VALIDATION CHECKS AND CLEAN ACCESS

Q. How does validation work for Microsoft Windows systems?

Network validation executes the following for Microsoft Windows systems:
• Run Nessus scans for known vulnerabilities.
• Check for current release of McAfee anti-virus software or other popular anti-virus software packages.
• Check for current Windows OS patches.

Q. How does validation work for Macintosh systems?

Macintosh users must login via the authentication web page. The only validation check for Macintosh systems is the Nessus scan. There is no client or agent that is downloaded to your Macintosh system.

You will remain connected for 7 days.

Q. How does validation work for Linux systems?

Linux users must login via the authentication web page. The only validation check for Linux systems is the Nessus scan. There is no client that is downloaded to your Linux system.

You will remain connected for 7 days.

What About Xboxes, PlayStations, etc.?

These devices must also be configured. You should call the help desk at 777-1800 to register these.

How long should the validation process take?

The first time through the process does take a few minutes as you must download, install, and launch the agent. Clean Access should normally complete all checks upon login in less than a minute provided that your PC does pass all checks; if a check fails, it will take longer to download the appropriate correction and update your system.

Q. What remediation is available?

• Authentication - If your systems fails authentication, you will be instructed to provide your correct USC network username and password. You can obtain your network username and reset your password by logging into VIP and selecting the “Technology” link and then selecting the “Show Me Network Username” button. Note that your network username and password is not the USC identification number and PIN used to login to VIP itself.

• Anti-Virus Failure - If your system fails the check for current anti-virus software, you will be provided a download either for the McAfee anti-virus software itself or for the current engine and virus definition files.

• Microsoft Windows Patch Failure – If your system fails the check for current critical OS patches, you will be instructed to click on the URL for the Microsoft Windows update site and follow the instructions. Additionally, you will be given the option to download a program that can assist in configuration of Microsoft Windows Automatic Updates.

Q. Can I update Windows before I login and run Clean Access?

Yes. You should be able to go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com. You may not be able to use the direct link in your browser on your desktop. This is normal.

Q. When I run Windows Update, I get a message stating that the product key used to install Windows is invalid; what should I do?

Windows Update will fail if your Windows operating system  is not properly licensed. You must have a legal copy of the operating system to connect to the University network.

Q. Is the Clean Access Agent  checking any data on my PC other than security settings?

No. Clean Access is only checking security settings such as operating system updates and anti-virus software versions.

Q. I use a personal firewall; will this cause a problem??

Usually no. In most cases, a personal firewall will work fine. Depending upon the firewall product, you will receive several pop-up windows requesting approval to proceed. Some of the personal firewalls are:

• Windows XP
• BlackIce
• Zone Alarm
• Sygate

Q. How can I know that Clean Access is running?

If Clean Access s running, the Clean Access icon should be visible in the system tray. You may need to select the “«“ to expand the list and show Clean Access.

Q. I do not see the Clean Access icon in my Systray; what do I do?
There are a few possibilities.

• Clean Access has not been installed. Please install Clean Access o continue.
• Clean Access is “hidden” in the Systray. Please select “«“ to expand the list and show Clean Access; then login.
• Your computer has a problem showing Systray icons. You may be able to use “taskmanager” to halt the Clean Access Agent and then launch it again.
• Clean Access is installed but not running.

Q. My network games don’t work any more?

The recent network upgrade now performs address translation; this may be interfering with network games. Please call the helpdesk at 777-1800 and provide them the name of the game. We’ll do our best to accommodate network games on a case by case basis.