Uni initiative to combat computer threats
Source: University of Wolverhampton, November 2006
A major initiative to help organisations combat computer ‘viruses’ that can cost them millions of pounds has been launched by the University of Wolverhampton.
The University’s School of Computing and Information Technology launched its first WARP (Warning, Advice and Reporting Point) network called West Midlands Connects, which will provide early warning of computer vulnerabilities to 38 local authorities in the region. The University will then identify trusted counter measures to problems like viruses and provide solutions as well as acting as a hub to create a trusted community for sharing information.
Wolverhampton hopes to launch a dozen WARPs to cater for particular companies and groups and is keen to hear from small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) who want to link-up to prevent them having costly system malfunctions.
Project Manager, Ken Rabey, who is also a Principal Lecturer at the University’s School of Computing and Information Technology (SCIT), said: “This is a very exciting development with massive potential for the future.
“Companies will benefit greatly from the University’s IT expertise. We will help them protect their systems from viruses and other threats, as well as acting as a hub and sharing information with members within a secure virtual network.”
WARPs are supported by the National Infrastructure Security Coordination Centre, which was set up in 1999 to reduce the threat from electronic attack to organisations that are a critical part of the national infrastructure.
The Network has already received initial funding through grants from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Higher Education Innovation Fund.
Member of Parliament Pat McFaddden joined Vice-Chancellor Professor Caroline Gipps for the official opening at the University’s Wolverhampton City Campus’s new Technology Centre.
For further information about the WARP Network, please contact Tony Proctor – WARP Manager on 01902 321839 or e-mail: Tony.Proctor@necpc.org.uk