Safe Access and the NESL Network

• Introductory Letter to Incoming Students Re Safe Access
• One Time installation of the Safe Access Client
• Tips for Installing Safe Access
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) re Safe Access
• Other Computer & Media services

FAQ

What is Safe Access?

Safe Access is an endpoint compliance manager. It monitors all devices & computers that try to connect to the NESL network services, and blocks those that might be a danger to our network from gaining access.

Why Safe Access?

The purpose of the program is to keep our wireless users safe from viruses, trojans, malicious software, and network based threats. Infected computers, computers that do not have antivirus protection, & computers that do not have the latest manufacturer's critical operating systems updates installed will also not gain access to our networks.

Without such a program, returning students pose significant risks to the NESL infrastructure and every other computer that relies on it. Safe Access is meant to keep our business and services consistent and easy to use for everyone.

How does Safe Access work when I access the Internet?

On your initial attempt to connect, you will be asked to install a small piece of software on your laptop. The log in process is a one time event. After downloading the Safe Access Agent, your computer will be silently scanned every time you access the internet at NESL. If your machine is free of threats you will have instant access to one of the fastest internet connections in the city.

What happens if I fail to meet the Safe Access standard?

If your machine does not meet compliance you will be presented with detail information why not and will be given instructions on how to fix your issues immediately. Students can receive assistance from the Help Desk, located in the basement of the Law library. The Help Desk can support your use of our systems, and can also install virus protection. Contact the NESL Help Desk at 617.422.7404 (ddelabarre@library.nesl.edu).

What are Recommended Anti-Virus and Spyware Protection?

An up-to-date Anti-Virus program is a necessity. McAffee or Symantec both offer good protection. Norton Anti-Virus (Symantec) is used on all NESL laptops and workstations; Help Desk staff are happy to sell you a copy at cost, and help you install it on your device.

There are a number of good, free anti-spyware programs available. Two examples: (1) Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition version 1.06 and (2) Spybot Search and Destroy. Both programs can be downloaded from the following Web site: http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/browse/0,cat,1727,sortIdx,1,pg,1,00.asp Follow the instructions for downloading available on the site.

How can I update my laptop to bring it into compliance?

If your device is not updated with the latest manufacturer's service packs and critical updates, it might fail the Safe Access test. Manufacturers might differ. Most of our students use Microsoft XP, and on that Operating System the Control Panel has an option to set automatic updates. Microsoft will scan your machine and tell you which patches to download and install. If you have problems doing this yourself, the Help Desk can assist.

Installing the Safe Access Client on the first Connection

1. After establishing connectivity with the NESL wireless network, open Internet Explorer. From onsite, your browser will be automatically redirected to Safe Access and you should see the "Security Alert" pictured here. 2. This source should be trusted; you should click yes at the "do you want to proceed" prompt.
	3. Click the "Get Connected" box to proceed. 4. Software is being installed and the timer seems to spin, but you must click on yes (see below) to start the software installation.
5. A Wizard will appear. Follow the prompts to install the agent. (See image below.) 6. When finished click the blue "here" button to begin testing. You will notice that your computer states that it is now being tested as the timer spins (below, right).
7. If your laptop or device passes, congratulations on good maintenance habits and continue on to whatever website you choose to visit. The next time you connect, your machine will be scanned silently and access should appear instantaneous. If your machine failed, please make note of the problems and complete the tasks as needed.
If you need any assistance please visit the Help Desk in the basement of the Law Library next to the Computer Lab (617-422-7404). The Help Desk is currently open from 8:00am - 6:00pm Monday through Friday and from 12:00pm - 4:00pm on weekends. You can also email David de la Barre, rkennedy@library.nesl.edu

July 19, 2005