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What is Clean Access and What do I do?

Clean Access is a network security system that checks weekly for vulnerabilities on machines operating in the residence halls. All student workstations must pass these checks to get online. The following steps must be taken to gain network access:

I.  User Authentication

a. Web Login
b. Clean Access Agent

II.  Vulnerability Assessment

a. Windows XP
b. Windows 2000
c. Windows ME/98
d. Macintosh
e. Linux

III.  Remediation

a. Missing REQUIRED Software
b. Missing OPTIONAL Software

IV.  Removing the Clean Access Agent


I.  User Authentication

User authentication simply means you need to provide proper credentials (i.e. your John Carroll Email username and password) in order to gain access to the network. There are two methods for entering this information: Web login and Clean Access Agent.

Web Login

Open Internet Explorer. If your network settings are configured properly, you should be automatically redirected to the authentication login page:

This is the authentication page for all machines without the Clean Access Agent installed.

If you don’t know your Academics Domain username or password, contact the Help Desk at extension 3004.


Clean Access Agent

If you are running Windows 98 or higher, you will be directed to install the Clean Access Agent. For Windows users, the Agent will now be the method for authenticating.

In the next window, click Download Clean Access Agent button. Although you can choose to open the file directly, we recommend saving it to your hard drive so you can re-install at a later time, if necessary.

Once the Agent installer is saved, double-click to install. Following the wizard installation instructions should only take a minute or two.

Once Clean Access Agent is installed, the login window will appear automatically whenever your computer attempts to access the network. Enter your Academics username and password and click Login.

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II.  Vulnerability Assessment

After you successfully log into the system, Clean Access checks your computer for vulnerabilities to make sure it meets the necessary security requirements for connecting to the network. Only compliant computers are granted full network access. Each Monday your machine will be revalidated to ensure compliance for the required software. 

What are the requirements for accessing the network?

It's possible that the minimum requirements may vary from time to time in order to remain proactive in preventing new viruses and trojans from infiltrating the network. All students are accountable for keeping their computer updated with current antivirus software and all operating system security patches. Here are the current and planned specific requirements that Clean Access checks:

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Windows XP Current requirements:

  • Clean Access Agent
  • Automatic Updates enabled and set to "Download and prompt..."
  • All Windows Critical updates through SP2
  • Up-to-date Antivirus software Symantec/Norton (Provided to all John Carroll students at no charge), McAfee or TrendMicro

------------------------------------------------

Windows 2000 Current requirements:

  • Clean Access Agent
  • Automatic Updates enabled and set to "Download and prompt..."
  • All Windows Critical updates through SP4
  • Up-to-date Antivirus software Symantec/Norton (Provided to all John Carroll students at no charge), McAfee or TrendMicro

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Windows ME/98 Current requirements:

  • Clean Access Agent
  • All Windows Available Critical updates
  • Up-to-date Antivirus software Symantec/Norton (Provided to all John Carroll students at no charge), McAfee or TrendMicro

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Macintosh            Current requirements: call extension 3004

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Linux                    Current requirements: call extension 3004

If no vulnerabilities are found, your computer is considered compliant and is granted full network access. If vulnerabilities are found, your computer is moved into remediation.

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III.  Remediation

If your computer fails the vulnerability assessment, it is moved into remediation, and you are provided with directions for fixing/patching it. You are given temporary limited network access in order to download any necessary software. Clean Access distinctinguishes between REQUIRED and OPTIONAL software.

Missing REQUIRED Software

Required software must be installed before your computer will be granted network access. If your computer is missing required software, you'll see a message like this:

Click the Go To Link (or Download) button to download and install the required software. Because this is required, you must correct the problem before full network access is granted.


Missing OPTIONAL Software

At times, Clean Access may notify you of optional software your computer is missing. If your computer is missing optional software, you'll see a message like this:

In this example, the installation of the optional software is a recommendation, not a requirement for full network access. If you do not want to install the optional software, simply click Next in order to gain access to the Internet.

If you'd like to download and install the optional software, click the Go To Link (or Download) button.

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IV.  Removing the Clean Access Agent

The Clean Access Agent is required in all JCU campus residence halls. If you connect your computer to the Internet somewhere other than in a residence hall, the Clean Access Agent is not required and simply will not appear. However, if you move off-campus, you'll probably want to remove the Clean Access Agent. To do so, go to Start -> Control Panel -> Add or Remove Programs. Select Clean Access Agent and click Remove.

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