Tag Archives: security

New Safe Computing resources promote remote IT security

ITS Information Assurance has rapidly developed a number of new Safe Computing resources to help you practice and promote good IT security and privacy practices in this new normal: New on Safe Computing and in IT Security at U-M. New resources covering videoconferencing security and privacy, coronavirus scams, how to prevent Zoombombing, new videos, new entries in the… Read More »

New video: Working securely from home

Check out this new IT Security Tips for When You Work from Home video from ITS Information Assurance. It covers securing your devices and connections, protecting your privacy, and watching out for phishing, scams, and fraud. Please share it with others who may find it helpful. For more details and links to resources for working securely from home,… Read More »

Reminder: Best practices for sharing safely in U-M Box and Google

When you share files or folders from Google Drive or Box, you can control the level of permissions granted to others. The U-M Collaboration Services team recommends using caution when you choose permissions for your files and folders to ensure the privacy and security of university data. This is especially true when collaborating with people outside of U-M.… Read More »

New video: Tips for safe videoconferencing

You have probably had a crash course on the basics of videoconferencing over the past few weeks. Follow the IT security and privacy best practices in this new Tips for Safe Videoconferencing video from ITS Information Assurance to make security and privacy part of your videoconferencing routine. And please share it with others who might find it helpful.… Read More »

Beware of COVID-19 coronavirus scams

Scammers are taking advantage of the fear and uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus. Some of the most common scams include: Fraudulent cure and treatment offers Fake charities Misinformation from scammers posing as experts Phishing Tracking maps that trick you into downloading malware See Coronavirus Scams on Safe Computing for more details. ITS Information Assurance is keeping the page… Read More »

Securely self-manage UM-owned devices

U-M faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to use computers and devices that are managed by a central U-M IT service provider, but in some circumstances, faculty and staff may need to self-manage a UM-owned device: Computers and other devices purchased with research grant funds to meet very specific research needs. Developers needing specific operating systems or software… Read More »

Not using Bluetooth or AirDrop? Turn them off!

Turn off Bluetooth and other connections when you aren’t using them, and limit access to your devices via Mac/iOS AirDrop. This helps you save your battery charge and protects you from unwanted material. Subway riders in New York City, for example, have reported receiving unsolicited nude images over open AirDrop connections. Members of the U-M community have reported… Read More »

Remote access to Michigan Medicine Outlook changing November 21

Due to an increased threat of phishing attacks targeted at Michigan Medicine, remote access to Outlook email will change on November 21. Michigan Medicine email users will need to connect to the VPN or use Outlook on the Web anytime they are off the Michigan Medicine network. This change only impacts laptop or desktop computers — accessing email on… Read More »

Michigan Medicine offers a free password manager for its employees

Michigan Medicine employees and students are required to use passwords to access various applications and business systems in their daily work. Because it can be difficult to keep track of multiple passwords, some people choose a simple password they can remember (e.g., their date of birth, a pet’s name, or another easily discovered piece of personal information), keep… Read More »

Duo to be required for U-M VPN

Over the next few months, a more secure connection method for the U-M Virtual Private Network (VPN) will be introduced, and the current method will be retired. The new method will direct people to Weblogin, and two-factor authentication using Duo will be required. The addition of two-factor to the U-M VPN login will improve security for U-M networks.… Read More »

Update: Chegg password incident resolved

The public release of credentials (email addresses and associated passwords) related to the 2018 Chegg breach unfortunately affected the U-M community. Thank you to those of you who assisted students and others whose UMICH passwords were reset in late September as a result of reuse at U-M of passwords exposed in a data breach at Chegg, a commercial… Read More »

Take a fresh look at your Duo options

If you’ve been logging in with Duo the same way for awhile, now is a good time to review your options and consider whether there are other methods that might work better for you.  Duo Mobile app Advantages: Offers multiple login-approval methods (passcode, push notification; phone call and text message when installed on a smartphone). Works with or… Read More »

Register today to attend SUMIT October 29

Mark your calendars for SUMIT_2019, U-M’s 15th annual cyber security conference on Tuesday, October 29 at Rackham Auditorium. Learn more and register today! This free, one-day conference is an exciting opportunity to hear recognized experts discuss the latest issues, trends, and threats in cybersecurity and privacy. SUMIT_2019 focuses on explorations in privacy and security research. SUMIT_2019 speakers Denise… Read More »

Participate in National Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October!

Every October, ITS Information Assurance (IA) leads a U-M celebration of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) by hosting events, sharing tips, and reminding everyone of our shared responsibility to protect and secure university and personal systems and the sensitive information they contain. NCSAM is spearheaded by the National Cyber Security Alliance and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.… Read More »

Tips for using Duo when traveling

Don’t let Duo two-factor become a distraction when you travel. Review your options before you leave to make sure you’re prepared. While your regular Duo option may work, you could choose to use an alternative method that better suits your travel plans. Duo offers multiple options that are suited for different circumstances. The recommended travel option is the… Read More »

Prepare to move away from Windows Server 2008, 2008 R2

Microsoft will end support for Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 on January 14, 2020 That means it will no longer provide security updates or support. Don’t let your infrastructure and applications go unprotected. Begin planning now to upgrade as needed. This applies to physical servers that you manage as well as virtual servers.  MiServer users are asked… Read More »