Impulse Information & FAQ
GC's Impulse Policy Gateway provides:
Authentication:
Prevents unauthorized user access to core network resources and Internet services. Automates the registration of end user computing devices and audits agreement to acceptable use policies.
Anti-Virus:
Manages compliance with anti-virus software and definitions.
Microsoft OS Patch:
Ensures that users are at desired security patch maintenance levels.
P2P File Sharing:
Prohibits the use of P2P file sharing and helps educate users on security best practices.
Supported Antivirus Products as of October 21, 2009:
Authentium, Avast, AVG, AVGuard, Bitdefender, EZ Antivirus, Kaspersky, McAfee, McAfee NA, McAfee 45, Microsoft OneCare, NOD32, Panda, Sophos, SpySweeper AV, Symantec, Symantec Corp, TrendMicro, TrendMicro Corp, ZoneAlarm
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are questions and answers on the Impulse Policy Gateway. The responses were developed by the Manager of Network Administration & Systems Administration, Charles Taylor.
Please send any questions, concerns, comments to: impulse@gcsu.edu We will continue to update this site with new questions and answers.
Q. Why did the University implement this change?
A. A few years ago we received complaints that the residential network was slow. We began looking at the traffic patterns and reviewed the trouble calls to the SERVE Help Desk. We determined that a large number of computers on the network were infected with viruses and using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) programs. We began to research ways to help eliminate this problem. Of all the devices, Impulse Policy Gateway had the most functionality for the cost. While nothing can prevent all viruses or P2P programs, we feel this will help reduce the majority of virus problems for the residential network.
Q. What is the purpose of Impulse?
A. The Impulse Policy Gateway is a system that enables the enforcement of network access policies for computer users of the GC wireless network and residential network (Resnet). As such, any work station or personal computer connected will be subject to the rules and regulations as defined by GC IT Administration and applied through the Impulse Policy Manager. These rules may be different from user to user, although we recommend certain baselines as well as the same policies for a given class of users. Examples of these classifications would be students, faculty, public access systems etc.
The system will install an agent key on each computer on the network and through this agent will verify the compliance of the computer with the various policies, such as authentication, quarantine, anti-virus, OS patches, spy ware, bandwidth usage, P2P traffic etc. Please note that not all of these policy elements are necessarily installed or enforced. It is at the discretion of the GC IT Administration to decide which will be enabled in the Impulse Policy Manager.
Q. Exactly how much space will the Impulse agent key take up on my computer?
A. 155K
Q. Upon leaving the campus network, will I be able to easily remove Impulse from my computer?
A. The policy key can be manually removed through the Windows Uninstaller.
Q. Will any of this process affect the connectivity to the network for Mac users?
A. MAC users will only see the authentication screen. Eventually the Impulse Policy Gateway will treat MAC users the same as PC users.
Q. There is no spy ware or anti-virus software needed to keep the Mac OS system free from worms, so I would expect that this is not necessary for them.
A. Contrary to common belief, MAC's are susceptible to viruses as well. I would recommend if you have a MAC that you contact the Service Desk to get an appointment to have the MAC ant-virus software installed on your computer.
Q. If my computer is not completely patched and my virus software is not up to date, what should I expect when the appliance is installed?
A. The Impulse appliance will warn you what needs to be fixed and will allow you access to the internet to get your computer compliant. If you do not update your computer within 7 days you will be locked out of all off-campus network access until you bring your computer into compliance.
Q. What about authentication? What username and password will it be looking for?
A. You will be using your CURRENT GC email username and password. If your email address is john_lennon@ecat.gcsu.edu you need only put in john_lennon for the username.
Q. I changed my email password, do I use my new password or the original password?
A. You will be using your new password.
Q. You are spying on me with this! What exactly can you see?
A. The only things we can see are:
• if you have authenticated
• if you have anti-virus software
• if your computer is patched.
Q. I'm sure you are watching what I am doing and where I go on the internet, aren't you?
A. No, we are not watching where you go on the Internet. The Impulse Policy Gateway only checks to ensure patches and anti-virus software are up-to-date and operational. No one is monitoring your activity on your personal machine.