Network Validation Process

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do I have to go through this Network Access Procedure?

A: ResNet is making every effort to make your network experience productive and secure. This will assist us in protecting the network resources and reduce excessive downtime and cleanup costs due to virus outbreaks and vulnerabilities.

There have been situations In the past, students, often through no fault of their own, have not been able to access the Internet/network due to computer virus infections and Operating System vulnerabilities. After investigation of these problems, it was determined that the best way to prevent frequent down time from occurring is to ensure that virus software and Operating System critical update/patches are current and maintained on all computers before they are allowed to access the network.

Q: Am I required to install any software on my computer?

A: All Microsoft Windows computers are required to install the Clean Access Agent before they can connect to the residential network. You will also be required to use an AntiVirus application and install Microsoft critical Operating System patches and updates. If you don't currently own AntiVirus software, VCU provides Sophos AntiVirus free of charge for all Windows XP, Windows 2000 and Windows Vista users.

Q: Can I use any web browser to run Windows Updates?

A: No. Microsoft Windows Updates requires the use of Internet Explorer. Other browsers such as Mozilla Firefox or Opera will not work with Windows Updates. If you use any browser other than Internet Explorer, you must go to Start>Run> and type wupdmgr.exe. This will launch Windows Updates in Internet Explorer.

Q: What is the Clean Access Agent?

A: Clean Access Agent is the client application that can check certain security settings on any Microsoft Windows PC to make sure that the system is up-to-date with required security patches, and it reports this status to the Clean Access Server. No information about the user or the content of user files is sent to the server. Each user must use Clean Access Agent for his/her Microsoft Windows PC in order to authenticate and use the residential network.

Q: How often will I have to login?

A: At the present time, we see no need to login after a few hours. We have set the login time to a full week, and will typically only need to login on Monday when all machines will be required to re-validate. You will also be logged out if you turn off or log off your computer. A few machines will be removed from the validation list if we have information that they are compromised or misconfigured.

Q: What is the difference between "authenticating" and "validating"?

A: Authenticating is the process of verifying your access to the network by confirming your VCU eID and password and associating it with your computer. Validating is the process of confirming that certain security measures are in place on your computer. When you login using the Clean Access Agent, you first authenticate your VCU eID username and password, then the agent validates your system state.

Q: How will I know when my login session expires?

A: The software will proactively notify you that your network connection will timeout shortly. Also, you will know that your login has expired when your browser redirects you to the login page. If you choose “logout” from Clean Access Agent or your browser, you expire your login session. Other indications that your network connection has been terminated are:

  • Email may fail to send or receive.
  • Instant messaging fails or suddenly stops working.
  • File downloads may suddenly stop
  • Browser may be redirected to login page.

Q: How do I tell if I am already logged in?

A: The best way is to attempt to connect to an Internet site. In most cases, if you are ABLE to access a site such as www.google.com, you are online and logged in.

Q: How do I tell if I am Quarantined/Unauthenticated?

A: The best way is to attempt to connect to an Internet site. In most cases, if you are UNABLE to access an external site, such as www.google.com, you are UNauthenticated or might be Quarantined (the Clean Access Agent should indicate this status).

Q: I use a personal firewall; will this cause a problem?

A: Usually there is no problem. In most cases, a personal firewall will work fine. Depending upon the firewall product, you will receive several pop-up windows requesting “ok to proceed”. Some of the personal firewalls are:

  • Windows XP
  • Sophos
  • BlackIce
  • Zone Alarm
  • Sygate
 

701 W. Broad St., Box 843059
Richmond, VA 23284
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