What are you looking for?

The Client Security Agent (CSA) will scan your computer, looking for the following things:

• An up-to-date operating system
• Operating system patches
• Anti-virus software (with up-to-date patches)

What information are you collecting?

• Operating dystem
• Operating dystem patch level
• Anti-virus software
• HSU User Name
• MAC Address

Are you looking at my personal files?

No. The CSA is only looking at what operating system, patches, and anti-virus software you have. It also gathers your HSU User Name and MAC address so we know that you are already registered the next time you try to connect.

What are you changing?

The CSA file is downloaded to your computer. If Windows Updates is not enabled, the CSA will enable it for you. Once you register successfully, the file is deleted.   

How often will I get scanned?

You will be required to register and have your computer scanned at the beginning of each term and after any major Academic breaks (Spring and Thanksgiving). A scan may also be initiated if there is a widespread security vulnerability.

What happens if I fail the scan?

If your system does not meet one of the requirements, you will be notified via a web page. Your computer will be quarantined, and you will be directed to a web page that will allow you to download the required updates or anti-virus software for your computer. Once you have updated your system or installed required software, reboot your computer and re-run the CSA.

I've passed the scan, but I end up at the registration web page. What do I do?

It takes 30-60 seconds after you get a "success" message for your computer to be able to access the network. If you have waited and still can't connect to the Internet, reboot your computer. If you still can't connect, visit the Technology Help Desk in Library 120.

What's required?

For security reasons, it's always a good idea to keep your system patched and protected. Keeping your operating system current and protected by anti-virus software will help protect you both on campus and off.

A Current Operating System

In order to pass the security scan, you will be required to have one of the following operating systems (minimum Service Packs or Patch Levels are also indicated):

Windows*(How can I tell?)

• 2000 (SP 4)
• 2003 Server (SP 2)
• 2008 Server (SP 2)
• XP (SP 3)
• Vista (SP 2)
• Windows 7

* Newly released Windows Service Packs will become required after 3 months.

Macintosh**(How can I tell?)

• 10.4.0 (Tiger)
• 10.5.6 (Leopard)
• 10.6.0 (Snow Leopard)

** OS X patch level must be within 3 recent releases (e.g., if the highest patch level for OS X 10.4 is 10.4.11, you could have 10.4.9, 10.4.10, or 10.4.11).

Linux

• All Distributions

Handheld Devices

• All models with wireless capabilities

Current Patches

Make sure that your operating system has received the most recent software patches. Windows (XP, Vista, 7) must be configured to install Windows Updates*. Please select a time when your computer will be powered on and connected to the Internet. If your system isn't configured to update automatically, here are some links that will help you get going:

• Microsoft (Windows) Updates
• Mac OS X Software Updates

*If your Windows system isn't configured to run Automatic Updates, the CSA will make that setting for you on your computer. It will be configured to download and install updates between 7:00 & 9:30 pm.

Current Anti-Virus Software

Users will also be required to have anti-virus software installed. We've compiled a list of anti-virus software packages that work with our system. Most are configured to download updates automatically. Check to ensure that you have the most up to date anti-virus definitions.

How can I stay protected?

Make sure that your Operating System has received the most recent software patches. If your system isn't configured to update automatically, here are some links that will help you get going:

• Microsoft (Windows) Updates
• Mac OS X Software Updates

Make sure that your anti-virus software gets virus definitions automatically. See your software's "Help" files for instructions on how to do this.