Secure a free access network

UserLock guarantees genuine access security for Windows networks, by preventing possible student pranks and more importantly by thwarting malicious and/or careless users.

Limit simultaneous sessions

On a Windows network, it’s very easy for students to disclose their credentials to unauthorized third parties as there is no consequence on their own access to the network.

Thus, several workstations can unduly be blocked by one user and serious security flaws can occur (e.g.: server attacks).

UserLock resolves these issues by restricting or stopping simultaneous sessions (same ID, same password) per user or group of users. So it’s possible to limit the students to only one possible Windows connection at any instance

Access restriction

For example, a student having managed to get a teacher’s credentials will be able to access confidential information (exam questions, results, etc…) from any workstation on the network.

UserLock will stop account misuse by allowing the administrator to define per user and per group, the workstation(s) that they can or cannot use (by NetBIOS name / IP range). Thus, a student would not be able to login using a teacher’s credentials from a room equipped with free access workstations.

In the same manner, it’s possible to restrain access to administrative workstations (accounting, finance, etc…)

Remote session management

In the event of abnormal or suspicious behavior having been detected on a workstation, UserLock will allow the administrator to remotely disconnect the user or lock the session from a central console or any online computer.

Optimize the use of free access computers

Limit simultaneous sessions

On a Windows network it is very easy for a student to use his/her user account (ID and password) to open several sessions, e.g.: 1 session for his work and another to download.

UserLock compels users to systematically close down their session as and when they leave the workstation; as until they have done this, they cannot open another session elsewhere.

By stopping students from using several workstations, UserLock reduces the free access computer occupancy rate.

Remote disconnection

If a student leaves his session open or locked, the workstation is unavailable to all other students willing to login with their own account.

To free up resources, UserLock allows the network administrator to remotely disconnect sessions from the central console or from any online computer.

Statistics for free access computer rooms

UserLock’s reports display precisely how the computer rooms are used; the high and low activity peaks, the occupancy rate, etc…

Thus, the educational organization’s IT team can verify that open hours are satisfactory, that there are enough workstations. UserLock will give them the ability to determine the optimal distribution of the workload throughout the building(s), and take any necessary action.

Locating available workstations

UserLock features a customizable Web Intranet Page, accessible to all network users, that displays in real time all unoccupied workstations (e.g.: by building and by room).

This function improves students comfort by enabling them to easily and rapidly locate an available workstation, and therefore optimizes the global occupancy rate.

UserLock: Delegated and remote management

UserLock can be administered from a central console (on the server or a workstation), or remotely from any online computer.

The web interface allows the delegation of UserLock administrative rights to non-IT management (e.g.: teachers, supervisors, etc…), for a subset of workstations (e.g. systems in a room, floor, building), enabling supervision and management (e.g.: close or unlock the session on workstations).

By offering this level of administration, UserLock gives limited supervisor rights for non-IT personnel managing users, without giving them access to more critical software settings reserved for IT administrators.

UserLock: Worldwide references

UserLock is already in use by numerous educational organizations throughout the world, amongst them:

Queen's University of Belfast University of Cambridge University of Hong-Kong Université Paris 10 University of London Université de Lausanne University of Pennsylvania Université du Luxembourg University of Wisconsin University of Colorado University of Maryland University of South Florida Université de Nantes Université de Franche-Comté University New South Wales Chilton Trinity Technology College Littlefork Public School Fox Valley Technical College Moshanon High School University of Huddersfield Wexham Court Primary School Middlewich County School King Ethelbert School Staatliches Gymnasium Weilheich Fukuyama University Archbishop Beck High School Adam Smith College Carmel Schools

Oxford School District University of Bradford Eastern Washington University University of Memphis University of Missouri Université de Versailles Université Lyon 1 Claude Bernard Université de Rennes 2 Haute Bretagne Université Catholique de Lyon Rechenzentrum Universität Stuttgart Université de Corse Université Catholique de Louvain Mount Grace School Huntington High School Ivy Tech Community College Riverina Anglican College Bexhill College Waterford-Halfmoon School Hochschule Bremerhaven Norwalk City Schools Yorkshire Coast College Kern Schools Fenwick High School Rochester Institute of Technology Newman University Lakers School Texas A&M University Bengurion University of the Neguev

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