OpenDNS Umbrella

Service Description

OpenDNS Umbrella is a new network security service that was recently purchased by the Claremont Colleges as part of an ongoing effort to improve the security of network services. If you’re connected to the wireless network or the campus wired network and you, or your computer without your knowledge, attempt to connect to a known malicious site, you will be redirected to a warning page. The article Enterprise Threat Detection Like no Other has more information.

OpenDNS Umbrella works by examining requests from computers and other devices, determining if the requested site is in its database of known malicious sites and, if it is, redirecting to a benign web page. OpenDNS Umbrella does not capture information that is not already captured in router and switch logs. The kinds of problems it helps with include:

  • Botnets – software that makes your computer part of a “botnet” or network of computers that can be activated to attack other sites on the internet
  • Ransomware – a type of malware that encrypts the files on your computer and leaves a message offering to give you the key to decrypt the file in return for a sum of money. This kind of attack has been in the news lately, and HMC and the other Claremont Colleges have already been subject to Ransomware attacks.
  • Phishing – emails may contain requests for you to visit a site that contains malware, ransomware or botnet software. OpenDNS Umbrella prevents access to such sites.
  • ‘Drive-by-download’ attacks – a malware delivery technique that is triggered simply because the user visited a website that contains codes delivered via content like banners or advertisements. The simple act of visiting a malicious site can be enough to get your computer infected or your personal details stolen.

Availability

Available to faculty, students, staff, alumni, payers, emeritus, trustees, and applicants at HMC.

How to Access the Service

All campus devices that connect to the wireless network or to the HMC wired network using DHCP will be automatically protected. Please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@hmc.edu or 909.607.7777 if you are unsure if your system is currently protected by OpenDNS Umbrella.

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Related Links