ITS Central WINS server scheduled for June decommissioning

June 10, 2021

Summary

ITS is decommissioning their central Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS) servers.

  • Starting Wednesday, June 16, and continuing through June 23, ITS will remove access to their centrally managed WINS servers by network segment areas.
  • This work may impact systems and devices depending on configuration and accessed connection. Please see the details below.
  • Testing and pilot were completed with no impact.

Details

ITS is taking another critical step to reduce security and operational vulnerabilities by eliminating their WINS servers, a legacy name resolution technology that Domain Name System (DNS) replaced over 20 years ago. The use of WINS servers increases the University’s risk for potential cyber-attacks.

  • Removal of the ITS central WINS servers may impact some systems or devices. Reference KB0025456 for further information. Please note you may need to log in to CAS to view.
  • Impacted network segment areas include:
    • AnyConnect
    • Central Campus
    • Health Campuses (School of Medicine, School of Public Health, School of Nursing, 2 Science Park, and Yale
    • Health Center at 55 Lock Street)  
    • Public Safety
    • ScienceNet/Hill
    • West Campus
  • This work will not impact WINS servers not centrally managed by ITS and devices not configured to use WINS.

Need help?

For assistance, please contact the ITS Help Desk at 203-432-9000 or visit our website to view answers to trending questions, search how-to articles, start a chat, or report a problem.

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