Questions You May Have About NetPass

Why are we doing this?
Over the past several years, the institution has experienced numerous problems due to poorly managed student PC’s.  Most often, the computers have become infected either on or off campus and then try to infect other computers.  Furthermore, on many occasions, the residence hall network (ResNet) has experienced severe performance problems due to the presence of virulent malware and/or students using their computers to try and upload/download music and/or video files.  NetPass will help Information Services manage the student computer population to ensure the best possible network performance for all users.

What does it involve?
NetPass simply ensures that the student has a network account and therefore enjoys the privilege of using the institution’s network.  When the student connects a PC, he/she is required to provide valid network credentials (Username and Password).

Once the student has passed the above check, NetPass requests permission to perform an “attack scan” on the computer to see if it is vulnerable to attack.  The computer is in no way harmed by this scan.  Nor are any personal files read or altered during this scan.  The scan is designed to simulate many of the known attacks and thereby is able to determine if the computer is vulnerable.  If it is found to be vulnerable, the computer is provided network access, but is restricted to a quarantined area, thereby prohibiting it from infecting other computers.  Information is provided to the user (student) as to how to eliminate the vulnerabilities.  This usually comes in the form of system patches or the installation of a firewall.

If the student’s computer is scanned and found to be invulnerable, at least with regard to the currently known attacks, it is granted full network privileges.

Is that it?
Not exactly.  Unfortunately, the PC landscape is changing rapidly and new threats are being deployed regularly.  In order to determine if student computers are still invulnerable, random scans will be performed on the ResNet connected computers.  As indicated above, if a computer is found to be vulnerable, it will be confined to a quarantined portion of the network and the user will be provided information on how to regain full access by mitigating the problem.

What about NetReg?
NetReg, which was implemented in 2004, was a tremendous aid in helping Information Services identify the owner of each student computer connected to the network.  It provided only a portion of the functionality provided by NetPass and will be retired from operation as NetPass is brought online.

What are the consequences if I don’t comply?
Your network privilege will be terminated temporarily or permanently as determined by Information Services in conjunction with Student Affairs.