UNDERWAY | BU website now on-going revamp

Wednesday September 14,2022

To optimize, strengthen, and improve its functions and security, a project to revamp the Bicol University website is currently in progress as proposed by the BU Information and Communication Technology Office (ICTO), through its Director, Dr. Aris J. Ordoñez.

During a virtual meeting with the Communication and Public Relations Office and the private partner for the web design and development service last August 26, 2022, Dr. Ordoñez discussed the website’s vulnerabilities and outdated features.

Hackers deface BU web twice

In November 2016, an infamous cyber-attack on the BU website occurred after the University Student Council released a controversial statement on the late Ferdinand Marcos.

Four years later, at the course of the pandemic last April 2020, the website was hacked once again after the implementation of remote teaching and learning.

Both hacking incidents left a message protesting against the issues. They used the usernames h1j4ck3r, blis5ful, d00mbring3r, and estrang-the-hero.

Next step: revamping

To prevent these incidents from happening, a stronger security for the website will be used. This includes the optimization, cloud hosting, and solutions to avoid website downtime for the revamp. As proposed by the private partner, they will lessen texts, menus, and submenus; optimize the announcement archiving; design a more mobile-friendly view; reorganize department directories, news, and events; improve search functions; and homepage overhaul upgrade.

Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista, Director of CPRO, the overall in charge of the management of the website, suggested to increase the university’s web presence by centralizing and connecting all BU-related sites. The technical aspect of the website was further discussed with Joshua Isaiah M. Codorniz, Web Administrator and Graphic Artist, and Arnold C. Noda, Media Production Specialist I, from CPRO.

A launching activity was also planned to promote the new face of the BU website. | developing story | written by Arnold C. Noda, CPRO