associate vice president for telecommunications at IU, in a press release. \nHe added the center also facilitates collaboration among higher education, industry and government.\n“Through this partnership, IU will not only become the direct beneficiary of the rich protection and response information shared with the REN-ISAC, but the University will serve as the path for this very important defense information to higher education as a whole,” Bruhn said in a \npress release. \nLead IT security personnel from IU will serve on a Microsoft analysis team, formed by REN-ISAC. REN-ISAC will serve as a conduit for information sharing between the organizations, according to the press release.