ATHENS, Ohio -- CTX Corporation recently donated the computer software program NetWitness(TM), valued at $60,000, to the J. Warren McClure School of Communication Systems Management in Ohio University's College of Communication. The gift-in-kind is part of the university's Bicentennial Campaign.
NetWitness(TM) helps to protect computer-networking systems against "insider threat" -- the fraud, theft and abuse of computers by trusted insiders. According to the International Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, employee fraud and theft causes $600 billion in economic damage each year. The School of Communication Systems Management will use the software exclusively as a research and teaching tool.
"One of the large challenges in teaching voice and data networks as a discipline is how quickly technology evolves," said Andrew Snow, director of the School of Communication Systems Management. "We want to keep our students current, but it is often difficult to get all of the latest tools available. NetWitness(TM) represents a cutting edge tool that will help us increase teaching effectiveness and active learning for our students."
CTX Vice President Mark Longworth sees the donation as a benefit to both his company and to Ohio University's communication systems management students.
"Privacy is definitely an issue, but it's being debated lightly right now," Longworth says. "We're trying to raise awareness of this new security tool, and we look to research centers, such as the J. Warren McClure School of Communication Systems Management, to validate the need for products such as NetWitness(TM). This program not only teaches and promotes technology, but it also deals with policy and management, the same issues addressed by NetWitness(TM). Ohio University's program is unique in that it incorporates human factors and technology studies."
Longworth conducted an hour-long seminar about the software program and its capabilities after presenting the donation to College of Communication Dean Kathy Krendl.
"This gift from CTX Corporation will support the school's traditional emphasis on active learning and the type of infrastructure necessary for external funding activities," Krendl said.
The Bicentennial Campaign has raised more than $150 million toward its goal of raising $200 million in time for the university's bicentennial in 2004. The campaign will provide resources for scholarships, endowed faculty positions, technological enhancements, innovative programs and selected capital improvements. To learn more about making a gift to the Bicentennial Campaign, call 1-800-592-FUND or visit http://www.ohiou.edu/campaign/giving.html.
