Information Technology

NAC is network access control, and it is used to mitigate risks inherent in improperly protected computers. It also provides a mechanism of login, which is necessary to comply with regulatory requirements.

Why does the university use NAC?

Taking advantage of unpatched computers is one of the most commonly used methods for spreading malware. This presents a risk not only to the individual computer user, but to others through the network. Using tools to help identify these issues is another step in minimizing these risks.

Do I have to use the policy key?

Generally yes. All Microsoft Windows PCs (2000, XP, Vista and 7) and Macintosh OS X (10.4, 10.5 and 10.6) are required to use the policy key in order to maintain network access.

How do I set it up?

Plug into a wired port in your residence hall room, or connect to the wireless campus network.
Open your internet browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc).
Within a minute or so you will be prompted to log in.
Authenticate to the network using your ValpoNet username and password.
Click on the link to acknowledge acceptance of university policy and install the policy key.
A few seconds after the installation is complete, you will receive a web page informing you of any steps required to ensure your system's security.
After finishing any steps to secure your system, reboot your computer.
After rebooting, restart your web browser.
Authenticate to the network one more time using your ValpoNet username and password.
You will now be free to access the network.

What happens if I uninstall the policy key?

You can uninstall the policy key at any time. However, within minutes you will no longer be able to access the internet. You will be required to reinstall the policy key as if you are a new user in order to regain access.

How do I know the policy key is running?

On Windows, you can right-click any blank space on the task bar at the bottom of your screen and select the option "Task Manager." When the Windows Task Manager appears, click the "Processes" tab, then "Show Processes from All Users" and look for the process "SCClient.exe" and "scManager.sys."

On Macintosh machines, open the Activity Monitor, click "Show All Processes" and look for "SafeConnect" and "scManagerD."

What does the policy key actually do?

The policy key continuously validates that your system has the minimum security software running and up-to-date. It will provide occasional warnings when certain conditions occur, such as antivirus definitions becoming outdated or Windows update or AV protection being disabled.

What antivirus software do I need?

The following AV clients are currently supported. If yours is not on this list, please contact the IT Help Desk at it.helpdesk@valpo.edu or 219.464.5678 for assistance.

NOTE: As a rule of thumb, only install a single AV client, as system problems may otherwise arise.

Microsoft Windows:

Authentium
Avast
AVG
AVGuard (includes Avira)
Bitdefender
EZ Antivirus
F-Secure
Kaspersky
Malwarebytes
McAfee
Microsoft OneCare (Forefront and Security Essentials)
NOD 32
Panda
Sophos
SpySweeper AV
Symantec/Norton
TrendMicro
Vipre
Zone-Alarm

Apple Macintosh:

Avast
Intego
Kasperksy
McAfee
Norton/Symantec
Sophos
TrendMicro

What are the benefits?

The policy key is part of an effort to help you keep your computers free from viruses, spyware, and operating system security vulnerabilities. Machines protected in this way generally perform better and are less likely to experience downtime due to damage caused by malicious software.

What about my privacy?

Your privacy is very important to us. The policy key scans only for Windows update services compliance, anti-virus and anti-spyware status. No user data is collected or stored.

When I run Windows Update Services, I get a message stating that the product key used to install Windows is invalid. Why?

Windows Update will fail if your Windows operating system is not properly licensed. You must have a legal copy of the operating system to connect to the university network. Please contact Microsoft or your PC manufacturer with questions.

What about my game console, smart phone, dvr, etc?

If your device has a built-in web browser, you may have to login prior to each use. Other types of devices should connect and pass traffic without any additional steps. If you experience problems, please contact the IT Help Desk at it.helpdesk@valpo.edu or 219.464.5678 and request assistance.