Impulse Point - Safe.Connect
Impulse Point Safe-Connect
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| Impulse Point Logo |
is a computer network system in use by the University to keep campus computers safe from viruses, spyware, and other dangerous programs, thereby keeping the network secure. It includes a small piece of software--called a policy key--that is installed on individual student computers on campus. The policy key regularly checks for specific, basic security requirements--including Microsoft Windows updating, anti-virus software, and anti-spyware software--on a student computer after it is installed. It also checks for peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing software. If a student computer does not meet the minimum requirements, it will be redirected to a safe web location--away from the network--so the issues can be resolved. Currently, Impulse Point security only applies to Microsoft Windows computers on the wired residential network. If you use a computer with Macintosh OS or Linux, this should not impact you in any way. The policy key only checks specific security requirements; it cannot monitor your e-mail, web, IM, or other internet traffic or perform any other function that would interfere with your legitimate personal computing privacy. As long as you meet the Impulse Point basic security requirements, you should not even know the system is running.
What exactly are the policies that are enforced?
See the policy details page.
What about wireless?
As of Friday, September 19, 2008, Impulse Point Safe-Connect is in place on the BishopNet wireless network as well as the residential wired network.
I'm prompted to repeatedly download policy key. What should I do?
This is usually a firewall problem. If you're running Norton, McAfee, or another anti-virus program that has it's own firewall, open the anti-virus program, find program settings and add Policykey with full access. Contact the
Help Desk if you need assistance.
Impulse blocks my internet access, including access to Sophos updates. What should I do?
Impulse sometimes changes the settings for obtaining a DNS address. To correct this you will need to reset this property:
- For Windows XP: go to Control Panel, Network Connections, right click Local Area Connection and select Properties. Under 'This connection uses the following items:' Click on 'Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)' then click Properties. 'Obtain DNS server address automatically' should be selected.
- For Windows VISTA: go to Control Panel, Internet and Network Connections, Manage Network Connections, right click Local Area Connection and select Properties. Under 'This connection uses the following items:' Click on 'Internet Protocol v4 (TCP/IP)' then click Properties. 'Obtain DNS server address automatically' should be selected.
I'm getting the Impulse warning page that says Microsoft Anti-Spyware is installed but not running. What should I do?
- For Windows XP: You probably have an old version of Windows Defender that will no longer update. Uninstall your current version and install the latest version from the current OWU Network CD.
- For Windows VISTA: VISTA comes with Windows Defender already installed but it needs to be turned on. Go to Control Panel, Security Center, Windows Defender. A box should come up that says Windows Defender is not currently running with a link to turn it on.
Still need help?
For assistance please contact the
help desk.
Impulse
