It has become increasingly easy to network computers in large numbers to perform high-speed data transfers. Gainesville State College, like many organizations, is using its computer network and the Internet to widen its reach across the globe. This makes the College highly susceptible to outside interference. As a result, data security becomes a high priority. The important factors that contribute to the need for information security are:

• Increasing dependence on the Internet has potentially exposed the campus data to numerous security threats.

• The growth of networks has made information available to more people.

• Reliability and access of campus data needs to be maintained.

• Increase in cross network connectivity between the campuses and the University System has exposed networks to the outside world.