After a summer full of computer security threats, Information and Educational Technology (IET) began scanning all computers connected to the campus network to determine which individual systems might be at risk.

Previous Issue Virus Be GONE The Attack of the Worms A Decade of Computer Security UC Davis Computer and Network Security About the Welchia Worm About the Windows RPC Vulnerability

Specifically, the scanning looked for the presence of the Welchia worm and a Windows Remote Procedure Call (RPC) vulnerability, which could allow attackers to gain control of individual computer systems and damage the campus network. Users of infected or vulnerable computers were automatically notified and referred to a Web page where repair resources and patches were waiting for them. Within a month’s time, the number of Welchia-infected systems and RPC-vulnerable systems were greatly reduced (see graph, above).

Due to the effectiveness of scanning, this method will likely be used in the future to minimize the risks of viruses and other security threats. For more info on computer security and viruses, visit http://security.ucdavis.edu.