AntiSpam Project Update

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Anti-Spam Project Update

• Tracy S. Holt
• ITU Projects Briefing
• March 12, 2004

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What is SPAM?

• Spam is unsolicited, commercial, bulk e-mail
• Spammers typically try to bypass network blocks
• Spammers try to avoid paying for service

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What is George Mason doing?

• Currently
• Limited blocking of known spam sites, based on
  reports to the abuse address or observances by
  staff
• Some client based support

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The SPAM Impact

• System Performance (delivery time)
• 60 of incoming mail is spam
• Spam must also be checked for viruses
• Disk Storage
• Time

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March 2003 February 2004
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Network Based Solutions

• Appliance Based
• Server Based (software solution)
• Standalone
• SunOne Messaging Server
• Out-Sourced

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General Requirements

• Be available to all users (web included)
• No client installation required
• Customizable (some people may want to receive
  these mailings)
• Server Based Quarantine (Required)
• Minimize Administration Support

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Vendor Requirements

• Established Hardware/Software Platform
• Established E-Mail Spam History
• 24/7 Hardware Software Support
• Provide Installation Training
• State Contract Vehicle (U.S. Communities)
• Onsite Demonstration Evaluation

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Currently

• Partnering with GTSI
• Review Requirements
• Survey of Vendors
• GMU Contacts
• Security Team Recommendations
• Assist with Contract Details
• Coordinate Technology Day

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Technology Day

• Interested vendors will be invited to campus to
  make a presentation on their solution. Vendors
  will have a finite amount of time and will be
  required to present the same information in the
  pre-determined order.
• Technology Day is being planned for March.

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Timeline

• Product Review Eval March April 04
• Selection Acquisition May June 04
• Installation, Configuration, Testing, Publicity
  June July 04
• Implementation August 04

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Evaluation Process

• Feedback from Technology Day
• Technical Staff Evaluation
• Functionality
• Performance
• End-User Evaluation
• Pricing
• Goal Compare 1 to 3 Solutions
• Process Participants TBD

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Questions?
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Method of Operation

• Message arrives at the gateway
• Spam Score Calculated
• Below limit pass through
• Sender on Recipients white list pass through
• Above limit quarantine
• Message passed to Webshield virus scan
• Virus Found discard
• Clean Pass through
• Message passed to Mail Store

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Quarantine

• Separate from the user inbox and folders
• Would not count against quota
• Maximum time for stay in quarantine
• Users can transfer mail from quarantine to inbox
• Web Accessible
• Optional summary of items in quarantine
• Will not be backed up except for disaster recovery

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Questions?