UC Davis faculty, students and staff who access the campus wireless networks, MoobileNetX, ResNetX, or Eduroam, from their laptops, smartphones or tablets, will be prompted to accept a new security certificate the first time they use their device on either wireless network after 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2.

The transaction is routine. The previous certificate is expiring and must be renewed by users on their devices, to ensure both individual and network security.

The wireless security protocols used by UC Davis, IEEE 802.1X, require the user to have an up-to-date certificate installed on their device before network access is granted. In line with accepted cryptographic and security principles, the certificate used by UC Davis expires every two years and must be re-issued. For users concerned about malicious phishing attacks, the integrity of the issued certificate can be confirmed here.

What to expect

Most wireless laptop users at UC Davis will see an onscreen prompt asking them to accept the new certificate. The condition applies to both Apple and Windows operating systems.

If you do not see the prompt after the certificate is installed at 8 a.m. Sept. 2, your laptop might have already accepted the upgrade; test to see if you have normal network access.

The IT Express Service Desk has posted a Knowledge Base article with more information, including screen shots of the prompts that owners of various laptops might see.

If you experience problems, or have questions about the certificate or p rocess, please contact IT Express at 530-754-HELP (4357) or ithelp@ucdavis.edu.

Other mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, will also have to accept the new certificate, but many of these devices will do it automatically. Apple users are more likely to see the prompt.

MoobileNetX is the main campus wireless network. ResNetX is the equivalent network in student housing.