Safe-Connect Network Access Control
Topics
What is Safe-Connect and why is it being used?
Safe-Connect is a network access control technology the college is using so it can provide wireless network services that comply with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustee policy. Board of Trustee policy currently has two primary requirements:
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specific network behavior must be attributable with an individual,
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devices on the network must be configured to prevent abuse.
Safe-Connect will allow the campus to comply with the first requirement by requiring users to authenticate with a username and password before allowing them to use wireless network services. When you authenticate, the system records which network address you were assigned and how long you used it. That combination of data allows the campus to associate questionable network behavior with a specific user account and the person to whom that account was issued. Your username and password are your keys to the network, don't share them with anyone. You are responsible for all acts performed using your account. If you are concerned that someone may be able to use your account change your password immediately.
Safe-Connect can currently only enforce the configuration requirement on systems running the Microsoft Windows operating system. Client applications are being created for other operating systems. When those clients are available the campus will require their use too.
Please refer to the frequently asked questions page for answers to some specific questions. If you have remaining questions after reviewing the information provided, please use the Student technical help web form to send your question to the technical support staff.
What do I need to do?
First and foremost, you must know your I-net username and password. Your password should be kept secret. Do not ever write it down or share it with anyone.
Secondly, only if your device is running a Microsoft Windows operating system you will also need to:
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know if your computer has a personal firewall turned on and add PolicyKey.exe to the exception list
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turn on the Microsoft Windows automatic update service,
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have an updated anti-virus application,
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have the Safe-Connect client application installed and running.
How do I turn on Microsoft Windows Automatic Update?
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Open the Security Center control panel (Start --> Control Panels --> Security Center)
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Click “Automatic Updates”
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Ensure "Automatic" is selected
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Click the OK button to save the settings
Which anti-virus programs will Safe-Connect recognize?
As of March 2007, Safe-Connect is able to recognize and verify the following anti-virus applications are installed, updated, and operating. Other anti-virus program are added routinely. If your anti-virus program isn't listed check with the technical staff in the Computer Lab if your program is recognized.
It is critical that you have only one antivirus program installed on your computer. Having multiple anti-virus programs installed will result in false readings and prevent you from using the wireless network service.
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McAfee |
Symantec |
There are many antivirus products available. Some are free and some require subscription fees for continued protection. Many computers come with trial versions of subscription based anti-virus products. If your trial period ends and you do not subscribe and pay the subscription fee you will not receive future updates, your computer will not be protected, and Safe-Connect will not allow your computer to use the wireless network service.
AVG is a free anti-virus application used by many of the employees in the Technology Services department of the college. AVG is available for a free download. If the link above doesn't work you can Google "AVG" to get the current download URL. Another free anti-virus program is Avast.
How do I get and install the Safe-Connect client?
If your computer is NOT running Microsoft Windows you do NOT need to download and install the policy key application.
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Read all of these instructions first.
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Click the link below to download the application.
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When prompted to either run or save the file, click the "Run" button.
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Ignore the warning that the publisher could not be verified and click the "Run" button.
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After the installer downloads it will run.
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Follow the prompts presented by the installer to proceed through the installation process. You can expect to click an "Install" button to start the installation process and a "Finish" button when the installation has completed successfully.
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The PolicyKey.exe application will be running as a background process and will start automatically each time you start up your computer.
Download and install the Safe-Connect client (3.3MB)
Need help?
Ask the employees in the Computer Lab. Some of the student employees may not be able to help you. They should be able to contact one of the professional staff in the Computer Lab or the Technology Services department, if needed.
