In response to input from campus constituent groups asking for increased security of network and computing services, Information Technology Services (ITS) operates a campus email antivirus gateway as part of an overall information security solution.
The gateway is designed to help Cal Poly to:
- balance the openness of the Internet with the need to protect the privacy and integrity of campus information and services,
- reduce the threat of viruses entering Cal Poly's network
- reduce the likelihood of off-campus individuals using campus computers to send viruses to Internet users.
If you have any further questions not answered on this page, visit the ITS Service Desk website at or call 756-7000 for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an email antivirus Gateway?
The email anti virus gateway is an appliance designed to send and receive email at a very high rate of speed. The email gateway acts as the campus entry point for all @calpoly.edu email addresses. Internet email is directed to the email antivirus gateway. Emails are then scanned for viruses and sent to the mail server on campus for delivery.
How will I know if the gateway found a virus?
The email will contain a note at the top indicating who sent the mail (although that can be faked by new viruses) and what virus was imbedded in the attachment. It also includes what was done to the virus and where to go for more information.
Will it delete my email?
The email antivirus gateway will not delete email. The gateway uses technology to identify the fingerprint of a virus and compare it to its list of known viruses. It is updated hourly to be aware of new viruses. The gateway only scans attachments. All email continues through to it's recipient. If a file was disinfected or removed, the email will include information on what occurred. You will be able to reply to the sender and request they resend the attachment without the virus.
What should I do if I receive notification that an email contained a virus?
You may at choose to follow up and contact the person or ISP that sent the virus to you. See Reporting an Infected Email Message for instructions.
Will it also scan my other email accounts?
If you configure your Cal Poly Preferred E-mail Address (EDA) using the Cal Poly Portal, you can send mail to your @calpoly.edu - and then it will be directed to whatever email account you desire. Before it is sent to the off campus email server, it will be scanned for viruses.
