McAfee, Inc. Experts Challenge RIT Students to Build and Defend Computer Networks

SANTA CLARA, Calif., April 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- McAfee, Inc. , the global leader in Intrusion Prevention and Security Risk Management, and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) today announced an intense computer security competition, "Build and Defend Your Digital Fortress." The competition is designed to challenge students from RIT's B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences to build and defend secure computer networks from a set of simulated attacks posed by McAfee(R) engineers. The contest begins on Thursday, April 27, and runs through Friday, April 28.

Identity theft is a $3.2 billion Dollar problem in this country, according to a recent study by the U. S. Justice Department. Considered the largest growing crime in the digital age, anyone is vulnerable. In an effort to prepare the next generation of computer crime fighters against identity theft, Rochester Institute of Technology has teamed up with McAfee to expose students to real-life computer security threats. As part of the competition, student teams will be required to design, test, build, defend and perform a forensic analysis on computer network systems.

In the first phase of the competition, students will be given a list of customer requirements. They will then implement McAfee's intrusion prevention (IPS) appliances and software, and once their designs are complete, McAfee will run tests on the students' network and systems to determine deficiencies, vulnerabilities, patch levels and general health.

The second portion of the contest will involve the students preparing their networks against a set of simulated attacks from McAfee engineers. The attacks will consist of internal and external threats. In the final phase of the competition, the students will perform a forensic analysis to assess damage to their systems and a winning team will be determined.

Brian Kenyon, Foundstone Security Evangelist for McAfee Inc., will give a keynote address at noon on Friday, April 28, in the Golisano College auditorium. Kenyon's lecture, which is free and open to the public, will focus on current and future computer security threats and what individuals can do to protect themselves. Kenyon is the lead author of the book Security Sage's Guide to Hardening the Network Infrastructure.

Last year, McAfee donated more than $1 million in next-generation intrusion prevention technology to the Golisano College to launch the college's master's program in computer security and information assurance. McAfee solutions have been integrated into several curricula, including the computer system security course, in which undergraduate students must attack and attempt to infiltrate other students' computer systems.

About RIT

RIT's B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, the largest comprehensive computing college in the nation, was created in 2001 with a $14 million gift from B. Thomas Golisano, founder and chairman of Paychex Inc.

The Golisano College offers a Ph.D. program in computing and information sciences. At the graduate level, programs are offered in computer science, information technology, software development and management, computer security and information assurance, and learning and knowledge management systems as well as undergraduate degree programs in computer science, information technology, applied network and system administration, software engineering, new media and medical informatics.

The Golisano College is home to the Center for Advancing the Study of Cyberinfrastructure, located in the university's Laboratory for Applied Computing building, which partners with industry and other research organizations in the advancement of computing technology in support of scientific discovery and product development, and to foster technology commercialization.

Founded in 1829, RIT is internationally recognized as a leader in computing, engineering, imaging technology, fine and applied arts, and education for the deaf. RIT enrolls 15,300 students in more than 340 undergraduate and graduate programs.

About McAfee, Inc.

McAfee Inc., headquartered in Santa Clara, California and the global leader in Intrusion Prevention and Security Risk Management, delivers proactive and proven solutions and services that secure systems and networks around the world. With its unmatched security expertise and commitment to innovation, McAfee empowers home users, businesses, the public sector, and service providers with the ability to block attacks, prevent disruptions, and continuously track and improve their security. http://www.mcafee.com/

NOTE: McAfee is a registered trademark of McAfee, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. McAfee Red in connection with security is distinctive of McAfee brand products. All other registered and unregistered trademarks herein are the sole property of their respective owners.