Deployment of ClearPass OnGuard
From Monday 16 March, managed Windows devices used by all University colleagues will begin receiving a new security tool called ClearPass OnGuard, following successful pilots with colleagues in NUIT and HaSS.
The rollout of this cyber security tool marks a significant step in the University’s Network Transformation Project, the cornerstone of the University's Cyber Security Programme. As the University continues to modernise its digital infrastructure, ensuring that managed devices connecting to our network meet appropriate security standards is essential to protecting our teaching, research and professional services.
What is ClearPass OnGuard?
ClearPass OnGuard is a device posture and health-checking tool. It is used to assess whether University-managed devices on campus meet a set of baseline security requirements before and during their connection to the University network.
Once installed:
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OnGuard will run in the background in monitor mode only and only apply to on-campus devices
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You may notice a small icon or an occasional pop-up showing a device ‘health status’. These notifications are informational only and no action is required
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OnGuard will not make any changes to your device and will not affect your network connection
Further information on what colleagues will see, and what it will mean is available on our ClearPass webpages.
If you have questions regarding ClearPass OnGuard or the wider Network Transformation Project, please contact the project team at networkproject@newcastle.ac.uk
published on: 16 March 2026