What is SafeConnect?
What is SafeConnect? SafeConnect is a Network Access Control appliance (NAC). It uses a Policy Key agent that, when properly installed, will perform routine health checks on your mobile laptop computing device. This ensures that all wireless laptop devices connecting to the MSU Denver secure wireless network meet our minimum security standards and reduces the likelihood of virus infections, disruption to the network, and the exposure of sensitive information belonging to users and the University.
How does the health check work?
SafeConnect, when properly installed, performs routine health checks on your machine. Once SafeConnect has verified that a wireless device meets the University’s minimum-security standards users will be able to access the University’s secure network. All users with University owned computers connecting to the university network will be prompted to open the XpressConnect web page in their browser ( http://metrostatewireless.msudenver.edu ). There they will be instructed to download an XpressConnect the applet. XpressConnect is a cloud hosted service which the University has configured to setup your wireless device (except Blackberry) to function on the Universities secure wireless connections. The applet runs locally on your laptop and does not save any information to the cloud.
What sort of the things does SafeConnect check for?
SafeConnect checks for
- Windows operating system updates.
- Anti-Virus Software, that is installed properly and running.
- Anti-Virus Software that is up-to-date.
- Peer-to-Peer software.
If you’re wireless device does not meet the university’s minimum security standards, you will receive regular pop-up web browser warnings or alerts to make you aware of the problem. The pop-ups will provide addition information or recommend using a different wireless broadcast service, such as Auraria Campus or Metro State Secure.
How is MSU Denver Secure different from the other wi-fi networks?
What differentiates these 3 wireless services is the level of access.
- The MSU Denver Secure network is exclusively for users with University owned devices,ie. MSU Denver faculty and staff, It allows secure access to all of the schools internal resources and requires the SafeConnect and XpressConnect setup.
- The Metro State Secure network provides internet access for anyone with an MSUDenver Login. This is a secure, encrypted connection, and requires the XpressConnect setup.
- The Auraria Campus SSID provides internet access for visitors and anyone who does not wish to use the XpressConnect setup. Please note, this is not a secure network.
Do I have to use the SafeConnect System?
Any member of student, faculty, or staff who wishes to use the secure wireless network will be required to install SafeConnect and verify the configuration of their device. If you do not wish to download the Policy Key and use the secured wireless network with full access, the other two wireless services are always available. Please note that the Auraria Campus SSID is not a secure network.
How do I get SafeConnect?
The first time a user access the network they will need to open their web browser to http://metrostatewireless.msudenver.edu to begin the initial XpressConnect client setup. Acknowledge the appropriate usage statement, and XpressConnect will ask to load an Applet on your machine. Once the Applet is running, select the appropriate option and you will be prompted to enter your Metro State credentials to log on to the network.
What if my device stops working after any kind of software update?
You need to open your web browser to http://metrostatewireless.msudenver.edu to initiate the XpressConnect client setup. Acknowledge the appropriate usage statement, and XpressConnect will ask to load an Applet on your laptop. Once the Applet is running, select the appropriate option and you will be prompted to enter your Metro State credentials to log on to the network. The applet overwrites the set up and corrects any changed settings.
How often will I be prompted to log in to SafeConnect?
You will be prompted to log in to SafeConnect every time you access the network. The reason being, if your laptop is stolen and the device is auto logged in to internal resource, these resources would be vulnerable to misuse. As long as your machine is running and connected to MSU Denver’s network SafeConnect will maintain your login. If your machine is powered off, logged out or otherwise not connected to MSU Denver’s network, when you re-connect you will be prompted to log in to SafeConnect again. You will not be prompted to re-install the SafeConnect Policy Key agent again unless it has been removed.
Is SafeConnect and XpressConnect compatible with all operating systems?
SafeConnect and XpressConnect supports:
- Windows 7, Vista, and XP (Note: Windows 95, 98, Millennium Edition, & 2000 are not supported by the MSU Denver Network)
- Mac OS X 10.7, 10.6, and 10.5
- Apple iOS 2 and above
- Android 2.1 and above
- Linux 9.04, 9.10, 11.04 (Note: Linux users will be able to access the MSU Denver Secure network but will not be required to install SafeConnect Policy Key agent at this time.Reports of viruses infecting Linux computers are relatively rare. However, it is strongly advised that users of this operating system keep up with operating system updates and utilize virus protection software. )
Is SafeConnect and XpressConnect compatible with all internet browsers?
SafeConnect and XpressConnect supports:
- Internet Explorer 6 and above
- Firefox 1.5 and above
- Safari 2 and above
- Chrome 3 and above
What anti-virus software can I use?
SafeConnect and XpressConnect recognized anti-virus programs include:
- Authentium
- Avast AV
- AVG
- AVGuard
- BitDefender
- EZ Antivirus
- Intego VirusBarrier
- Kaspersky
- McAfee
- McAfee NA
- McAfee 45
- Microsoft OneCare/Security Essentials/Forefront
- NOD32
- Norton for Macintosh
- Panda
- Sophos
- SpySweeper AV
- Symantec
- Symantec Corporate
- TrendMicro
- TrendMicro Corporate
- Vipre Antivirus
- ZoneAlarm AV
Will SafeConnect change settings on my computer?
The SafeConnect Policy Key agent is an unobtrusive program. It communicates exclusively with the SafeConnect appliance to ensure that your computer is protected from malicious software. SafeConnect will not alter any settings on your computer and should not interfere with normal functionality.
Can guests to the campus access the network?
Not at this time. Guests and short-term campus visitors who need to connect to the Internet should utilize the Auraria Campus SSID. Please note, the Auraria Campus SSID is not a secure network.
Will my computer still work when I connect to my home network?
The SafeConnect Policy Key agent is only active while your computer is connected to the MSU Denver secure network. If you connect your computer to a different network, the agent will simply lie dormant and will not interfere with network communication.
If you have any problems connecting your device to the network, please contact the IT Service Center at 303-35-AskIT.
