So You Were Shut Off From the Network
When a computer poses a serious threat to the safety of the rest of the network, that computer will be shut off. If a computer uses too much of the network's bandwidth or violates copyright laws, it will be shut off. This document is meant to give users the information they need to get access to the network again.
How do I know if I was shut off?
The Brandeis network administrator will inform you via email with descriptive reasons of the shut off. You can also call the UNet Help Desk at 781-529-UNET to confirm your network restriction.
Why was I shut off?
There are many reasons why a shut off is necessary. Here is a list of the most common kinds of shutoffs:
Botnet/AIM Virus
The most common type of shutoff is a botnet virus, more commonly known as an AIM (or MSN) virus. A computer is infected when a user inadvertently opens a URL in AIM that links to the virus. The virus self-executes, takes control of the computer, and propagates itself to other users.
Copyright infringement
Illegal movies, music, and software that are downloaded can send information to their respective production companies. These companies then send notifications to the network administrator, who must comply by restricting your network access.
Identity theft and Spam Zombies
Sometimes your computer is hijacked and used to send mass emails or give personal information (credit cards, SSN, bank account numbers) to the controllers without your knowledge. This type of network activity is observed and your computer is shut off.
Bandwidth abuse
By utilizing more than 26GB of bandwidth in a week or being the top 3 bandwidth user for 2 of 3 weeks, your computer will be shut off for a short period of time.
What do I do to regain network access?
Botnet
The botnet virus requires a reformat and reinstall of the computer's operating system (i.e. Windows). There are three steps to getting back on the network, each with different options for completion: data backup, reformat and reinstall, and notification.
Step 1: Data Backup
- Manually backup your own data - you can save your files by using writable CDs, DVDs, your iPod, and/or any external hard drives. For more information, click here.
- The Hardware Repair Shop can back up all types of files (excluding movies and music, even if these files are legitimate). A $25 fee is charged after the service.
Step 2: Reformat and Reinstall
- Manually perform the reinstallation - LTS has a comprehensive user's guide for reformatting and reinstalling Windows that can be found here. Users must use the operating system CD that came with their computer. If no CDs came with the computer and it was purchased recently, it is likely that there is a recovery partition saved in the computer. If there is any uncertainty please feel free to call the UNet Help Desk at 781-529-UNET for further assistance.
- The Hardware Repair Shop will provide this service at a fee of $50. Along with your computer, please bring the power cable, operating system and driver CDs. Again, bring the CDs that came with the computer when it was purchased. The Hardware Repair Shop is committed to a fast and convenient service. Turnaround time is usually 1-2 business days.
Step 3: Notification to the network administrators
- After your computer is clean, please be certain that the drivers are properly installed on your computer.
- Please email noc@brandeis.edu with the subject line of "Reinsertion request." Please include your UNet ID (your email at Brandeis) and a brief and concise description of how you fixed the problem.
- Full access to the network should be granted within the next business day. The response time will be shorter during examination periods.
- If you are shut off twice in a short period of time (i.e. one week), the computer appears to still be infected. Please bring the computer to the UNet Help Desk or have the Hardware Repair Shop inspect it. If you have a desktop, call the UNet Help Desk at 781-529-UNET and we will schedule a consultant to visit you.
Bandwidth abuse
Your network access will be shut off for a definite period of time. There is no other solution but wait.
Copyright
Your network access will be shut off until you delete the pirated file(s) and email a confirmation of this to the sender of your notification email. Be sure to include a brief message saying that you have deleted the pirated file.
Other Viruses
Please follow the same process as Botnet.
What should I NOT do?
Do not use the wireless networks while you are shut off. By using the wireless network you are placing the other users at risk; keep the network safe. Though the connections may be accessible, it will lead to further complications when you are placed in wireless quarantine - the wireless equivalent to the network shutoff. If you manage to be shut off from the wired network and placed into wireless quarantine, getting reinserted will be that much harder for everyone. Your ethernet and wireless cards have separate IDs and LTS might not be able to link both cards back to you right away and thus, you may not have wireless access and LTS might not know why.
How do I prevent this from happening again?
- Avoid clicking any links, even ones from your friends. It is best to navigate manually through the actual website (i.e. link to your friend's MySpace profile (http://www.myspace.com/my_buddy)).
- Do not open email attachments unless you know exactly what they are.
- Do not release private, important information about you. Internet thieves are skilled in producing identical websites that dupe users into giving out vital information (credit card numbers, Social Security Numbers). Remember, no company will ever ask you to confirm your password, username, SSN, phone number over email or even phone. You can provide your info when you know who you are in contact with (i.e. you call the number that you know, or you email a person that you trust.)
- Do not support or utilize pirated software or media. This will prevent you from getting full network access and will cause a restriction for copyright infringement.
- Try to limit your downloads and close peer-to-peer sharing programs when you are not using them to avoid any bandwidth abuse. Many programs will automatically mount themselves in the background without your knowledge.
- REMEMBER: DO NOT SHARE/DOWNLOAD COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL!
