Safe•Connect is a Network Access Control solution employed by URI’s Information Security Office to ensure that network devices meet Safe Connect/Policies, including user authentication, antivirus, antispyware, and Microsoft security patches. The result is a more secure, reliable, and predictable IT network infrastructure that is easy and cost-effective to maintain.
Safe•Connect requires users to install a tool (Safe•Connect client) to verify that computers meet the URI network minimum security requirements. Safe•Connect ensures compliance by displaying a warning page in users’ web browsers, allowing them time to remediate, then eventually disabling internet access if the problem persists. Safe•Connect will never disable access to URI resources; only external websites will be blocked. This means services including sakai, webmail, www.uri.edu, eCampus, et cetera will still be accessible.
This following page provides a general overview and instructions related to Safe•Connect from a users’ perspective.
More specific help may be obtained through the following articles:
- Safe•Connect Frequently Asked Questions.
- Safe•Connect Minimum Security Requirements.
- Troubleshooting Safe•Connect.
- For additional help, please contact the URI Computer Help Desk:
- Phone: (401) 874-4357
- Email: helpdesk@uri.edu
Contents |
Registration
When users first connect to the URI wired or Wireless networks, they will be prompted to enter their eCampus username and Webmail (mail.uri.edu) password. Users must enter these credentials to authenticate on the network. If you do not have an eCampus username and mail.uri.edu password, you may request a Guest Access Account.
- Enter your URI Credentials.
- When prompted, click Accept to accept the terms of the ITS Computing and Network Use Policy.
- Upon clicking accept, you will be asked to download ServiceInstaller.exe (for windows) or MacPolicyKeyInstaller.zip (for mac) Save the file to your desktop.
- Operating systems other than Windows and Macintosh will not be required to install the Safe*Connect client.
- Double-click the icon on your desktop and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Safe•Connect will now inform you if your computer does not meet minimum security requirements, and what steps you must take.
Only Windows and Macintosh machines will be required to install the Safe Connect Client.
Linux
Linux machines will be required to authenticate once every 24 hours. If desired, this process can easily be automated via shell script. Please contact the Help Desk for more information.
Game Consoles
Game consoles will not be required to authenticate.
Common Issues
Authentication
If you are having problems authenticating, make sure you are using the correct login credientails: your URI Credentials. (See URI Credentials for more information.
Firewall
Allow Firewall
If after installing Safe•Connect, you are prompted to allow scManager.sys or scClient.exe access to the internet, select allow. Not allowing Safe•Connect to access the internet will cause the Safe&bulll;Connect enforcer to think that you have not installed Safe•Connect, and as a result, not allow you access to the internet.
Requirements
Operating Systems
Safe Connect currently supports the following:
- Windows
- 2000
- Server 2003
- XP
- Vista
- 95, 98, ME
- Macintosh OS X
- Linux
Supported Devices
- Wired Game Consoles
- Xbox 360
- PS3
- Wii
- Printers
- PDAs
Antivirus Programs
McAfee is free to all faculty, staff and students at URI. If you do not currently have an Antivirus program and would like to use the URI-provided McAfee, please see the Antivirus page.
Some users prefer to use an Antivirus solution other than URI McAfee. Safe•Connect supports several other Antivrius programs. A complete list can be viewed at the Supported Antivirus page.
Computer Labs
Computer labs can be setup on a special lab account to allow for easier management of clients and identification of relevant support staff. If you operate a lab of 5 or more computers, please contact ITS Security via security@uri.edu or call the Help Desk.
Guest Access
URI now offers wired and wireless guest access to users who do not have university issue log-on credentials, but do have an association to the university, whether it be a student, staff, or professor. Users fitting this description can call the help desk at 874-HELP or stop by the help desk in the lower level of the library. Those not affiliated with the university in any way may not use this feature.
