Q: What is validation?
The process of confirming that certain security measures are in place on your computer.
Q: How does validation work?
The validation solution will quarantine any Internet browser access and redirect the user to a web page that instructs the user to download and install the Cisco Clean Access Client. Once launched, the client downloads the validation rules and processes these. If the workstation fails the test, it is allowed Internet access only to the remediation sites for 30 minutes. Once corrected, full network access is provided.
Q: What validation checks are being performed?
The following validation checks are performed:
Turning on Automatic Updates
Check for current Windows OS patches and service packs
Check for anti-virus with the latest virus definitions
Q: How long do the validation checks take?
In general, the checks take between 15 seconds and a few minutes.
How often will I be revalidated?
Clean Access revalidates computers once a week.
Q: How does validation work for Microsoft users?
All Microsoft Windows computers are required to install the Cisco Clean Access Agent client software to connect to the university network. You will also be required to install Microsoft critical OS patches and updates and anti-virus software.
Q: How does validation work for Linux, Macintosh and Non-Windows users?
Linux, Macintosh and Non-Windows users must register by logging in via a web page. The Cisco Clean Access Client is not required on Linux, Macintosh and Non-Windows systems.
Q: What am I allowed to access while unauthenticated or quarantined?
For the most part, remediation and help sites such as windowsupdate.microsoft.com are available for students to access.
Q: What Remediation is Available?
The following remediation is available:
Critical Windows Update Validation Failure. If the system fails the check for current critical Windows updates, the user is instructed to click on the URL for Microsoft Windows update site and follow the on-screen instructions.
Windows Service Pack Validation Failure. If the system fails the check for the latest Windows service packs for your operating system, the user will be directed to the URL for installing the latest Windows Service Packs.
Antivirus Validation Failure. It is required that all computers connected to the campus network be running antivirus software. If the user’s system fails the check for current antivirus software, the user is provided with a link to download and install antivirus software.
PC Protection Validation Failure. If the Windows automatic updates is not enabled, the user will be directed to a page with instructions on turning on Automatic Updates.
Q: What happens when a new patch or updates are available?
As new critical Microsoft updates become available, the security requirements will be updated to reflect the new patches. Typically, we will not immediately set the validation check for the new patches, but allow some time (typically a week) for people to update their systems in due course. If a vulnerability is reported or the threat of a virus storm or worm attack emerges, we will update the validation check immediately in reaction to the threat.
