Tech Guides :: Connection :: Wireless Access :: Wireless Security
Wireless Security
HSU uses enhanced network security to provide a more secure and reliable environment for everyone on campus. When you register for the wireless network, a Client Security Agent (CSA) will scan your computer, checking to ensure that you have Automatic Updates* (for Windows) enabled and anti-virus software installed. You can get prepared now by configuring your operating system and anti-virus software to perform automatic updates. Don't have anti-virus software? Here is a list of anti-virus software packages that will help protect your computer.
*NOTE: 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.
Changes 11/23/09
On November 23, 2009, some settings are being changed to make wireless registration a little easier. You are still required to have a current operating system and anti-virus software, but rather than having EVERY windows update installed at the time of registration, your Windows computer must be configured to use Automatic 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. It is very important that you allow automatic updates to download and install new patches to keep your computer protected.
What is the scanner doing/changing?
- The CSA collects your HSU User Name, MAC address, and IP address.
- The CSA looks for a current operating system and anti-virus software.
- The CSA enables, if necessary, Windows Automatic Updates to run daily between 7:00 & 9:30 pm.
- The CS enables, if necessary, the windows firewall.
What's Required?
For security reasons, it's always a good idea to keep your system patched and protected. Keeping your operating system current by enabling Automatic Updates* 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?)
- 10.4.9 (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
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:
*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
Windows 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.
Stay Protected
If you've followed the guidelines above, you will have a system that keeps itself updated and protected. As new patches come out, we will update our security requirements. If you ever find that you don't pass the security scan, check to make sure that your system has the most current updates.
Scanning Frequency
The system will require you to register and have your computer scanned at the beginning of each term and after any major Academic breaks (Spring and Thanksgiving). Also, if you haven't connected to the wireless network for 14 days, you will be required to re-regster. A scan and additional security measures may also be initiated if there is a widespread security vulnerability.
Scanning Failure
If your system does not meet one of the requirements, you will be notified on the web page. Your computer will be quarantined, and you will be provided with a web page that will allow you to download required updates or anti-virus software for your computer.
