Security, Policies & Guidelines

Network disconnection policy

This policy describes some of the circumstances for losing network connection privileges at NMSU.

NMSU is host to a multitude of networked computers. The health of our network is vital to the campus community and is the principle conduit used to conduct business for faculty, staff and students. Our network comprises both wired and wireless users.

A computer can become compromised by a virus or worm, be offering copyrighted material or impeding data flow on the network. When these or other policy infractions occur, NMSU reserves the right to prevent the computer from accessing the network until the situation can be rectified. Computers not running an updated virus scanner or not having current critical operating system updates installed may also be prevented from accessing the network.

NMSU uses a Network Intrusion Detection System (IDS). This system generates a list of computers that are exhibiting behavior consistent with being compromised. The owner of a compromised computer will be notified, via phone or email, of being on the list. The owner should immediately disconnect the computer from the network and make arrangements to have the problem fixed. Disconnecting from the network will prevent the computer from showing up on the IDS list. Any computer on the list for 3 days will be blocked from connecting to the network.

In the case were a computer is causing a critical impact to the network it will be immediately disconnected.

Computers connected to physical subnets that are highly susceptible to disruption or virus transmission, such as the Student Housing Net, may be immediately disconnected.

In all other cases the computer owner will be given 1 business day to respond, after attempted notification, before being disconnected.

For help fixing a computer on the IDS list or regaining network privileges please call the ICT Customer Service Center at 646-1840 or email help@nmsu.edu for assistance.

Also visit our security tips web site at http://ict.nmsu.edu/security/.