UTPA houses an Information Security office that continuously analyzes and assesses information security risk in critical state systems and develops appropriate safeguards and strategies to reduce loss exposure. Related practices include conducting risk analysis and assessment, assessing network and systems vulnerability, and developing and managing strategic and tactical plans. Data recovery is very important to UTPA, as well. In some instances, a failure to recover data may occur. The information may be very important for a particular office to function properly and to offer the best services to its students, for example, a health office or disability services for students. This information is crucial to have, especially if it is on a database and highly confidential. The university has a policy and procedure in place in order to recover information if it was lost or not backed up.

The Information Technology office develops, installs, and monitors information security controls that assure the integrity and availability of University information resources. Related practices may include developing access and data management controls, and assessing the efficiency...

This area also includes anti-virus support services for computers, in order to safe guard and defend against viruses or malicious code. University information is very important and critical, especially as UTPA is providing a service for the students.
In conclusion, UTPA utilizes a much needed service of telecommunications, both on and off of its campus in order to serve the needs of students, faculty, and staff. In addition, with the help of the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund (TIF), UTPA has been able to purchase and provide much needed telecommunications equipment, software, hardware, etc. For the library and the Distance Learning Center for distance learning courses. With the continuation of these types of much needed services, students, faculty and staff will be up-to-date in this rapidly changing technological world.

References

Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOP) (2005). Retrieved June 20, 2005, from UTPA

Web site: http://www.panam.edu/hop/

Information Security Office (2005). Retrieved June 20, 2005, from UTPA Web site:

http://infosecurity.panam.edu/