Cybersecurity Reminders

Posted in UIS News & Announcements  |  Tagged Service Updates, UISO

Dear Members of the Georgetown Community:

As we approach another week in our virtual working environments at Georgetown, I ask that you take necessary precautions to protect your data and review the Computer Systems Acceptable Use Policy. As people across the country are increasing their online presence, phishing and other scams are on the rise. To improve your security, review online best practices and teleworking best practices at the UIS Security website and consider the tips below.

Using Duo when logging in to GU systems like Canvas, GMS, and Gmail helps ensure that only authorized people are accessing our data. A second factor of verification like a Duo push prevents hackers and thieves from stealing information that is important to us.  

If you don’t see the option to “push,” your device is not fully configured. Please consult these instructions to add a mobile phone number to your Duo account if a land line was previously enrolled.

Installing the latest computer and software updates keep your devices running smoothly and securely. Instructions for updating various operating systems and software applications can be found below.

• Zoom
  You should be on the latest version of Zoom (currently Version 5.0.1). As of May 30, all Zoom users will be required to be on Version 5.0.1.

• Chrome
  On a PC:
  Click on the Customize and Control Google Chrome icon (the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of the window), choose Help>>About Google Chrome. Chrome will automatically install updates.  
  
  On a Mac:
  Click on the About Google Chrome in the drop-down menu under Chrome on the toolbar (at the top left of your screen next to the Apple), to search for updates.

• Updating Windows 10
  Click on the Windows Start button in the taskbar, choose Settings>>Update & Security>>Windows Update and then select Check for Updates. If updates are available, they will appear on the Windows Update page. To install them, select Download and Install Now.

• Updating Mac OS
  Click on the Apple icon in the upper left-hand corner of your screen, choose About This Mac from the drop-down menu, and then click the Software Update button in the pop-up window. In the ‘Software Update’ window, click the Update Now button to install the available updates.   

• Microsoft Office 2016/2019 on a PC
  Open Microsoft Word, click on the File menu and select Account. An Office Updates button will appear if updates are available.

• Microsoft Office on a Mac
  Open Microsoft Word and select Help>>Check for Updates. Older versions may not automatically update. You can click here to get the latest update of Microsoft Office for Mac.

For other software, including Adobe, please consult their Web sites for updates.

Restarting Your Computer: Restarting your computer once a week helps to clear random, unimportant temporary files that bog down the device’s RAM. Please note that closing your laptop is not the same as restarting it or shutting it down.

Password Station. It is always a good idea to periodically change your NetID password. You may update your password using our self-service password management system.

For more information, please visit the UIS Security website.

Thank you,

Judd Nicholson
Vice President and Chief Information Officer