For several weeks, Microsoft Authenticator has been available as an alternative to Duo Security for Multifactor authentication (MFA) on campus. As people get used to innovations like passwordless sign-in and the ability to back up their passkeys, a few discussions have been had amongst the implementation team during the rollout. We spoke with a few members of the Microsoft Authenticator Adoption Project team about their experiences. Continue reading Let’s talk about Microsoft Authenticator
Developing Talent Through OIT: Student Workers and Interns Gain Real-World Experience
Over the past year, OIT has made a concentrated effort to provide practical, work-ready skill development opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students through our Data and Applications team. Like most departments on campus, we rely on student workers to assist with day-to-day tasks. However, this year, the Applications team took things a step further by investing significant time and mentorship to create structured graduate internship projects and hands-on technical roles for undergraduate students. Continue reading Developing Talent Through OIT: Student Workers and Interns Gain Real-World Experience
Connecting Securely with VPN
As we come upon that time of year when more people will be traveling, it is also a good time to remind you that cybercriminals will be taking advantage of the opportunity to try to gain access to your data. To help protect yourself when traveling or using public or unsecured Wi-Fi, such as in a coffee shop or an airport waiting area, we recommend using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to limit the data exposed. Continue reading Connecting Securely with VPN
IT Help Desk Hours During Thanksgiving Break
In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, the IT Help Desk will have adjusted hours during the University’s Thanksgiving Break. In-person and chat support at the IT Help Desk will be unavailable from 5 p.m. Wednesday, November 26, through Sunday, November 30, 2025. Continue reading IT Help Desk Hours During Thanksgiving Break
Thank You for Making Cybersecurity Awareness Month a Spook-tacular Success!
Now that Cybersecurity Awareness Month has wrapped up, we want to thank everyone who joined us in celebrating and learning all October long. Throughout the month, the SMU community explored how to stay cyber smart through weekly themes, hands-on activities, and our in-person Cyber Fair. Whether you solved a Cyber Wordle, tested your phishing instincts, or stopped by for spooky security tips, your participation helped build a stronger culture of cybersecurity awareness across campus. Participants earned points for completing activities and were entered into one of three raffle tiers: Continue reading Thank You for Making Cybersecurity Awareness Month a Spook-tacular Success!
