Halcyon Anti-Ransomware to Protect Campus Devices

no ransomware iconOver the past decade, the threat of ransomware has affected institutions ranging from hospitals to commercial businesses to K-12 and higher education. Ransomware consists of nefarious software installed on devices clandestinely to eventually encrypt your data to prevent access. The criminal then requests a ransom in order to decrypt your data. OIT will begin implementing a new software, Halcyon Anti-Ransomware, starting Tuesday, December 19, 2023, to help find and prevent ransomware, further protecting SMU’s sensitive data and business processes. Continue reading Halcyon Anti-Ransomware to Protect Campus Devices

Visio for the Web Now Available at SMU

VisioMicrosoft recently released Visio for the web as part of the Microsoft 365 Apps, and it is no longer only available as a standalone application for PC users. Whether utilizing a tablet, Mac, or PC, all users can now take advantage of the popular flowcharting and diagramming software, Visio, on the web. Continue reading Visio for the Web Now Available at SMU

Mac Users: Don’t Upgrade to Monterey… Just Yet!


macOS MontereyApple recently announced that the latest update to its macOS, Monterey, is available to the public. While we know people are eager to update to the latest OS to take advantage of the new enhancements for key apps; including Safari, Messages, and Maps, as well as new privacy features, we recommend that users wait until the next “dot” OS update before upgrading University-owned Macs. Continue reading Mac Users: Don’t Upgrade to Monterey… Just Yet!

Duo Two-Factor Authentication Facelift Coming in October

An example of the new Duo mobile app.With Duo being used every day by just about everyone here on The Hilltop, we want to keep you aware of any changes that are in the works. This includes a refreshed mobile application that will be released gradually by Duo over the next couple of weeks. Rest assured, the functionality of the application on both Android and iOS apps will remain unchanged. You also don’t have to do any reconfiguration of your account.

Again, the core functionality of Duo Mobile is not changing. You will continue to be able to: Continue reading Duo Two-Factor Authentication Facelift Coming in October

Apple Releases Security Updates to Stop Spyware

iOS 14.8Just a day before Apple’s September event, Apple has released the iOS 14.8, iPadOS 14.8, macOS 11.6, and WatchOS 7.6.2 security updates. While the updates list what might be just basic improvements to CoreGraphics and WebKit, it actually stops the devices from “Processing a maliciously crafted PDF may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited,” according to the security note. This code execution is what allows spyware to run on your devices. Continue reading Apple Releases Security Updates to Stop Spyware