04/21/99: Authentication Project Beta Testers Needed
UCLA is currently developing a new set of services that will support accessing restricted web sites using digital certificates. Based on Public Key encryption technology, digital certificates are electronic credentials that eliminate the need to use logon IDs and passwords when accessing web pages that require identification. Currently, sites that require identification at UCLA, such as my.UCLA or online class web sites, use either the 9 digit UCLA ID with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) or they use a Bruin OnLine ID with a password. To access different sites, it is necessary to manually key in the ID and password to each site. In the future, digital certificates will be stored in each person's web browser and will be automatically presented to web sites by the browser whenever they are required. Not only are they more convenient to use, they are also more secure since they are based on digital encryption technology. We expect certificates to gradually replace logon IDs and passwords for web access over the next few years.
How would you like to be one of the first at UCLA to test digital certificates? We are looking for a few faculty, staff and students who are willing to acquire a digital certificate and use it with a few online services and provide feedback that can help us develop a production service for the campus. Testing will begin April 21 using experimental versions of two major web applications:
- MELVYL, the UC-wide Library application.
- my.UCLA, the College of Letters and Sciences student information system.
Certificates will be particularly useful to MELVYL web users who access it through off campus non-UCLA Internet Services providers (non Bruin OnLine service providers). With a digital certificate, you will be able to reach MELVYL through an Internet Service provider of your choice.
Testers will be provided with online documentation describing the process; technical support will be available through the Bruin OnLine Help Desk. You will also be asked to complete a follow-up survey to provide us with feedback on your experience.
If you are interested in participating in this test, please register at https://rootca1.ucla.edu/.
For questions or technical difficulties using your digital certificates, please contact the Bruin OnLine Help Desk at (310) 825-7452, Option 1.
More information and technical details about the Campus-wide Authentication Project can be found at: http://www.ais.ucla.edu/auth/.