F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question:
Where is the documentation for VSAT?Answer:
VSAT documentation is located in several areas:
- There is a “pdf” file on the VSAT distribution CD in the folder “Manual”. This can be printed out for your usage,
- There is an “on-line” version of the same manual. From within VSAT, select “Help” on the top menu bar, and then “Users Manual”,
- There are Help Topics available under the same menu – select “Help” on the top menu bar and then “help topics”
- At any point in the program, you can select the “F1” key and obtain context sensitive help.
You are also encouraged to submit questions to the INFO@VSATUSERS.NET or to call 1-888-340-8830
Question:
The Criticality / Vulnerability panel in the upper half of the Analysis Flow Window is large enough to obscure the "risk acceptability" button the "Perform analysis" arrow, and most of the four options boxes below the panel. What do I have to do to get this panel small enough to allow me to see the other controls?Answer:
The VSAT display was designed for the "lowest common denominator" for graphical display of 800 x 600 and also works well with the display setting of 1024 x 768. Future versions may have the display dynamically adjusted. You should set your display resolution to either 800 x 600 or 1024 x 768. This can be done from the desktop by right clicking on a blank portion of the screen, select Properties and then the Settings tab. At the bottom right of that screen, select either 800 x 600 or 1024 x 768.
Question:
What software security is available within VSAT?Answer:
There are three security levels of users in VSAT: Guest, Analyst, and DBA (Database Administrator). Each of these has increasingly greater capabilities. It is anticipated that each utility will set up new users within this structure and designate a single person as the DBA. Additional information on security levels can be found in Section 6.1 of the VSAT Users Manual (both the On-line and the pdf versions).
Question:
I attended one of the On-line training sessions for VSAT that AMSA sponsored. How can I get a copy of the slides that were used?Answer:
The slides used in the on-line training session are available for download on the VSATUSERS.NET website at http://www.vsatusers.net/slides/VSATslides.pdf (for registered users only).
Question:
My utility has started a vulnerability analysis using RAM-W. Can I still use VSAT?Answer:
There are many similarities in the overall analytical approaches between VSAT and RAM-W. While the ultimate decision as to whether VSAT (or any methodology) satisfies all of your needs is up to you, use of VSAT should be useful for you in documenting and reporting your analysis.
Question:
I was not able to attend the two AMSA sponsored Web training sessions. Will there be additional ones in the future?Answer:
The Water Environment Federation, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has announced a series of new training seminars to assist wastewater utilities of all sizes in evaluating and determining approaches for reducing their vulnerability to terrorist attacks. The new series focuses primarily on the VSATwastewater software. For more details go to http://www.wef.org/publicinfo/wefsecurity.jhtml
Question:
I have heard that there will be a Water version of VSAT coming out. What are the details on this?Answer:
AMSA is also working with the EPA to develop VSAT™ software for joint public drinking water-wastewater agencies as well as for small and medium sized drinking water agencies, which will go far toward helping to further secure the water/wastewater critical infrastructure sector. This should be available in November 2002.
Question:
How do I register VSAT and why should I register?Answer:
The VSAT registration form is located on the VSAT web site, www.vsatusers.net, under the "What's New" topic. Registered users will then be able to access the Upgrades and Bug Fix portion of the web site. The upgrades will include additional information on threats, countermeasures and other changes made to the initial release. Note that there are no current updates or bugs identified, but we anticipate updates later in the fall of 2002.