Questions And Answers About OpenDNS Umbrella
What is OpenDNS Umbrella?
Answer: OpenDNS Umbrella is a service provided by Cisco 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 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. You can read more about it here: https://www.opendns.com/enterprise-security/threat-enforcement/).
What does OpenDNS Umbrella do?
Answer: OpenDNS Umbrella works by examining requests from computers and other devices, determining if the requested site is in OpenDNS Umbrella’s 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:
- Malware - software that, if downloaded, can affect the performance of your computer or even record your keystrokes
- 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.
What do I do if I believe that a website is being blocked in error?
Answer: While false positives are rare, call the HelpDesk at 909-607-7777 or open a ticket with the HelpDesk and we’ll be happy to investigate.
Who will be protected by this service?
Answer: All campus devices that connect to the CINE wireless network will be automatically protected. This includes mobile phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, streaming devices or any other device that use the CINE wireless network.
Do I need to install something on my device?
Answer: No, this service works transparently for devices connected to the campus network.
Is OpenDNS Umbrella tracking my Internet activity?
Answer: OpenDNS Umbrella analyzes client DNS requests and reports only data on malicious sites. Anonymized statistical data is collected for reporting of top services and trends.
Is OpenDNS Umbrella blocking any other category of content?
Answer: No. OpenDNS Umbrella is used only to mitigate known security threats.
Can OpenDNS Umbrella protect me while I’m traveling, studying abroad, or working from home?
Answer: Yes, there is an optional client for Macintosh, Windows, and popular mobile devices using iOS or Android. We are currently testing these clients, so please contact our HelpDesk helpdesk@hmc.edu for more information.
Do I still need end-point protection such as anti-virus protection on my device?
Answer: Yes. OpenDNS Umbrella is just the first layer of defense against malicious content, and works in concert with traditional types of threat protection.The service 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 CINE 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. You can read more about it here: https://www.opendns.com/enterprise-security/threat-enforcement/)