4/6/12: Remote Technology Helps Improve Security and Customer ...

Keeping up with the constant stream of security threats and patches is a major challenge for all IT support organizations.? Since it?s impossible to visit every desktop and laptop quickly enough to thwart a fast-moving security threat, Tufts recently invested in a new LANDesk module called Patch Management (PM) that allows security patches and software upgrades to be disseminated across the Tufts network.

Tufts has used LANDesk since 2003 for remote support and software management, but during the past year the University changed from holding an individual LANDesk license to acquiring an Academic License Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) program. ?That increased our potential coverage from 4000 to 15,000 computers.? Right now there are 6000 computers in the LANDesk environment,? says UIT Technology Services Manager Jim Moran.? ?Changing to an FTE license is what allowed us to add the patch management module.?

The PM Module permits Tufts IT departments to use the software distribution capability to disseminate the most up-to-date software security releases, making it easier for support personnel to maintain the systems they are responsible for.? It also increases security for Tufts network computers.? ?We identified certain highly vulnerable software, including Adobe products, Flash and Shockwave, Firefox and Google Chrome browsers, and Java. These are frequent targets for viruses and malware and being able to automate the mediation of the security updates is a tremendous benefit for the community,? notes Moran.

UIT is currently helping local support organizations across Tufts? three campuses add more computers to the LANDesk environment.? This effort will not only increase the security of our computing environment, but will also allow for more remote assistance?often decreasing the wait time to resolve technical support issues for our clients.

If you have any questions about LANDesk, contact your FSP or the UIT Client Support Center at (617) 627-3376 or uitsc@tufts.edu.

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