Enterprise Information Technology Services Press Release
The University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia

Monday, January 23, 2006

WRITER: Bert DeSimone, 706/542-5110, bert@uga.edu
CONTACT: Rayid Tartir, 542-3106, rayid@uga.edu

Office of Information Security enhances security with perimeter worm/virus prevention system

ATHENS, Ga.— Beginning Thursday, January 26, the University of Georgia will start blocking Internet connections that contain viruses and worms at the campus perimeter. Using a device know as an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), all inbound and outbound connections will be automatically dropped if any virus or worm is detected in the data stream.

"We expect this new deployment to improve the general security posture of the University," said Rayid Tartir, an associate director in the Office of Information Security, a division within Enterprise Information Technology Services. Tartir went on to say that the IPS has been in place for some time, but it has only been utilized for detecting malicious activity. Beginning this Thursday, the system will be used to prevent malicious activity.

The introduction of the IPS is one component of the Office of Information Security's "Defense in Depth" philosophy. While the IPS enhances the University's defensive posture, it is one of many layers. Individuals should install, and update, their current virus protection software on their personal computers. UGA faculty, staff, and students can download the latest version of F-Secure, an anti-virus/malware package, from the following Web site:

http://infosec.uga.edu/uds/

"The blocking of attacks will allow us to proactively manage risks to the University's information and information systems rather than to react after the fact when it is too late," said Eddie Hunter, an information security analyst with the Office of Information Security.

The IPS deployment, along with its continued monitoring, is overseen by the Security Operations Center. The SOC, managed by the Office of Information Security, monitors UGA's security systems, services, and devices, as well as the core infrastructure of the UGA network. For more information on the SOC, please see:

http://infosec.uga.edu/soc/

About EITS
Enterprise Information Technology Services (EITS) is committed to providing information technology resources and services in support of the mission of the University of Georgia as articulated in the overarching strategic plan for the University. Under the leadership of the University's Chief Information Officer, EITS executes its mission via eight core initiatives: strategic planning and governance, instructional technology, research computing, client support, information security, outreach and partnerships, business operations and administrative applications, and infrastructure support. For more information, please visit the EITS Web site: www.eits.uga.edu.