October 28, 2004
To: UCOP Personnel
From: Michael Shannon, Manager, IR&C Communication Services
As part of the IR&C
Security Initiative ( http://www.ucop.edu/irc/services/itsec.html
), Communication Services will begin blocking access from the
UCOP network to certain malicious Web sites. We will block access
to sites that are known to install spyware and/or viruses on computers,
potentially allowing the site owners to gain access to confidential
information stored on or transmitted by the computer.
Whenever possible, we will announce in advance our intent to block
access to specific sites. In some cases, because of the severity of
risk to our network and sensitive data, we will block access immediately
and notify you of our action afterward. We will begin tonight by denying
access to and from a group of Web sites (including comscore.com, marketscore.com,
and twiihosting.net) that have the ability to collect confidential
information from computers.
I understand that denial of access to any Web site may be of concern
to some of you, and I would be happy to discuss this action further
with you. We do not want to be in the position of unduly limiting
employees' ability to conduct University business. However, our intent
is to protect University resources and to prevent any breach of University
or employee sensitive information. Please don't hesitate to contact
me at 987-0371 or Michael.Shannon@ucop.edu
if you have questions.
