2008 Woodie Awards
Network security system updated
University hosts Residential Network to ensure safe access to Internet
Daniel Gross
News | 9/4/08
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The network is equipped with a Clean Access system to prevent the spreading of viruses throughout Towson's network or students' individual computers.
The network was established this semester because Towson's past contract with Comcast had expired and the University could not renew with them, according to Jim Monroe, director of networking and communication services in the office of technology services. "They were gracious enough to go month to month with us as we try to finish up with our summer break," he said.
"Going with [ResNet] seemed to be more cost efficient for the University for us to take on than to go back out to a vendor," Monroe said. "[ResNet] is like an added service or feature; it's a way to protect our network as well as students," he said.
The Clean Access feature is designed to protect the network from viruses or worms and does this by making sure each user's computer is compliant with up-to-date anti-virus software before browsing the World Wide Web.
The two major components, according to the manager of networking and engineering in OTS Eric Cannizzo, are making sure that the user's operating system is working properly and that they have a recently updated virus scanner.
"When everybody brings their PCs in, and starts hooking up, they don't have to worry about the other PCs," Cannizzo said.
"It makes sure that PCs have up to date virus scanners and things like that so viruses won't run rampant on the network."
Right now, the Clean Access service is running on auto mode. This tells student's if they are compliant with their policies but still lets users in even if they are not compliant. It is set up this way to help the transition for the students.
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