An Appspace Update

AppspaceWe have successfully installed the updated Appspace (formerly Nexus) software on a new server. As mentioned in our recent newsletter, we are upgrading Appspace to the latest version of 5.8 from our current version of 4.2.2 to enable new features, performance improvements, and the ability to add additional networks for more players on campus.

We are currently migrating content over from the current Appspace server at digitalsigns.smu.edu to the new server. Starting next week, we will be testing the new server and updates. We will then work with you to update the server settings on your Player PC to point to the new server. Once the Player PC is directed to the new server, you will need to upload any layout changes made sine April 18th to the new player application.

We will have a trainer on campus next week for anyone interested in learning the new system. You can register for the training by going to smu.edu/ITTraining. We will offer additional training later this summer.

O365 and “Clutter”

o365-720pLast summer, Microsoft introduced a new feature for email accounts hosted in Office 365.  The feature, known as Clutter, helps manage your inbox by filtering out the low-priority email.  The email server keeps track of the messages you read and the ones you don’t.  It then begins routing emails you are most likely to ignore to a “clutter” folder.  While this seems like a nice feature to have, many important SMU emails for students are being overlooked since they are not in the inbox.

As a result, OIT will disable the clutter feature for all SMU accounts in Office 365 on April 27 at noon.  Students who want this feature enabled can turn it back on. However, they should also make a habit of reviewing items in their clutter folder daily.  To re-enable this feature, do the following:

  1. Login to Outlook via webmail (office.smu.edu)
  2. Click on the Application launcher and select Mail
  3. On the navigation bar, go to
    Settings > Options > Mail > Automatic processing > Clutter
  4. Select “Separate items identified as Clutter.”
  5. Click Save

If you enable Clutter, there are ways to help Microsoft learn what is important to you and what is not.  Similar to using the Junk Mail rules in the Outlook client, simply right-click on the message in your inbox that is junk and click “Move to Clutter“.  If a message is sent to your Clutter folder incorrectly, right-click and choose “Move to Inbox.”  A review of the clutter folder should be conducted on a daily basis, however, to ensure you aren’t missing important messages.

 

Phishing Alert: Dear Mailbox User

Phishing Alert

Phishing: Dear Mailbox UserWe have received several reports of another round of phishing emails today.  These appeared to come from an SMU email address and indicated that you should “reset your password immediately to prevent your account from being disabled.”  The links in the email directed to an external login page that captured SMU credentials once entered.

Please be extra cautious and guard your account information, and remember that we will never ask you to verify your account information, or provide your password or any personal information via email.

If you did fall victim to the phishing email, please change your password immediately and contact the IT Help Desk by calling (214)768-4357, or email help@smu.edu

Phishing Alert: Prince Last Words On Video

Phishing Alert

Yesterday, news broke that Prince Rogers Nelson was found dead in his home in Minneapolis at age 57. He was found unresponsive in an elevator and was declared dead shortly after. Internet criminals are going to exploit this celebrity death in a number of ways, so be careful with anything related to Price’s death: emails, attachments, any social media (especially Facebook), texts on your phone, anything. There will be a number of scams related to this, so Think Before You Click!

Also, with the recent earthquakes in Ecuador and Japan, there are charity scams sticking up their ugly heads. If you want to make donations, go to your favorite charity by opening your browser and type their link in the address bar. Do not click on any links in emails.

Text provided by KnowBe4.

Duo Two-Factor Authentication Live Thursday April 21.

Duo Two-Factor Authentication Live Thursday April 21.

At 9:30 AM on Thursday, April 21, 2016, OIT will implement two-factor authentication for all SMU employees to certain online services, starting with my.SMU. This rollout includes student workers. The two-factor authentication utilizes a solution from Duo Security called Duo Mobile.

What is Duo and what does it mean to me?

Duo two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second layer of security to online services. Verifying your identity using a second factor (like your phone or another mobile device) helps prevent anyone but you from using your SMU account to log in to a protected service, even if they know your password. In other words, Duo provides assurance that only you can access protected information.

Duo and my.SMU

The first system to be protected with Duo two-factor authentication is the Payroll, time reporting, HR & Benefits areas of my.SMU. This will provide protection for your direct deposit accounts, bank routing information, tax statements, and other sensitive employee data. Your access to Web Clock will also be protected.

What do I need to do?

  1. Download the Duo Mobile app from your smartphone’s app store. Duo Mobile works with Apple iOS, Google Android, BlackBerry, Palm, Windows Phone 7, Windows Mobile 8.1 and 10, and J2ME/Symbian.
    Don’t have smartphone, don’t worry. You can also use a landline, tablet, or an SMS.
  2. On April 21, use your desktop or laptop computer to log in to my.SMU and access secure information, such as your past paychecks or W2.
  3. Follow the on-screen DUO enrollment instructions. We suggest having your smartphone available to scan a QR code with the Duo Mobile app.
  4. Add a second device, such as your office phone, to Duo.

Step by step instructions can be found at blog.smu.edu/itconnect/2016/03/29/duo-two-factor-authentication-2fa-setup/

To find out more about Duo two-factor authentication, including FAQs about Duo and video tutorials, please visit the Duo service page at smu.edu/duo.

If you have any problems or concerns, please contact
the IT Help Desk at 214-768-HELP (4357).