UMKC Information Services
→  SafeConnect
 SafeConnect and the UMKC network
  1. What is SafeConnect?
    SafeConnect is a network access and compliance tool to help ensure that computers connected to the UMKC network are patched and have protection from malicious software. All residence hall computers accessing the UMKC network must authenticate through this system before they can access the network. Additionally, Windows and Macintosh computers must install the SafeConnect Policy Key before accessing the Internet. Before authentication, Internet access will be restricted to web sites that allow you to update your computer with Windows or anti-virus updates.

  2. Who must use SafeConnect?
    SafeConnect must be used by all persons accessing the UMKC network at the residence halls. This includes both wired and wireless network connectivity. All users will be required to login to the SafeConnect webpage before they can access the network. Additionally, Windows and Macintosh users will be required to download and install the SafeConnect Policy Key before accessing the network.

  3. What is the SafeConnect Policy Key?
    The SafeConnect Policy Key is client software that must be installed on Windows and Macintosh computers before they can access the network. This software ensures that your anti-virus is installed, running, and up to date. It also ensures that Windows Updates is set to automatically retrieve and install updates on a regular basis. These criteria not only help to protect your personal computer on the network but also help create a safe and speedy network environment for all users.
 Installing the SafeConnect Policy Key

Installation of the SafeConnect Policy Key software is very straight forward and simple. The installation process is the same on both Windows XP and Vista with a few noted exceptions. SafeConnect Policy Key runs on all versions of Windows XP 32-bit or 64-bit and Windows Vista 32-bit or 64-bit.

  1. Connect your computer to the network through a wired network connection in your residence room. Each residence room should have at least one blue network jack. Using a straight through or "patch" Category 5 network cable attach your computers network jack to the network jack in the wall. Refer to your computers documentation to determine the location of its network jack.

  2. Wait a few minutes for the network connection to establish then open a web browser and attempt to navigate to any web page. You should be greeted with the following login page:


    Figure 1 SafeConnect Login Page

  3. Login using your SSO and password. These will be the same as the username and password you use to access your UMKC mail or Pathway. If you have not setup your SSO or are having difficulty with your password please contact the UMKC Call Center (816-235-2000) for assistance.

    Mac OS X USERS:
    Please skip to Step 8 to see the installation instructions below the Windows Users section to continue.

    WINDOWS USERS:
  4. You will be greeted with the following webpage and asked to read the network Acceptable Use Policy then download the SafeConnect Policy Key software. If you have questions about the Acceptable Use Policy please contact the Call Center. You must accept the policy and install the SafeConnect Policy Key before accessing the network. Click the link starting "Yes..." when you are ready to continue.


    Figure 2 Acceptable Use Policy Agreement Page

  5. After accepting the AUP and clicking the acceptance link you will be taken to the following webpage. The SafeConnect Policy Key download should start automatically after a few seconds. If it does not a link is provided to start the software download.


    Figure 3 SafeConnect Policy Key Download Page

    INTERNET EXPLORER USERS:
    When asked if you wish to Run or Save the software, choose "Run". When the download completes the installer should start automatically. If it does not you can click the download link provided and save the software to the Desktop. Once the download is complete you can run the installer by double clicking it on the Desktop.


    Figure 4 Internet Explorer Download Dialog

    FIREFOX, OPERA, SAFARI AND OTHER WEB BROWSER USERS:
    When asked if you wish to Open or Save the software, choose "Save" and select the Desktop as the save location. Once the download is complete you can run the installer by double clicking it on the Desktop.

    WINDOWS VISTA USERS:
    A User Access Control dialog will come up when the installer is run. Click "Continue" or "Allow" in that dialog to continue the installation.

  6. When the installer is run you will be presented with the following window. Click "Install" to install the SafeConnect Policy Key.


    Figure 5 SafeConnect Policy Key Installer Dialog

  7. The install should be very quick. It will present you with the following dialog when successfully complete. Click "OK".


    Figure 6 SafeConnect Policy Key Install Success


    8. Mac OS X USERS:
  8. You will be greeted with the following webpage and asked to read the network Acceptable Use Policy then download the SafeConnect Policy Key software. If you have questions about the Acceptable Use Policy, please contact the Call Center. You must accept the policy and install the SafeConnect Policy Key before accessing the network. Click the link starting "Yes..." when you are ready to continue.


    Figure 7 Acceptable Use Policy Agreement Page

  9. After accepting the AUP and clicking the acceptance link you will be taken to the Policy Key download page. The SafeConnect Policy Key download should start automatically after a few seconds. If it does not a link is provided to start the software download. Save the Policy Key software to the desktop.

  10. Once the Policy Key software has downloaded the install process should begin automatically. If it does not double click the ZIP file that was downloaded and the installer should be placed on the desktop. Double click the installer PKG file to begin the installation process.

  11. Once the installer has begun you should get the following screen. Click "Continue" to advance.


    Figure 8 SafeConnect Mac OS X Client Installer Screen 1

  12. On the next screen of the installer click "Install" to continue. You may be asked to provide your Mac OS X administrator username and password to continue.


    Figure 9 SafeConnect Mac OS X Client Installer Screen 2

  13. Once the installation is complete you should get the following "Install Succeeded" message. Click "Close" to finish the installation. You should now be able to reach the Internet.


    Figure 10 SafeConnect Mac OS X Client Install Success Screen

 Troubleshooting SafeConnect Policy Key

Once installed, SafeConnect Policy Key will scan your computer and inform you of any compliance issues. To be compliant your computer must have running, up to date anti-virus software and have Windows Updates set to automatically update your computer.

Anti-Virus Issues
If your computer does not have correctly installed and up to date anti-virus software SafeConnect will give you specific error messages related to the problem. These messages will include links to possible issue solutions.

Problem Message: "Our policy requires that Anti-virus software be installed, running, and up-to-date."


Figure 11 Missing AV Problem Message


Solution: Safe Connect can't detect the anti-virus software on your computer. Be sure that your anti-virus software is installed correctly. If the software has been removed you are likely to get this message. Check with the anti-virus maker for assistance in installing software.

Problem Message: "Anti-Virus is installed but not running."


Figure 12 AV Is Not Running Message


Solution: SafeConnect has found anti-virus software but does not detect it currently running. Most anti-virus software has a constant "On-Access" component that actively scans and protects a computer from malicious software. If this active scanner is not running then SafeConnect will not allow access to the network. Check with your anti-virus maker on how to determine if your anti-virus software is installed and running correctly.

Problem Message: "Your Anti-Virus definitions are out of date."


Figure 13 AV Definitions are Out of Date Message


Solution: SafeConnect has detected that your installed anti-virus software is out of date. Anti-virus software relies on virus "definitions" or "signatures" to detect malicious software. These definitions have to be updated regularly so your anti-virus software remains effective. Most anti-virus vendors require a subscription to update your definitions. If the subscription has expired you may need to renew it with the anti-virus maker or get new anti-virus software. If the definitions have not been updated recently you may just need to run the definition updater included with your anti-virus software. Most anti-virus software also has an automatic update feature that you should keep turned on. Check your anti-virus help files or with the software maker for instructions.

Problem Message: "You need to set your Automatic Updates to automatically download and install security patches."


Figure 14 Automatic Updates are Disabled Message


Solution: Both Windows XP and Vista have the capability to automatically update themselves. If that capability has been disabled SafeConnect will not allow access to the network. To check if Automatic Updates has been disabled do the following:

Windows XP:
  1.  Open the Start menu and click on Control Panel (It may also be under Start then Settings then Control Panel).
  2. In the upper left on the Control Panel click "Switch to Classic View."
  3. Double click on "Automatic Updates".
  4. Make sure that "Automatic (recommended)" is selected.
  5. Click "OK".
  6. SafeConnect should detect that Automatic Updates has been enabled and allow access to the network.
Windows Vista:
  1. Open the Start menu and click on Control Panel.
  2. In the upper left on the Control Panel choose "Classic View."
  3.  Double click on "Windows Update".
  4. In the upper left of the "Windows Update" panel click "Change Settings."
  5. Make sure that "Install updates automatically (recommended)" is selected.
  6. Click "OK" on the Windows Update dialog. (Another "OK" prompt may appear as well. Click "OK" on that too.)
  7. SafeConnect should detect that Windows Update has been enabled and allow access to the network.
Further Help
If you are having any other issues with SafeConnect please contact the UMKC IS Call Center by phone at 816.235.2000 or email at callcenter@umkc.edu or submit your request online.
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UMKC Information Services | Kansas City, MO 64110 | (816) 235-2000 | Email questions or comments about this web site to callcenter@umkc.edu.