Recently, there has been discussion on and off campus about Network Access Control, or NAC. Some folks have complained that NAC is slowing them down; others have said that NAC installs malicious software onto their computers; and still others think that NAC was a good band while they lasted (by the way, the 80s band was called “The Knack” not “NAC.”) So … let’s clear the air.
NAC is a computer network security technology recently implemented at UNM. NAC was applied to Lobo WiFi and to the wired access in the student residences to ensure the availability of the University’s computer network. Eventually, NAC will check to make sure that computers trying to get onto the network have applied the latest
operating system patches and have anti-virus software installed and up to date.
However, NAC currently only does what the name implies: It controls access to the UNM wireless and to some wired computer networks. NAC controls access by authenticating the user via his or her UNM NetID and password, essentially assuring that the only people on the UNM network are ones that are allowed to be there.
NAC is not designed to see what you’re listening to, typing or viewing. NAC is not snoop-ware. In the future, it may check to make sure that your computer’s personal firewall is active and that your anti-malware software is working properly, but right now it is in place to ensure only authorized UNM users and guests are on the network. For more information on NAC and Lobo WiFi, visit it.unm.edu/nacinfo.html.
Also, there is no longer any reason why you cannot have up-to-date anti-virus software. Symantec (aka Norton) anti-virus software is available to all UNM students, faculty and staff at no cost for use at home as well as on campus. Visit the IT Software Download page at it.unm.edu/download to obtain the Symantec Endpoint Protection software for your computer.
Did you know that October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month? For more tips on protecting yourself online, check out www.StaySafeOnline.org.
If you have questions about computer security or have ideas for future topics, please feel free to contact me at mcarr@unm.edu.
Mike Carr is the UNM Director of Information Assurance.
