Embry-Riddle Bolsters Security for Sensitive Data

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is beefing up its data security with a new identity management system designed to centralize and automate security processes across multiple systems. The university worked with security service provider Mycroft to develop and deploy its security strategy based around Oracle tools, including the Identity and Access Management Suite.

Embry-Riddle, with its main campuses in Arizona and Florida, has completed the first phase of the deployment, according to information released by Oracle this week. The deployment of the Oracle Identity Manager, a component of the Oracle Identity and Access Management Suite, took less than seven months to complete.

The university is using the software to automate access controls and management around its "sensitive data and applications," which include Microsoft Exchange, a Datatel student information system, and the Oracle E-Business Suite. "The university is using Oracle Identity Manager to provision to multiple LDAP directories, including Microsoft Active Directory, Novell eDirectory and Oracle Internet Directory," according to Oracle. "Additionally, Oracle Identity Manager enabled the university to create a single identity for all users and to more rapidly and automatically provision and deprovision access privileges and requirements as an individual's role changes."

These processes had previously been handled manually.

In the next phase of the deployment, Embry-Riddle will roll out Oracle Access Manager, which provides a centralized system for managing secure access to data across multiple systems.

"As a university, data security and privacy are of paramount concern to us," said Cindy Bixler, CIO at Embry-Riddle.  "With its hot-pluggable architecture, Oracle Identity and Access Management Suite has delivered both business and IT benefits by allowing us to automate and centralize our security processes across heterogeneous systems, while enhancing overall security and improving the user experience for our internal and external constituents."

Embry-Riddle serves about 34,000 undergraduate and graduate students annually on its two main campuses, through online education programs, and in 130 education centers around the world. The university specializes in aviation and aerospace but offers degree programs in other fields as well.

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About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


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