The University of Nebraska will block Windows XP access to administrative users of business and student information systems as a security precaution, effective April 8. Access to the Firefly employee portal and MyRed student portal will remain open to Windows XP past April, but users are encouraged to upgrade their computer's operating system to a newer version. The April date coincides with Microsoft's end of support for the twelve year old operating system. The company will no longer provide security updates, leaving the software and its users open to numerous security vulnerabilities.
Anyone attempting to access the SAP Business System (also known as the SAP GUI) or the PeopleSoft Application with a computer running Windows XP after the April date will be redirected to an informational webpage. An announcement of the change is currently posted in Firefly.
The decision was reached by the administration and campus CIOs from a recommendation from the system-wide information security council. "You'll start to see banking, shopping and other online businesses and organizations blocking Windows XP," says Rick Haugerud, Chief Security Officer for UNL. "The number of malware and vulnerabilities skyrocket when an operating system is no longer supported or updated."
Information Technology Services is notifying current XP users accessing the systems as well as working with college and department IT staff to provide guidance in upgrading or replacing aging university-owned computers. The University is also strongly encouraging individuals to upgrade personally-owned computers as well.
"The threats also apply to personally-owned computers at home," adds Haugerud. "If you haven't upgraded your hardware or software, now is an opportune time."
For questions regarding end of support for Windows XP, contact your local SAP service desk or IT support.
For additional questions, contact the Computer Help Center at 472-3970 or Toll Free (866) 472-3970 or email at mysupport@unl.edu.
For details: http://go.unl.edu/xp
— Written by Jon Wilson, ITS