nanog mailing list archives

Re: Is there anything that actually gets users to fix their computers?


From: "Michael Painter" <tvhawaii () shaka com>
Date: Thu, 9 Oct 2003 15:26:59 -1000


http://www.wired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,60613,00.html

"When students first register on the network, they are required to read about peer-to-peer networks and certify that 
they will not
share copyright files. Icarus then scans their computer, detects any worms, viruses or programs that act as a server, 
such as Kazaa.
Students are then given instructions on how to disable offending programs."

Kinda' does some of what you want done? <s>


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Sean Donelan" <sean () donelan com>
To: <nanog () merit edu>
Sent: Thursday, October 02, 2003 10:12 PM
Subject: Is there anything that actually gets users to fix their computers?



Short of turning off their network access, why won't users fix
their computers when the computer is infected or needs a patch?


The University of Massachusetts posted bulletins, sent an email to
all incoming students, included an alert when they connected.
Nevertheless, almost three months after Microsoft released the
critical patch and almost two months after the first Blaster worm
was released over 1,600 students failed to patched their computers.

Eventually, the University started shutting off network access for the
students and charging $3 for the CD with the patch and $25/hour for
support to clean the student's computers.

http://www.dailycollegian.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2003/10/03/3f7cfeb12c8c2
  "Some students told the staff that they thought the University gave
  their systems a virus. "By no means was this a UMass internet problem,"
  said Fairey. "People were probably infected before they got to campus."
  One student threatened to sue OIT, arguing that the offices did not
  have the right to turn off her port. "We have policies that clearly
  state our right to shut off systems," mentioned Fairey. "It's not
  something that we want to do. It's a nightmare."



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