Informational Technology Services has implemented a new anti-spyware program for all of its on-campus network users.

The program is part of an ongoing process to protect users from spyware, an increasing problem at UTM that amounts to about 80 percent of Help Desk calls. Spyware, along with other malicious programs and ad-aware, is being installed on computers, increasing the risk of the users’ passwords, financial information and sensitive information being used without the users’ knowledge. Additionally, these programs can cause operational problems, such as decreased speed and computer malfunctions.

The program is administered from a national company that determines the threat of Internet Web sites. Each hour, the program is updated with known spyware Web sites. If the Web site is determined to have spyware, then it will be blocked. If the user encounters a blocked Web site that is believed to be safe, then he or she is asked to call the Help Desk at 7900 or click the “Spyware Website Request Form” link to fill out a form that will be e-mailed to the Help Desk. The requests will not automatically allow access to the Web site because it must first be found spyware-free.

Students’ feelings about the program are mixed. “The new program makes it difficult for me to do my homework, especially when I’ve encountered a safe site that I need to access. On the other hand, I’m happy that my computer is protected from spyware,” said Matilda Holt, a junior Social Work major from Cypress Inn, Tenn.

Students do agree that their computers are better protected, but Internet use has become tougher. Ryan Williams, a sophomore Communications major from Memphis, said, “I’m happy that it is stopping a lot of viruses, but unhappy that it is blocking a lot of websites. It is making it more difficult to use the Internet.”

IT Services stresses that the program is not being used as a censorship program. “The new anti-spyware program has been implemented only to protect students and to protect students’ information. In no way is this program meant to block the content of a website,” said Shannon Burgin, director of IT Services.

Users are asked to be patient with the new program and to work with IT Services. Information about the program is posted at http://security.utm.edu and the page will continue to be updated with new information for users. Users can contact the Help Desk with any additional questions or concerns.