BlackHole

What is the BlackHole?

The BlackHole is a holding area on the network where computers are placed for a variety of reasons. While in the BlackHole, a computer cannot access the campus network or the Internet, with the exception of a few sites with anti-virus resources. The most common reason for being "BlackHoled" is a virus infection. Other reasons include excessive network traffic caused by adware and spyware and copyright violations associated with downloaded files. Regardless of the reason a computer enters the BlackHole, it is always some type of Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) violation.

How Do I Get Out of the BlackHole?

In the case of a virus infection, you will need to clear the virus from your computer and take the necessary steps to secure your computer to prevent re-infection. After doing so, you will need to contact the ITS Helpdesk and let them know that you have done so and that your computer should be removed from the BlackHole. If ITS detects that you are still infected with the same virus, you may be required to speak with one of the Helpdesk managers before being reinstated to the network a second time. If you are found to be infected with the same virus a third time, you will be required to have a professional clean your computer before having network access restored.

If the reason your computer was removed from the network involves some other type of AUP violation, you will be contacted and told how to proceed.