Win2k Office - Need to disable all Instant Messenger programs

[mucous]

Hello,

I've been instructed to uninstall all instant messaging programs in our organization. I would also like to prevent users from installing them in the future. Is there any way to specifically prevent users from installing these type of applications from now on?
Everyone is using Win2k Pro desktops and we use Win2k Server.

Thanks for any info!

 

[ReddLefty]

You could simply block port 1863 on your firewall and nobody will be able to use MSN Messenger. It's not the solution you are looking for, but the results are just as good. If nobody can use it... the problem will sort itself.



"In space, nobody can hear you click..."

 

[grandpubah]

Good luck! I'm afraid I never found a way to completely rid my network of IM programs. There are so many currently available, using different ports and even java based messaging using port 80. Can't block that on the firewall.

That said, I use a combination of port blocking, web page blocking and group policies which restrict programs from running. I suspect I am only marginally successful.

Jon

 

[minxca]

Hi,
You can try install rougeaware from acronix. It can detect, IM, P2P and give the log file to your boss, or you can buy the full version which can block those app.

 

[skotman]

mviker,
Depending on the firewall you are using you can block hostnames/IPs that messenger programs use to authenticate. They did this at my former employer and it worked well...I was able to get around it by running terminal server at home and remoting in though.

Dlink routers allow this, I'm sure you can setup a rule on a cisco router for this as well.

Scott Heath

http://www.scottspad.com

AIM: orange7288

 

[fraziergs]

Since many IM applications can run on port 80 blocking ports at the firewall never seemed to get the job done for me. Websense (

http://www.websense.com)

enables you to block all instant message traffic.

 

[mucous]

Thanks everyone.

The info you've given is very helpful. It sounds like a combination of your suggestions might be just what the doctor ordered. I'm not to keen on blocking port 80, however The port msn uses shouldn't be an issue and I think I can block AOL's chat server, as well as other specific sites through website filtering. We're using a SonicWall Pro230 firewall that can accomplish both of these. Yahoo shouln''t be a problem either. I'm not too concerned with other java based chat so much as most of the user's buddies used one of the big three.

Thanks again for your help!