Dealing with Network Politics and Insecure Users?

Rob asks: "I work at a large university as an IT support person for one of the college's Novell networks, and I frequently find that my hands are tied on security issues--highly paid, highly respected professors do not like to see the words 'Access Denied', not even on their secretaries' screens. They routinely share their passwords, leave their machines unlocked, and go weeks on end without rebooting. They demand Administrator access on their local machines. They demand Internet Explorer have minimal security (but it's our fault when they get a piece of spyware). So, Slashdot community, I ask you this: how do you limit a user's access without making it look like you're limiting their access?"

Comments

Dupe them

[Bin_jammin]

Tell them they're getting a mandatory system upgrade, then put them in Kiosk mode, give them access to email, whatever office apps they have, and whatever other critical functions they need. If they ask for more, tell them it's been obsoleted. After all, they've got tenure, they're smart, right?

Re:Dear Slashdot,

[frankm_slashdot]

I've managed to maintain good karma thus far but i think id like to reply to this anyway and risk the down modding..

Dear CluelessAdmin,
If you would like to ask questions to the slashdot readership, please utilize the "Submit Story" link on the left hand side of your page.

It is disrespectful to ask unrelated questions in other peoples threads.

Thank you,
- Frank J. Mattia

Here

[KDan]

is the ultimate guide.

Enjoy!

Daniel

give them "Administrator"

[QuietRiot]

Rename Administrator "toor" and create an account "Administrator" with more then they have, but not all, permissions.

Give up.

[Neck_of_the_Woods]

Just give up, and fix it when it breaks. Go Back to playing World of Warcraft in the corner cube where no one can see your screen.

Hate to break you away from the 23rd level warrior.

--honestly--> Your boss's problem, not yours.