Updating Host Records

Context

This question often comes up in the DMCA ticket queue when someone receives a copyright infringement notice for a computer that is no longer being used by them. It applies to computers using DHCP and wireless network connection.

The team (in this case the IT Security Services team) that handles the copyright infringement notices MIT receives from copyright agents, relies on host registration records that are generated when a person first registers his/her computer on the MIT network. When the team receives a copyright infringement notice citing an IP address, it uses host registration record information to contact the proper owner of a computer.

When these records are inaccurate due to a list of reasons (e.g., the computer was transferred to someone else and not re-registered), the copyright notices are sent to the wrong person. If the contacted person replies with information claiming they are not or no longer using the computer, the team must then ask the registered user to update the registration record.

Answer

Steps to remove your name from a computer (changing the host record) are as follows:

1. Follow the below link to view the computers registered to your computing account. You need an MIT certificate to access this link.
   https://nic.mit.edu/dhreg/support/
   
2. To change an existing record (e.g. update or delete), choose the Lookup Host form button, or the Administer form button.
   
3. Each registered computer will have an identifier known as the MAC address. Computers with multiple network interfaces, such as laptops with a wired and wireless network interface card, will have one MAC address corresponding to each interface.
   
4. Enter the MAC address listed in the copyright notice into the form and hit lookup host. If your name comes up at the results page, select delete host if you are no longer the user of this computer. The current user will be prompted to register the computer in his or her name if they are using it on the MIT network.
   
5. You can also search for all your records using your kerberos principal (jdoe as the owner), email address (jdoe@mit.edu), or current MAC address (aa:bb:cc:dd:ee:ff). To view the MAC address on your workstation, please refer to the following IS&T Stock Answer.
   http://kb.mit.edu/confluence/x/4aQ7
   
6. If you see multiple results when looking up your MAC address, the "Lookup Host" result will prompt you with an "Update Host" or "Delete Host" form button. If these records are inaccurate, please make the necessary changes to ensure they are correct.

It is recommended to review your changes by performing a new search when finished.