Re: Network Access Control and Privacy

[David Gillett <gillettdavid () FHDA EDU>]

Are these Mac users required to use your network?  If not, then they can
choose not to install the agent if it bothers them.  They are probably
required to check bags and backpacks at entrances to the campus bookstore
and library, and I don't see that this is really any different -- if you
don't want to check your bag, don't bring it with you.
 
  Every serious virus outbreak we've had on our network came from a machine
that had gotten infected elsewhere and then was brought on-campus, as far as
we could ever determine.  I'd be as happy as anyone with some other solution
to the problem, but I don't see one.
 
David Gillett, CISSP
 

  _____  

From: Yonesy F. Nunez [mailto:yonesy.nunez () NEWSCHOOL EDU] 
Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2010 12:00
To: SECURITY () listserv educause edu
Subject: [SECURITY] Network Access Control and Privacy



Hello,

 

We recently moved our Network Access Control for wireless network login from
Cisco to Impulse Point's SafeConnect product. While we had previously only
required Windows based laptops to install the NAC software agent, we are now
requiring both Windows and Mac machines to install it. We require
authentication to gain access to the wireless network and do very basic
posture checking on the Windows machines only (for now), to ensure that they
are running an up to date anti-virus product.

 

We have had some small amount of resistance from Mac users to this new
system, as a few of our constituents have claimed that the agent
installation is tantamount to spyware on their computer. We have posted a
statement about why this agent is not spyware, but we continue to hear about
some people feeling otherwise. Has anyone else found themselves in similar
situation? If so, has your institution addressed the concerns of those who
may feel this way and how have you done so?

 

Best regards,

 

Yonesy

 

 

--

Yonesy F. Nuñez | THE NEW SCHOOL

Director, Information Security

Office of Information Technology

55 W 13th Street, Rm 705 

New York, NY 10011

P| 212.229.5300 x4728

F| 212.647.8211

 <mailto:E%7Cnunezy () newschool edu> E|nunezy () newschool edu