2008 Woodie Awards
New Network Access Control system for students explained
Students question new internet security system
Jessie Cyr
Issue date: 10/8/08 Section: News
From the beginning of the semester, there have been rumors of new computer security measures being implemented by the Saint Rose ITS department, but the nature of these newest security features has been unclear. This new Network Access Control (NAC) system is slowly and quietly being introduced.
To access the internet, students must submit information to ITS then download a program that checks computers for antivirus software and ensures that it has up-to-date antivirus definitions. The program also scans for programs running that are on a banned programs list. Alekseiv Pavlinik from ITS clarified what the client does.
"The client will scan for only the following information, and then delete itself when finished," said Pavlinik. "[It checks for] operating system patch level / service pack level, anti-virus program and definitions date running in memory, [and] any prohibited application as listed on the ITS website."
According to Pavlink, the following information is then reported back to ITS: if the computer passes the policy check, information submitted during registration, i.e. - username, address, phone number, operating system version, antivirus being used and definitions valid or not, and physical address of the network interfaces on the computer.
"This ensures that laptops will only have to register once if you use both your wireless and wired connection," Pavlink said.
However, analysis of the acceptable use policy (available at http://its.strose.edu/ViewArticle.aspx?page_id=128) shows that there are some discrepancies with policies that they have otherwise stated.
"It is the policy of The College of Saint Rose to maintain access for its community to local, national and international sources of information and to provide an atmosphere that encourages the free exchange of ideas and sharing of information," the policy reads. In other terms, students will be provided with an internet connection, though the document goes on to say that the aforementioned internet connection is a privilege and not a right, and that the College reserves the right to limit or restrict the use of technological services on campus.
To access the internet, students must submit information to ITS then download a program that checks computers for antivirus software and ensures that it has up-to-date antivirus definitions. The program also scans for programs running that are on a banned programs list. Alekseiv Pavlinik from ITS clarified what the client does.
"The client will scan for only the following information, and then delete itself when finished," said Pavlinik. "[It checks for] operating system patch level / service pack level, anti-virus program and definitions date running in memory, [and] any prohibited application as listed on the ITS website."
According to Pavlink, the following information is then reported back to ITS: if the computer passes the policy check, information submitted during registration, i.e. - username, address, phone number, operating system version, antivirus being used and definitions valid or not, and physical address of the network interfaces on the computer.
"This ensures that laptops will only have to register once if you use both your wireless and wired connection," Pavlink said.
However, analysis of the acceptable use policy (available at http://its.strose.edu/ViewArticle.aspx?page_id=128) shows that there are some discrepancies with policies that they have otherwise stated.
"It is the policy of The College of Saint Rose to maintain access for its community to local, national and international sources of information and to provide an atmosphere that encourages the free exchange of ideas and sharing of information," the policy reads. In other terms, students will be provided with an internet connection, though the document goes on to say that the aforementioned internet connection is a privilege and not a right, and that the College reserves the right to limit or restrict the use of technological services on campus.
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