The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is a premier research institution and oasis of knowledge in the heart of the Mojave Desert. With a security team of only four full-time security operations center (SOC) analysts, UNLV needed additional support safeguarding its complex digital environment for its 35,000 students, faculty, and staff.
On Oct.18, UNLV cybersecurity liaisons gained insight into the aftermath of a ransomware attack and learned some new strategies to enhance their own incident response plan. The opportunity was presented to them through the annual cybersecurity liaison event hosted by the Office of Information Technology.
Everyone knows Rakitha Perera (‘20 BS Graphic Design and Media). He’s worked for the Information Technology (IT) team for 18 years and is part of the unofficial UNLV welcome committee. If you don’t know him personally, you know his work. His photos, graphic designs, and videos are up on digital screens around campus, incorporated into classroom technology interfaces, and used frequently on websites and social media posts.
From taking notes in class to applying what they’ve learned to real world scenarios, seven student employees joined UNLV’s Information Security Office (ISO) this past summer to refine what they’ve been learning in their master’s program and continue adding on skills needed for their future careers. The students joined the team starting this May as graduate students pursuing their master’s degree in management information systems (MIS) or computer science and economics.
With just a click, you can now easily install software you need on all IT-managed computers. This quick and convenient feature is a part of the new UNLV Information Technology (IT) self-service tools that help users get IT resources and support.
On July 1, computers managed by IT were automatically upgraded with the Software Center (Windows) or the UNLV IT Support Hub (Mac). Despite these tools having different names, both carry the same self-service functionalities for users.
On the week of June 10, UNLV Information Technology (IT) took some time to enhance their Splunk skills during .conf24, Splunk’s largest learning conference of the year.
Splunk is a log aggregation tool used to analyze system data in order to monitor and respond to potential cyberthreats. By learning more about Splunk, UNLV IT is able to ensure the best security across the university and protect the data of students, faculty, and staff.
Aspiring graphic design and communications professionals from the UNLV Information Technology team attended the National Association of Broadcasters Show to see the latest technology and trends in broadcast, media, and entertainment industries.
On the weekends, you’ll catch Eric Kraft off-roading in his UTV with his family at desert hotspots like Dumont Dunes. His brother-in-law showed him how to tackle tough terrain after a weekend camping trip when Kraft first started off-roading. But the Air Force veteran is no longer a rookie behind the wheel. Instead, he’s confident in the driver’s seat, taking on bigger obstacles outdoors, like he does at work.
Kim Schjang is making sure people have internet access at the SC23 conference. After a successful event last year, the network engineer was invited back to help build and operate one of the world’s fastest volunteer-built networks as part of the Women in IT Networking program.
UNLV students interested in pursuing a technology career talked to IT leaders from the Office of Information Technology (OIT) during the Involvement Fair on Sept. 6 that spanned the Academic Mall, Alumni Amphitheatre, and Pida Plaza.
Kivanc Oner, vice president for digital transformation & chief information officer, and several members of the OIT leadership team connected with students about their interest in IT. They also encouraged students to apply for jobs that are available within the department.