Wireless access is available throughout the HSU campus to all students, staff and faculty with a valid HSU User Name and Password. Guest access can be arranged through the Help Desk.

Wireless Requirements

HSU User Name and Password - If you have not activated your HSU account or do not know your HSU User Name and Password, go to the Account Center and follow the on-screen instructions.

Network Card - You must have an 802.11g compatible network card that supports WPA2 encryption (802.11n is recommended).

Network Name - HSUWireless is the broadcast ID. Your device should automatically detect it once you have set it up for wireless connection.

Security Status - Your computer must be up-to-date with OS patches and you must have an approved antivirus product installed. Computer users will also be required to download and install a policy key to ensure that the system stays in compliance with HSU security policy while you're here. Check out the Security Guidelines to learn more about wireless security on campus.

Getting Online

Your computer should automatically detect the HSU network. To complete the process:

1. Connect to the HSUWireless network
2. Open your browser. You should see a login screen.
3. Review the HSU Appropriate Use Policy
4. Enter your HSU User Name and Password. You should see a welcome screen.
5. If you haven't already done so, review the HSU Appropriate Use Policy (really - this is important and will likely prevent you from getting into problems while you're here)
6. Click the link to accept the policy and download the Windows or Mac PolicyKey as appropriate, as well as the PolicyKey Client. Follow the onscreen instructions to register on the network and install the software.

Security Check

Your computer will now be checked to ensure it meets HSU security requirements (as relevant to your operating system):

• Patched and updated operating system
• Up-to-date antivirus from the approved list. HSU also has a campus-wide license for the free use of Sophos Antivirus on personal computers.
• Windows is configured to notify you when new updates are ready to download and install
• Windows firewall enabled
• No network address translation device present
• No peer-to-peer software running
• No proxy setting problems

If your computer passes all these checks, you will be connected to the network. If your computer does not meet one or more of these requirements, you'll see a screen advising you of the problem and how to fix it. For your convenience, we do permit you to connect to the HSU Help Desk to log a ticket and to specific websites that will enable you to download updates to bring your computer into compliance.

Once you're online, check out the guidelines and best practices for appropriate wireless use in the classroom.

Security Issues in Using HSU's Wireless Network

Although HSU endeavors to use the most secure available wireless technology, it is important that you don't take unnecessary risks, so please avoid sending unprotected personal information over HSU's wireless network. While HSU has adopted GMail, which uses SSL encryption, as the campus standard email system, other email systems may not be as secure, and so unsecured SMTP (email) traffic is automatically blocked.

You can usually tell if a web site is using SSL encryption by the presence of a "lock" icon in the lower right-hand corner of the screen; in addition, the address at the top of the screen will have the prefix "https://" instead of the usual "http://". Most banks and other financial institutions, and some commercial sites, will present you with an SSL-protected web page before they accept your login name and password or other sensitive information. But if they don't, please avoid sending such information over the HSU wireless network.

Also for security reasons, certain ports are disabled for wireless access to protect confidential information stored on the network. If for any reason you need for a particular port to be enabled, please contact your local ITC (staff and faculty) or the Help Desk (all).

If you have questions about HSU's network security policy, please contact the HSU Information Security Office at (707) 826-3815.