Security Requirements
AntiVirus (Mandatory)
Microsoft Windows Platforms
Antivirus software helps protect your computer from viruses and worms capable of causing irreparable damage to your system. All users of Microsoft Windows must have one of the following antivirus clients installed, properly running, and currently updated:
- Symantec Endpoint Protection - This product has been purchased and licensed by Cal Poly for all students, staff, and faculty. This product is provided to all students, staff, and faculty free of charge. This will be the only antivirus client supported in the ResNet office.
- Symantec Norton AntiVirus - This product may be purchased as a standalone product or bundled with other Norton software such as Norton Internet Security 2007. This product will not be provided by Cal Poly.
- McAfee - This product may be purchased as a standalone product or bundled with other McAfee software such as VirusScan Plus, Total Protection, and Internet Security Suite. This product will not be provided by Cal Poly.
- Windows Live OneCare - This product may be purchased as a standalone product or bundled with other Microsoft software. This product will not be provided by Cal Poly.
Our network security system, Cisco Clean Access, will scan each computer entering the network. It will identify the platform and ensure that the proper antivirus software requirements are met. If the required software is not installed or updated, a solution will be provided by the Cisco NAC Agent. Cal Poly has purchased and licensed Symantec Endpoint Protection for all students, staff, and faculty and provides it free of charge. In order to offer a uniform and standard mode of protection and support ResNet strongly advises the use of this official University enterprise antivirus client on all Microsoft Windows platforms. The University is not responsible for virus protection and waives any claim for damages due to viruses contracted through system use.
Non-Microsoft Windows Platforms
You are encouraged to have an antivirus client installed and up-to-date while on the network. Cal Poly has purchased and licensed Symantec AntiVirus for Mac OS X for all students, staff, and faculty and provides it free of charge. All other platforms should seek on line support such as from a distribution website. The University is not responsible for virus protection and waives any claim for damages due to viruses contracted through system use.
Windows Updates (Highly Recommended)
All operating systems are heavily encouraged to be fully updated with all critical updates, at all times, while on the University network; this will ensure that the system is protected from any new vulnerabilities. All users of Microsoft Windows will be checked regularly by the Cisco NAC Agent for patches and security updates.
AntiSpyware (Highly Recommended)
Microsoft Windows Platforms
Due to Windows' vulnerability to adware and spyware software we have found it necessary to take a proactive approach in protecting our users and network. University Housing and ResNet suggest the combined use of Microsoft Windows Defender and Javacool Software's SpywareBlaster on Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Vista platforms. Our network security system, Cisco Clean Access, will scan each computer entering the network. It will identify the platform and ensure that the proper antispyware software is installed, properly running, and currently updated. If the software is not installed or updated, a solution will be provided by the Cisco NAC Agent. Please take note that Microsoft Windows Defender is available free of charge for all Genuine Windows operating system users. Javacool Software's SpywareBlaster is freeware available free of charge for personal and educational use. In order to offer a uniform and standard mode of protection and support ResNet suggests the use of these clients on all Microsoft Windows platforms. Furthermore, we encourage students to seek additional antispyware programs that provide additional protections.
Non-Microsoft Windows Platforms
These systems can be infected with "light" versions of adware and spyware software. We do not make any software requirements for these platforms in regards to adware and spyware protection. It is up to you to ensure you practice safe web browsing and seek protections where necessary.
Browser Recommendations
ResNet and Information Technology Services highly recommend the use of Mozilla Firefox or Opera to help mitigate the problems of spyware. (Mozilla Firefox and Opera are available free of charge.)
Copyright and File Sharing
Making, downloading and sharing illegal copies of software and media is a violation of international copyright law and University Housing, ResNet, and Information Technology Services Responsible Use Policy. Violators will be subject to appropriate judicial action.
Network Access
Cal Poly, University Housing, ResNet, and Information Technology Services do not guarantee access to individuals with the following computer problems:
- Operating systems that are damaged or corrupt
- Operating systems infected with viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, adware, or other malware
- Operating systems with malfunctioning Microsoft Windows Updates or Microsoft Automatic Updates
- Systems with faulty hardware
- Systems with illegal, improperly licensed, or uncertified operating systems
The University is not responsible for virus protection and waives any claim for damages due to viruses contracted through system use.
Resident and non-resident users must abide by these policies and all guidelines. You are ultimately responsible for all use of the network connection in your room.
Download
A copy of these requirements will be available for download soon.
Last Update: 10/6/2009
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