Network Authentication
In the Fall of 2005, Information Services at Wellesley
College implemented a Network Authentication system called Clean
Access in all Residence Halls.
Clean Access helps Information Services to protect the Wellesley College
network as well as all of the computers connected to it. Each Windows
computer connected to the Wellesley College network is required to meet
specific security checks to ensure that it remains protected and secure.
For now, users on other types of computers (i.e. Macintosh OS or Linux)
will just need to log in, or authenticate, to the network. Clean Access
helps you keep your computer safe!
How To Log In
In the residence halls, anyone trying to connect to the network
will need to do the following before they can connect:
- Know your Domain Username and Password
Note: Your Domain Username is the same as your
FirstClass User ID (ex. wwellesley); your Domain Username and
Password are the ones you use to access computing lab computers
across
campus.
See the Frequently Asked Questions below if
you do not remember your Domain Password.)
- If you have a Windows computer, make sure to do critical/express
Windows Updates:
(http://www.wellesley.edu/Computing/WinUpdate/)
You will be prompted to do these when you authenticate if you have not yet
done them.
To connect:
In order to access the Wellesley College Network
Authentication login page,
launch
a
web
browser (IE,
Firefox,
etc.).
Follow the
instructions on the screen and log in with your Domain Username and
Password.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do I have to authenticate to the network?
Authenticating to the network does two things: First, it allows Clean Access
to make sure that your computer is safe and secure, which keeps the entire
network secure. Second, it associates you with your computer. This allows
Information Services to quickly and accurately pinpoint computers on campus
that may be causing other problems. This will protect our network resources
and also enable you to be notified more quickly if your own computer is compromised.
In general, Network Authentication helps you keep your computer safe!
- Why didn't I have to do this when I brought my computer
to the Library?
Currently, Network Authentication is only in place in the Residence Halls.
When you connect via a wired or wireless connection in an academic building,
you will be prompted to register your computer.
- When does authentication expire?
You will be required to authenticate to the network any time your computer
has been off or disconnected from the network for more than twenty (20) minutes
at a time.
- Will I have to log in every time I want to use the Internet?
Not necessarily. If your computer has been on since the last time you authenticated,
you may not need to do so again. Any time you do need to authenticate on
a computer running Windows, the Clean Access Agent will prompt you for your
password. Any time you need to authenticate on a computer running any other
operating system, your browser will be re-directed to the login page.
- Why doesn't the password I used to register my computer
last year work?
The Computer Registration system, which is still in place in all academic
buildings, uses your FirstClass User ID and Password for authentication.
Clean Access uses your Wellesley College Domain Username and Password.
- What if I can't remember my Domain Account password?
If
you have forgotten your Domain password, please bring your Wellesley
College
ID to
the
Faculty/Staff
Helpdesk in the Clapp Library between 8:30am and
4:30pm Monday through Friday; your request will be sent through and your
password will be reset by the end of the next business day.
- Does Network Authentication reconfigure, install software
or place information on my computer?
Computers running Microsoft Windows will be required to download and install
a small piece of software called the Clean Access
Agent. The Agent does two things:
- It will prompt you to log in when your computer needs to re-authenticate.
- It periodically scans your computer to make sure that you meet
the security requirements.
Computers running any other operating system will not need to install any
additional software at this time.
- Does Network Authentication track my activities on the
network?
No.
- What are these "security requirements"?
Security requirements differ based on a computer's operating system. As of
Fall 2005, Windows computers are required to have the latest updates installed
from Microsoft and be configured to download and install those updates automatically.
Computers running the Macintosh Operating System or Linux are currently only
required to authenticate to the network.
- How often is my computer checked?
Your Windows computer will be checked once a week to ensure that it meets
the security requirements.
- What about my game console / wireless access point or
other device that uses the network?
If you have a device other than a computer that uses the network, please
email compreg@wellesley.edu for assistance. These special network devices
must be configured and/or registered with help from IS staff.
HELP!!!
If you are unable to complete these instructions, please fill out
a Student Computing
Help Form. An RCC will contact you within one business day. Alternatively,
bring your notebook computer to Computing
First Aid, open Sunday through Thursday evenings from 7pm to
9pm in the Science Center Mini-Focus. |
