zScaler+Info

zScaler is the name of the new cloud security solution offered free-of-charge to all public schools through the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN). It replaces the old filtering appliance at ARS, the iPrism, and will save us in excess of $10,000 over the next 3 years.

Setup
zScaler is automatically enabled when connected to any ARS network. Staff laptops do not connect to zScaler when off-campus at this time. Assigned student MacBooks connect through zScaler no matter where they are.

zScaler is a much more sophisticated filtering solution than the iPrism, requiring a more complex set-up process. Security Certificates (SSL Certificates) must be installed on networked devices to avoid annoying security errors. zScaler interrupts the usual secure browsing experience; usually, a site (ie., bank.com) has a security certificate issued to ensure you're visiting a legitimate website before you enter secure information. Your device recognizes this certificate, and therefore knows it's trustworthy. Unfortunately, these secure sites also allow users to circumvent many other web filters — try visiting "https://www.youtube.com" next time you're on an I-SS campus. zScaler actually inspects these secure connections, and therefore must re-issue a new security certificate from itself. A device that does not have the certificates will see this and warn the user — it doesn't know who zScaler is, and it certainly isn't going to trust it without being told to explicitly.

Luckily, these certificates are very easy to install. Instructions will be uploaded soon.

For Staff
Staff members will login to zScaler with the same username and password they use to login to their computers. When typing the username, you must add "@arsnc.org" to the end. For example, if you login to your computer with mairsj and applesauce, you'll login to zScaler with mairsj@arsnc.org and applesauce. This login is not related to your ARS email account, although they look similar.

For Elementary Students
Elementary school students will login to zScaler with the same username and password they use on the cart laptops. For example, if Jason is assigned laptop J02, he will login to it with J02 and Arcs123. He will then login to zScaler with J02@arsnc.org and Arcs123. This is not an email address, although it does look like one. If you suspect a student of using the network inappropriately, simply report the laptop number to Mrs. Shipman or Mr. Mairs for further investigation.

For Middle Students
Middle school students will login to zScaler with the same username and password they use for their assigned MacBooks. For example, if Will logs in to his laptop as wweide13 and wi1234am, he will login to zScaler with wweide13@arsnc.org and wi1234am. This is not a functional email address, although it does look like one. If you suspect a student of using the network inappropriately, simply report him/her to Mr. Mairs. Students with repeat violations will be given restricted internet access and will be unable to visit sites that are not specifically pre-approved by teachers.

Troubleshooting
The first step when you're having issues with zScaler is to see if you're logged in. Visit the [|zScaler Logout] page to check. If you are logged in, log out. To log in, try visiting the ARS homepage to get a login prompt.

If you have issues visiting a specific site, make sure you've installed the zScaler security certificates using the instructions in the Setup section. Common side-effects of missing certificates: security errors from browsers, missing button icons in Gmail, missing results in Google Search, etc.

If you are having issues with a specific site, contact Mr. Mairs for further investigation.