Network Services
Wireless Connection @ X
To connect to the wireless network there are two options
a. Authenticated but not Encrypted – less secure webfx_staff and webfx_student
Users must select the appropriate wireless network from the detected connections and launch a web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari) that will automatically open a website where users are able to login/authenticate with existing webFX usernames and passwords.
b. Authenticated and Encrypted – secure (webfx)
The encrypted wireless network "webfx" is active throughout campus. However, the present security encryption level is being upgraded to the current standard. All users will need to update settings on any devices currently accessing this wireless network. Documentation on how to update these settings for Windows XP, Windows Vista, and MAC OS X are provided at the Guides and Tutorials section of the TSG webpage.
Setting Up a Connection from Off Campus
Off campus users require an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to get connected to the internet. Users who wish to access StFX network drives must install the Cisco VPN Client prior to mapping to the appropriate H: and W: drives. Some examples of ISP’s are: Eastlink, Aliant, and Sympatico dial-up. StFX offers a free local dial-up service in the Antigonish area.
See Configuring Windows XP-Home for off-Campus Dial-up
under Guides & Tutorials.
Mapping H & W Drives
Setting Up a Remote Desktop Connection
Desktop Security
AntiVirus Software
Trend Micro OfficeScan AntiVirus Software
All webFX machines are installed with the latest supported version of Trend Micro OfficeScan software.Download Trend Micro OfficeScan For Your Computer
Faculty and Staff can download the latest supported version of Trend Micro OfficeScan AntiVirus software for home or office use. It will require webFX login information.Protect PC from Spyware
Spyware is a type of application that gathers information about a person or organization from a computer without the user's knowledge or consent.
There are 3 types of spyware:
1) Adware: This application is used to track user's activity and then provides targeted advertisements based on the activity to the user.
2) Snoopware: This intrusive software secretly monitors activity, typically screenshots, keystrokes, web surfing, Instant Messaging, and application activity. It is commonly associated with identity theft.
3.) Malware: This is malicious software designed to disrupt the normal operation of the PC. Examples would include browser hijackers and dialers that take over a PC's modem to make calls.Symptoms:
1.) Advertisements appear even when the user's computer is not connected to the Web.
2.) The page the web browser first opens to (home page) or the browser search settings have changed without the user's knowledge.
3.) A new toolbar appears in the user's browser and it is difficult to delete.
4.) The computer takes longer than usual to complete certain tasks.
5.) There is a sudden rise in computer crashes.How Spyware Infects a Computer:
Typically spyware gets installed on a PC by any of the following methods:
1.) Through free software downloads
2.) As bundled software. Software companies partner with a spyware company.
3.) It is automatically downloaded: a low security setting allows 'Drive-by Download' as soon as a user browses a website.
4.) Silently: previously installed spyware can install new spyware.
5.) P2P File Sharing: Many freeware and shareware file sharing programs such as Grokster, Kazaa and Bearshear bundle adware with their product.The following list of programs almost guarantees that your computer has or will be exposed to Spyware:
- Kazaa Media Desktop/File Sharing
- Comet Cursor
- Gator
- HotBar or HuntBar
- Grokster
Protection/Removal:
While no one option or product is fool-proof, education and proper use of the technology can reduce the risk of acquiring spyware.
- Surf and download files safely. Read the license agreement before downloading (EULAs).
- Keep Virus software up to date. StFX upgrades the Symantec Client on campus regularly.
- Windows updates are crucial. TSG has upgraded campus computers to Windows XP Service Pack 2. This update provides many security features such as Windows Firewall, Automatic Update enhancements, and Windows Security Centre.
- Service Pack 2 also includes a Pop Up Blocker for Internet Explorer. While it is possible to disabled this feature, users are advised to avoid doing so.
Examples of anti-spyware utilities are Microsoft Windows Defender, LavaSoft Ad-Aware, SpyBot Search and Destroy, Webroot’s Spy sweeper, and Panda Active Scan.
Check out Microsoft's online security videos:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/videos/default.mspxStFX Barracuda SPAM Firewall
Below is a detailed list of all features.
For detailed SPAM Quarantine Settings, please see Guides & Tutorials.A Highly Scalable System:
The Barracuda Spam Firewall’s robust and scalable design enables it to handle the email networks of over 10,000 active email users. It can process over 10 million email messages per day. That is a lot of email! Barracuda has different models for different mail loads. Multiple Barracuda systems can be employed and easily configured for redundancy or additional load capability.
Independent Network Device Dedicated to Spam-blocking:
The Barracuda Spam Firewall is a self-sufficient networking device that handles all of StFX's spam-blocking so it does not bog down email servers. In fact, with the Barracuda Spam Firewall, the load on the university's email system is actually reduced, thereby processing and storing less incoming email.
Blocks Spam Using Proven Methods:
By using all of the best methods to block spam, the Barracuda Spam Firewall provides comprehensive spam-blocking. Below are the primary algorithms Barracuda employs to block spam. They generally recommend targeting approximately 97% blockage. However, they provide a number of parameters that can be adjusted if necessary.
Blacklisting of Websites & Domains:
Barracuda Central maintains an up to date list of the largest and most aggressive known spammers. This list is maintained by both Barracuda and other anti-spam groups. This list is automatically updated on each Barracuda Spam Firewall.
Keyword Scanning of Emails:
This feature can be configured on a per user basis. StFX's scanning methods include a scoring system such that emails are graded based on a number of criteria. If the score is above a set threshold, then that email is flagged as spam. The Barracuda Spam Firewall comes with default criteria and thresholds, but these thresholds may be changed by as the student desires.
Checksum Technology:
Barracuda Central monitors email traffic through the Internet and uses checksum technology to keep track of the number of times a particular message has appeared on the Internet. If a message has appeared over a certain number of times, it is categorized as "known spam." Checksums of known spam messages are utilized by the Barracuda Spam Firewall to block these designated spam messages.
Message Authenticity Checking:
Several algorithms are utilized to verify the authenticity of a message. Some of these are simple checks to verify that the “from address” is authentic. Some of these algorithms are more complex and relate to SMTP protocol.
Blacklists and Whitelists:
Domains, IP’s, and email addresses can be blocked or whitelisted (allowed through). These lists can be maintained on a per user basis or on a corporate basis.
Rate Controls:
These controls are utilized to stop denial-of-service attacks as well as dictionary-based spam attacks. These controls are integrated and automatic in the Barracuda Spam Firewall.
File Type Attachment Blocking:
Users can block certain types of files, such as vbl scripts from passing through the Barracuda Spam Firewall.
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