University Network Security

The university has in place a network based security certification system known as Cisco Clean Access. It is a means by which desktop and laptop computers in the residence halls and on the wireless network are evaluated for minimal security compliance. That is to say, it checks for the presence of current Windows Operating System updates and fixes as well as installation of university approved Anti-Virus software.

Secured Fordham Access Clean Access has been configured to provide secure access to the internet. This includes access to all of Fordham University’s services available via the web such as Fordham e-mail, Oasis, E-campus, access to the Fordham Library, Law School, and all Administrative services that are specifically hosted at the University.

This type of access is restrictive. If your computer is compliant (as stated above) it is certified and allowed to access the university's network.

If your computer does not meet these criteria, you will be granted temporary access to install what is required.

Faculty Non-Secured Wireless

A new access option, labeled FACULTY NON-SECURED WIRELESS, is available only to authenticated Fordham faculty members. This service enables wireless access without the security compliance requirements associated with Clean Access, facilitating the quick use of our network infrastructure for Internet use.

Network Security Procedure

Depending on how up-to-date your Windows operating system is, this procedure can take from a few minutes to an hour.  First - you must download and install the latest Windows Operating System Service Packs and Critical Updates

Then - follow these steps: When attempting to connect to the network, you will be required to log in using your  e-mail username and password. You must then download and install the Clean Access client. Clean Access will scan your machine to make sure all your operating system service packs are up-to-date and all critical updates are installed. If not, you will be redirected to Microsoft’s Website to download and install the necessary service packs and critical updates. If Microsoft requires a reboot, you will have to re-log in. Clean Access will scan your machine again to check for one of the University’s approved Anti-Virus programs. If you do not have one of the University approved Anti-Virus software packages, you may download and install Symantec Client Security. This application is provided free to all members of the University community. Follow the steps below: 1: Download & Install SCS 2: Restart your machine Log in to Clean Access again, using your e-mail username and password.  Your PC will be scanned once again to verify certification. You will then be given access to the Network. Note: The Clean Access icon will appear in the bottom right-handtray as indicated by the arrow:

Additional Resources Please see the Online Documentation page for the installation guides. For more information on Clean Access, please see Cisco's FAQ's.

Notes You can also pick up a copy of the SCS CD in Residence Hall Offices, Libraries, Student Technology Centers and Computer Labs.  As a member of the Fordham University community, this software is provided at no additional cost to you.

Macintosh users are required to authenticate via this process, but currently will not be scanned for certification.  Norton AntiVirus is made available via download and on CD.

For additional assistance or information, please contact the University Help Desk at 718-817-3999 or via e-mail to: helpdesk@fordham.edu