Water Resources Discipline ITAC Activities

ITAC,

Sharing, requested. At the veeeeeeeeeeeery bottom is the link to the page containing the waiver request form. --sm

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Following is the formal guidance from the GIO on the DOI policy prohibiting use of wireless (802.11xx) for USGS business.

Tim Lee is the focal point in my office for requesting an exception to this policy. Tim may be reached via email (tlee@usgs.gov) or at (303) 236-4955. If your office requires wireless technology to conduct USGS business, do not hesitate to contact Tim to discuss submitting a waiver request. We will work with you to ensure your wireless system will meet the security requirements (specified on the web link below) and in completing the waiver request.

Thanks, Cheryl
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Cheryl Morris
Regional Geographic Information Officer
Central Region, USGS
Phone: (303) 202-4774
Fax: (303) 202-4742
cmorris@usgs.gov

----- Forwarded by Cheryl A Morris/DO/USGS/DOI on 05/14/2004 06:17 AM -----

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FYI: This has been posted to the bulletin board.

In Reply Refer To:
Mail Stop 159

MEMORANDUM

May 12, 2004

To: All USGS Employees

From: Karen Siderelis /signed/
Geographic Information Officer

Subject: Prohibition on Use of Wireless 802.11xx Devices

Due to the substantial security risks associated with the use of wireless technology, the Department of the Interior (DOI) expressly prohibits use of any wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) or 802.11xx wireless devices. This memo will clarify which wireless devices employees may use:

ACCEPTABLE:
· Cell phones
· Blackberry Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
· Other PDAs used on a public network cellular service

NOT ACCEPTABLE:
· Any desktop, laptop, or PDA (such as Palm or Pocket PC) with an internal or add-on wireless network interface card using 802.11xx
· Any Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) 802.11xx device
· Any facility constructed or retrofitted with Wi-Fi 802.11xx

If you have a Wi-Fi interface, it must be removed or disabled. Wi-Fi may not be used on any USGS-owned device for any purpose without an approved waiver. Wi-Fi may not be used by anyone in the performance of official USGS duties. This prohibition includes but is not limited to operating a wireless network, using USGS-owned devices to access a Wi-Fi network at home, in an airport, or other "Wi-Fi hot spot" for any purpose including email. Use of a virtual private network (VPN) does not mitigate the security issues associated with Wi-Fi and thus the use of a VPN over a wireless connection is also prohibited.

A limited number of WLAN pilot projects, which must meet the security requirements outlined in DOI’s Wireless Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG), will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Currently, submission of a request for a pilot project is the only DOI approved mechanism to receive a waiver. Instructions for submitting a proposal for a WLAN pilot project can be obtained from your Regional Geographic Information Officer:

Western Region Dru Burks (916) 278 9300
Central Region Cheryl Morris (303) 202 4774
Eastern Region Stephen King (703) 648 4493

The Geographic Information Office has established a web page with information about DOI’s wireless policy, including links to the STIG and a list of Frequently Asked Questions, at: http://internal.usgs.gov/gio/telecom/wireless.html/.

Questions may be directed to Skip Dutrow at 703-648-7017 or rdutrow@usgs.gov.

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Karen C. Siderelis (ksiderelis@usgs.gov)
Geographic Information Officer
U.S. Geological Survey
108 National Center
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Reston, VA 20192
voice: 703-648-5747
fax: 703-648-7031