Washington and Lee University
Whom does this affect?
The initiative applies to students in all residence halls, as well as the on-campus sororities.
What is the reason for the initiative?
W&L, like other institutions, has faced an onslaught of viruses and other software designed to destroy data and disrupt computer networks. The main source of these infections is other W&L student computers, because of students' patterns of computer use as well as the constant movement of those computers between an unsecure outside environment and the W&L network. The costs of our exposure to these threats are considerable. The greatest cost may be the risk to data, such as student assignments, graduate school and job applications, but another, and perhaps more measurable cost is the time needed to repair infected computers. Prior to the implementation of this initiative in 2006, more than 300 W&L students each year reported infection of their personal computers by viruses, spyware, malware and other malicious software. In many cases, removal of this malicious software requires a day or more of work by the Information Desk and involves complete erasure of the hard disk and reinstallation of all software. Since implementation of the Safe Computing Initiative, the threat to student computers and the network as a whole has reduced drastically.
What can students expect?
When students in the affected residence halls attempt to connect to the W&L network, they'll be prompted to go through a series of steps to ensure their computers are safe for use on the network:
How can students prepare for the initiative?
Students should ensure that appropriate security-related software is installed on their computers. See the list of requirements
Can I use a router or other device to add more connections in my room?
University policy already bans devices such as wired or wireless routers that extend the functionality of the network. Such devices will be disabled by the security tools used in the Safe Computing Initiative. However, 1) the Information Desk will provide free hubs (splitters) as necessary so that each student has his or her own wired connection in a residence hall; 2) if students desire additional connections for gaming consoles or other network devices, they may purchase an authorized hub at the bookstore. It is necessary to register your hub so that it will function properly with the Safe Computing Initiative; please register by completing this form.
Can I attach game consoles to the network?
Game consoles and other non-computer devices must be registered before they are connected to the network. Students may register those devices by completing this form.
How will this initiative affect privacy?
Student computers will be screened only for software necessary for maintaining security on W&L's network (see initial list of such software, above). The screening process will not collect information on other installed software, or personal data such as documents, photos and music.
Are other higher-education institutions using screening tools similar to this?
Scores of institutions nationwide have implemented tools that screen student computers for security purposes. These institutions have reported significantly decreased incidence of virus and malware infection following implementation of these tools.
How will this initiative affect ease of use in accessing the network?
Students will notice the most significant delay when they attempt to access the network with their personal computers the first time after the screening is initiated. After this initial screening, and the updating of student computers with recommended software, students should not observe any disruption in their access to the network.
Will this tool affect the use of student computers when outside the campus network?
No. Student computers that use Internet service providers outside of W&L (at home, for instance) will not be subject to any screening procedures. However, students are advised to keep their computers up to date with the recommended software and patches so that they can connect easily to the network when they return to W&L.
