NACS is always looking for new ways to protect users on UCInet from network-based attacks. One upcoming strategy is to deny inbound connections to campus computers except the ones that have been approved in advance by faculty and staff. This will protect most campus systems from unauthorized access while preserving off-campus connectivity wherever it is needed.
The process of allowing authorizing specific off-campus connections is called “server registration” although it is not limited to servers in the traditional sense. If you own or manage one of the relatively few computers that needs to accept network connections from off campus, you can specify what kind of access is needed on the server registration form: http://www.nacs.uci.edu/network/servers/registration.php .
The form offers a simplified process for common situations, such as remote access (SSH & Remote Desktop Protocol), or systems that really are servers and are already protected by firewalls. If you manage a large number of systems, you can register them as a group by email request to security@uci.edu .
A more complete description of this service, and frequently asked questions can be found at: http://www.nacs.uci.edu/network/servers/ .