Important Computer Security Reminder for All Marshall University Faculty, Staff and Students:
Marshall University Campus network support will no longer be provided for computers with Microsoft Windows Vista operating system after June 30, 2017.*
This notice is intended Marshall University campus clients who are still using the Windows Vista operating system. Your response is needed because most security experts agree that Windows Vista clients will become sought-after targets for malicious users as a result of Microsoft’s end of support.
Microsoft announced in 2012 that on April 11, 2017 they would no longer provide extended support services for the Windows Vista operating system. According to the Microsoft website, this means that they will no longer provide automatic fixes, updates or online technical assistance:
Windows Vista Support is Ending https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/22882/windows-vista-end-of-support
Marshall University Information Technology announced our end of support of Windows Vista on July 2012. While most campus computer systems have long since been upgraded from Windows Vista, some systems continue to operate on the MUNet without direct support from IT. These include a limited number of systems which are managed at the department level or are student-owned.
Marshall IT is committed to working with campus departments in our shared responsibility to ensure a safe and reliable campus network. Periodically upgrading the operating system and/or replacement of unsupported computer hardware is a necessary part of system ownership; it is also crucial to protecting the security and reliability of the system, the data they contain and the networks to which they are connected. Failure to regularly update puts at risk both that system as well as other systems which share the same network.
Windows Vista Upgrade Resources
- Software – As a reminder, operating system upgrades for all University-owned computers are covered thru client workstation budgeting process. So these computers are eligible to upgrade to Windows 10 or a currently supported OS (Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 SP1). at no additional charge.
- Reimaging – Additionally the IT Service Desk team provides no-charge desktop/laptop reimaging services (using the currently supported operating system and application software) for University-owned computers.
- Hardware – If replacement of a University-owned computer device is preventing your upgrade, please contact the Marshall IT Service desk to confirm when your system is scheduled for lifecycle replacement or if other replacement options need to be considered.
Requesting An Exception for Windows Vista End-of-Life
*Note: The Marshall Office of Information Technology will be working with IT Service Providers and their departments on a case-by-case basis to evaluate requests for Windows Vista clients which are providing business-critical functions for the University. Marshall departments and business units should submit their exception requests in writing/e-mail to the MU Office of Information Security (infosec@marshall.edu ).
Requests must include the following details:
- The reason(s) for requesting the exception. Multiple machines may be listed on a single request.
- The machine host name(s) in question, including the IP address and MAC address of each device.
- Point of contact information (telephone and e-mail) for the department head.
- Point of contact information (telephone and e-mail) for the department IT service provider or individual most familiar with the support of the computer or application requesting an exception.
- The length of time for the requested exception, with a maximum of one year
- The plan for upgrading or retiring the device at the end of the exception period
- The data classification level of each device (see section 3 of “ITG-4 Guidelines for Data Classification“)
- Which of the three device categories does the Windows Vista machine belong:
- Individual Use – no sensitive data accessed or stored
- Privileged use – administrative access to information systems
- Institutional use – stores significant quantities of sensitive data
- Proposed set of compensating controls which has (or can be) implemented for each device (i.e. client can function without any network access; client campus and/or Internet access can be restricted to a specific IP or range of IP addresses)
As always, if you need additional technical assistance please contact
the IT Service Desk, located on the first floor in the Drinko Library, e-mail itservicedesk@marshall.edu or call 304-696-3200.