The 2023 Progress Report for the Office of Information Technology is now available. To view the report, please visit
s3.smu.edu/oit/pr2023/
or click the link below.
A PDF version is available on our website at
www.smu.edu/OIT/StayInformed.
Author: Ian Aberle
Ian Aberle is an Adobe Creative Educator and the Senior IT Communications Specialist & Trainer for the Office of Information Technology (OIT). For over 25 years, he has helped the SMU community use technology and implement digital and web media through multiple roles with the Digital Commons, SMU STAR Program, and now OIT. Ian enjoys photography and road trips with his family in his free time.
Scheduled Maintenance This Weekend Impacts Campus Internet
Starting at 10 p.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2023, OIT will replace the campus Internet border firewalls with new hardware. In order to minimize the impact on campus, the work is scheduled during a low-usage period. Unfortunately, this upgrade is expected to result in the loss of internet access for the campus for up to 30 minutes while the upgrade is being performed. While the work is expected to be completed quickly, the entire maintenance window is reserved until 2 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience. Continue reading Scheduled Maintenance This Weekend Impacts Campus Internet
Duo Verified Push Starts Today
Starting today, SMU requires a Verified Push from Duo Security when accessing the majority of SMU services protected with Duo multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Malicious actors have taken advantage of push harassment and fatigue to exploit weaknesses in security features. To combat this nuisance, the new Verified Push requires you to enter a six-digit numeric code with any push notification. By using a verification code, we ensure only verified users can log in and reduce the chances of someone absent-mindedly accepting a push they did not request. The Verified Push will increase the protection of our MFA solution and help protect your accounts from unauthorized access. Continue reading Duo Verified Push Starts Today
New Security Awareness Training Coming to Campus
Just in time for Cybersecurity Awareness Month, SMU is changing how we do cybersecurity awareness training. Last year, we launched a unique program focused on cybersecurity habits. Participants opting-in learned how to master cybersecurity habits and built a custom-tailored plan to make security feel easy. The responses from individuals completing the course were overwhelmingly positive.
Based on the award-winning book Well Aware: Master the Nine Cybersecurity Habits to Protect Your Future, the Cybersecurity Wellness Program focuses on Continue reading New Security Awareness Training Coming to Campus
Fall 2023 Security Report Now Available
In Lewis Caroll’s Through the Looking-Glass, during the Red Queen’s race, the Red Queen famously states to Alice, “Now, here, you see, it takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that!“
Our latest OIT Quarterly Security Update edition is now available to the SMU community and is dedicated to Alice in Wonderland because cybersecurity works exactly the same way: we need to Continue reading Fall 2023 Security Report Now Available
