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Welcome to the Sygate Security Agent
What is the Sygate Security Agent, and why do I want it?
The Sygate Security Agent is a personal (host based) firewall product which CSM has purchased for student, faculty and staff use. We have attempted to create profiles for the Sygate Security Agent which will strike a balance between security and usability. We have created Update-Only, Moderate, and High Security profiles. There is also a Power-User mode which combines some basic rules that we have created with rules that you create yourself. Finally there is a Full-Control mode which will allow you to completely create your own security profile, if you find that the ones we have created do not meet your needs.
For a more detailed explanation of firewalls in general and the Sygate Security Agent in particular, please click here.
For the complete manufacturer supplied end-user documentation, please click here.
System Requirements
The Sygate Security Agent is compatible with any version of Microsoft Windows (95, 98, NT, 2000, 2003 or XP). Note: Not all versions of Windows are supported by AC&N.
Installing the Agent
Click here to download the Sygate Security Agent.
**Please note, you must be using a computer on the CSM network, or connected by VPN to the CSM Campus to download this file.
After you have finished downloading the file (SSA3409L.exe) you will need to double-click it to extract the files and launch the setup utility. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Default configuration
Once you have installed the agent and rebooted your computer, the firewall will start up in "Update-only" mode. This means that your computer will only be able to go to the Microsoft Update site. While you are in "Update-only" mode all Internet traffic into your PC, and all traffic out to sites other than Microsoft's will be blocked. This feature is designed to give you time to update your computer with all of the latest Windows security patches.
**Note: If you are running Windows XP you should turn off the firewall that is built into Windows, AFTER YOU HAVE INSTALLED THE SYGATE SECURITY AGENT AND REBOOTED YOUR COMPUTER.
Using the Agent
After you are finished updating your PC, you will need to choose a different security profile. Click on your "Start" button, then choose "Programs" or "All Programs." Then click on "Sygate Security Agent." You will then see the button for the "Sygate Security Agent" program. Once you click on the "Sygate Security Agent" button, you will see a screen that looks something like this:
Go to the "Location" menu in the upper left-hand corner of the window and choose one of the other profiles, either Moderate, High, Power-User, or Full Control.
- Moderate is a good choice for the average user. It will allow web browsing, e-mail, and some instant-messaging. Additionally, this setting will allow all traffic to selected campus servers including but not limited to Hornet, Skyhawk, and Slate.
- High Security is a good choice if you use your computer for web browsing and e-mail only. It could also be used if you are particularly concerned about security and you do not feel comfortable customizing your own security settings.
- Power-User is a good choice for users who have a firm grasp of Internet security and who need to run additional protocols not allowed by either of the two profiles above. Power-User mode is a combination of some basic security rules that we have defined, and rules that you create. Power-User mode will allow you to control both Internet traffic, and which specific applications are allowed access. When you choose "Power-User" mode, the firewall firewall firewall will initially notify you anytime a non-authorized program attempts to access the Internet. You will be given the opportunity to approve the connection. If you click "Yes" the connection will proceed as normal. If you click "No" the application will be prevented from accessing the Internet. There is also a check-box that says "Remember my answer, and do not ask me again for this application." Choosing that option will cause Sygate to remember this decision. After you have been using your firewall in this mode for a while, the firewall will learn to allow or disallow the programs that you typically use, and you will only see dialog boxes like the one above when something truly new happens.
- Full Control is the right choice for users with a solid understanding of Internet security and who need complete control of all their firewall rules. We strongly encourage you to read the manufacturer supplied help files which can be found under the Help menu of the Sygate Security Agent.
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