When a NAP client computer is connected to the network, it is monitored to ensure it is current with health requirements. A Network Access Protection (NAP) client computer is able to monitor health status continuously by using software called system health agents (SHAs). Health requirements are defined on NAP servers using corresponding software called system health validators (SHVs). Many different types of SHA and SHVs are available.
Windows Security Health Validator
The Windows Security Health Validator (WSHV) is included with Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2. The WSHV evaluates the operational status of the following components on NAP client computers:
- Firewall: If this requirement is
enabled, the client computer must have a firewall that is
registered with Windows Security Center and enabled for all network
connections.
- Virus Protection: If this requirement
is enabled, the client computer must have an antivirus application
installed, registered with Windows Security Center, and turned on.
The client computer can also be checked to ensure that the
antivirus signature file is up-to-date.
- Spyware Protection: If this
requirement is enabled, the client computer must have an
antispyware application installed, registered with Windows Security
Center, and turned on. The client computer can also be checked to
ensure that the antispyware signature file is up-to-date. Spyware
protection applies only to NAP clients running Windows Vista
or Windows 7.
- Automatic Updating: If this
requirement is enabled, the client computer must be configured to
check for updates from Windows Update. You can choose whether to
download and install them.
- Security Update Protection: If this
requirement is enabled, the client computer must have security
updates installed based on one of four possible values that match
security severity ratings from the Microsoft Security Response
Center (MSRC). The client must also check for these updates during
a specified time interval. You can use Windows Server Update
Services (WSUS), Windows Update, or both to obtain security
updates.