The UC system operates separate computer networks on each of its campuses, said UC spokesperson Mary Spletter. She added that each of the nine schools has a different vulnerability to attack. UC Santa Barbara spokesperson Joan Magruder said university computer systems are a goldmine for hackers. The school s network programmer determined Feb. 8 that one of the university s computers had been used in last week s hacking attack. UC campuses do not install firewalls because it goes against the climate of openness and respect on campus, Magruder said.
All universities are very vulnerable to attack.
Art Coombes, general manager for a Walnut Creek-based Internet company, said there is no excuse for the university not to have protective software. The best firewall software is free, he said. There s no reason why the university doesn t have firewall software. Hackers could appropriate any computer they wish. Coombes said students pose an additional threat to campus servers because they could be potential hackers.