Deployment of anti-virus software: A case study

The growth of Inter- and intranets and the sharing of software have led to a rise in the transmission of viruses, especially among the PC and MAC platforms. However, maintaining virus protection software and pattern updates for any large organization is a monumental problem, especially when the organization supports multiple platforms and operating systems. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and other National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Centers have had problems maintaining current virus protection software and pattern files, and so NASA asked the JPL Network and Computer Security (NCS) Group to lead an effort to search for a comprehensive solution. This paper puts forward a study, analysis and recommendations concerning anti-virus software solutions, problems encountered and their resolutions. One of the key issues was finding a single-source anti-virus software solution. Selection and deployment of single-source anti-virus software were successful. The lessons learned in the deployment of a software product site-wide may benefit other organizations facing a similar situation.