Network, ResNet & Security

Cisco Clean Access
To ensure that the campus network remains reliable and secure, SPU has deployed the "Cisco Clean Access" system. Cisco Clean Access (hereafter "CCA") requires that users of the network be associated with the university and their personal computers identifiable and protected from viruses and malicious attack.

CCA consists of two parts: the "Clean Access Server," a core device that restricts access of unknown users or computers in violation of campus network security requirements, and the "Clean Access Agent," a desktop application that ensures personal computers are secure and virus-free.

CCA is required for all machines accessing the residential and wireless segments of the campus network. Additionally, CCA is required in a number of classrooms, offices, and labs that afford network access to personal computing devices.

Using CCA
When you plug into the network, the following takes place. Note: CCA's process to require log in and inspect a computer occurs each time the device is off the network for more than 12 hours, as well as every Monday morning.

Microsoft Windows Computers
Microsoft Windows computers are first checked to see if they have the CCA Agent installed. If a computer does not have CCA, the user is redirected to a download/instruction page. (If this is your first time through, follow the steps on the download page to install the CCA Agent.)

• If Cisco Clean Access is installed, the CCA login window will automatically appear. Enter your SPU Username and password.
  
• Next, the computer is examined for security issues such as unpatched systems, inadequate virus protection, active vulnerabilities, or outright infections:
  • If no problems are found, the computer will pass into the protected side of the network with full access.
  • If problems are found, the machine will be placed in a restricted quarantine role, given temporary network access, and provided details and instructions on what is wrong and how to remedy things.
    
    

Macintosh and Linux Computers
Macintosh and Linux computers are not required to have the CCA Agent installed. Rather, web browsers will be redirected to the Cisco Clean Access login page. After you start your computer you should launch a web browser to get to the CCA login window.

• In the login window, enter your SPU Username and password.
  
• After logging in, the computer will be tested for active vulnerabilities or outright infections.
  
  • If no problems are found, the computer will pass into the more secure campus network.
    
  • If problems are found, network access will be restricted until these problems are fixed. You will be provided details on what is wrong and instructions on how to remedy things.

Please note that by logging in to the network you agree to read, understand, and abide by the University's Acceptable Use Policies. These policies provide clear guidelines for what the University considers authorized use, acceptable use, and reasonable consumption of the campus networking resource.

The most common problem users experience with the installation of CCA occurs when computers are inflected/infiltrated with massive amounts of spyware. For recommendations to help cleanup spyware on your computer, go to the Spyware Protection section.

All campus computers must also have up-to-date Anti Virus software installed. For assistance with installation and configuration of McAfee Anti-Virus software (licensed for all campus users), go to the Anti-Virus Protection section. While the University has selected McAfee Anti-Virus as our campus standard, and have provided a license for it to be installed at no charge; students are able to use a broad range of similar anti-virus software applications as long as the product is up-to-date with the latest versions and virus definitions.

Accounts and Passwords (the credentials you need to log in via CCA)
Learn more about Cisco Clean Access (what inquiring, technical minds want to know...)
Spyware Protection (get rid of the nasties)