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Campus operations return to normal following power outage
Nov 20th, 2024
smartphone displaying UWin Alert

Operations have returned to normal at the University of Windsor following a temporary power outage that affected the campus on Monday afternoon.

All essential systems are now back online.

The University extends its gratitude to Facility Services and Information Technology Services (ITS) for their immediate response and efforts to restore power and services.

The cause of the outage is still under investigation.

Students affected by Monday’s class cancellations or exam postponements are encouraged to contact their instructors directly for further information.

As a reminder, the University encourages all members of the campus community to sign up for UWindsor Alert, the official alert notification system, to stay informed during situations that may impact campus operations and safety.

Are you a cybersecurity target? Complete the mandatory training
Oct 28th, 2024
laptop computer

As Cybersecurity Month comes to an end, Information Technology Services recaps the essential tips shared this month.

It is important to remember that we are all potential targets for cyber threats; following these tips will help keep us cyber safe:

  1. Create strong passwords: Use unique passwords for each account and enable multifactor authentication whenever possible.
  2. Stay vigilant: Regularly update your browser, use the University’s GlobalProtect VPN when off-campus, and organize your online activities by designating separate browsers and accounts for work and personal use. Always inspect links before clicking and shop only on secure websites.
  3. Beware of phishing scams: Familiarize yourself with common phishing tactics. Verify unexpected requests, check sender details, look for red flags, and report suspicious emails.
  4. Secure your devices: Regularly close applications, restart your computer, and ensure automatic updates are enabled for your operating system and applications.
  5. Manage spam effectively: Delete unsolicited emails without opening them and use the reporting features in your email client.

To fortify its digital defenses against escalating and persistent threats in the cyber landscape, the University of Windsor mandates cybersecurity training for all employees.

As part of the Cybersecurity Action Plan, the cybersecurity training is an opportunity for UWindsor employees to learn how to safeguard themselves and share in the responsibility of protecting the University from cyber threats.

The web-based cybersecurity training consists of eight training modules and a quiz. The training takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes to complete and is mandatory for:

  • Faculty members
  • Staff
  • Post-doctoral fellows
  • Professor adjuncts
  • Sessional instructors
  • Student employees

If you haven’t completed this training, do so by Oct. 31.

For more resources, and cybersecurity tips visit uwindsor.ca/cybersecurity.

Are you a cybersecurity target? Beware of spam and unsolicited emails
Oct 23rd, 2024
beware of spam

Email spam, also known as junk email or unsolicited email, refers to unwanted messages sent through email, often without the recipient’s consent. While the University of Windsor utilizes Microsoft Exchange to filter out most junk and spam, some unwanted messages may still make it through to your inbox.

If you receive any unsolicited email, the best action in nearly all cases is to delete it immediately. Often the subject line will indicate that the message is junk so you may not even need to open it. Another clue that may suggest an email is spam is the “EXTERNAL” email tag; treat these emails with extra caution. If the sender is unknown or the subject seems unusual, delete the message.

It is also important not to reply to any unsolicited emails, even if they offer an option to unsubscribe. Replying can confirm that your email address is valid, potentially leading to even more unwanted messages.

To safeguard your email and increase cybersecurity efforts, remember that UWindsor email accounts should only be used for professional and academic matters.

If you are the recipient of an unsolicited email, the basic rule is to Ignore, Delete, and Forget.

  • Do not open it
  • Do not forward it
  • Do not respond to it
  • Delete it

If necessary, you can report the email by:

  • In the message list, select the message or messages you want to report > right click > select “Report Junk”
  • Above the reading pane, select Report > Report Junk.

You can also block a sender by:

  • In the message list, select the message or messages you want to block> right click > select “Block” > select “Block Sender"

For more information on dealing with unsolicited emails, please see Managing and Reporting Spam and Phishing Messages in Outlook.

Are you a cybersecurity target? Secure your devices
Oct 21st, 2024
bullseye target

In today’s digital age, your electronic devices are vital to both your personal and professional life, making their security a top priority.

Avoid being a target and protect your electronic assets by following these recommended practices from Information Technology Services.

Each habit strengthens your defense against cyberthreats, and together, they form a robust shield.

  • Close applications and browsers: At the end of your workday, close all applications and browser tabs to prevent potential vulnerabilities.
  • Restart your computer regularly: Shutting down and restarting your computer at least once a week helps clear security threats and improves system performance.
  • Enable automatic operating system updates: Automatic updates quickly address security vulnerabilities and keep your device running smoothly.
  • Use the GlobalProtect VPN: Always connect securely with the University’s GlobalProtect Virtual Private Network, especially when off-campus.
  • Maintain antivirus and firewall software: Keep your antivirus and firewall software up to date to ensure comprehensive protection.
  • Update applications: Install Microsoft Office from portal.office.com and get apps only from trusted sources like Company Portal, Microsoft Store, or Mac App Store for regular updates.
  • Subscribe to auto updates: Ensure your applications, including web browsers, are set to check for updates automatically.
  • Install endpoint protection software: Use endpoint protection software like Cortex XDR and Windows Defender to shield your device from external viruses and malware. These tools scan for and remove potential threats.

For more detailed guidance, visit the Cybersecurity Computer Care webpage.

By registering your University-owned or personal devices in device administration, you contribute to protecting the campus network and data. This collective effort strengthens our defense against cyber threats, ensuring enhanced data protection and security.

When your computer or mobile phone is registered in device administration, it not only safeguards the University’s data but also provides seamless access to UWindsor systems for employees. Additionally, security fixes and patches are deployed directly to your device, improving its security posture.

Don’t wait until you’re a target — take action now to secure your devices and protect your digital world.

In early 2024, the University implemented mandatory cybersecurity training for all faculty, staff, post-doctoral fellows, adjunct professors, sessional instructors, and student employees. If you have not completed the mandatory training, do so by Oct. 31.

Led by IT Services, Cybersecurity Awareness Month efforts highlight cybersecurity issues relevant to the UWindsor community. More information can be found at uwindsor.ca/cybersecurity.

Are you a cybersecurity target? Beware of phishing scams
Oct 16th, 2024
bull's eye target

Phishing is one of the most common and dangerous types of fraud. Phishing attempts come in various forms — emails, texts, calls, and voicemails — all designed to steal your personal information. Avoid being a target: staying vigilant is your best defense against these attacks and is crucial for protecting the entire campus community.

Information Technology Services offers five essential tips to help you avoid falling prey to phishing:

  • Evaluate the request: Consider the nature of the request in the email or text. Is it something you expected or is it out of the ordinary?
  • Check the sender’s details: Carefully scrutinize the sender’s name and email address. Look for any inconsistencies or unusual domains.
  • Look for red flags: Be wary of messages that create a sense of urgency or solicitations that seem unusual or out of the norm.
  • Hover over links: Before clicking on any link, hover your cursor over it to see where it leads. If the URL looks suspicious, don’t click.
  • Be cautious with access requests: If someone asks to access your computer remotely, be extremely cautious. This is a common phishing tactic.

Even if an email appears to be from someone you know or a trusted vendor, don’t let down your guard. Hackers often impersonate familiar contacts to trick you into responding. If you have any doubts about a message, reach out to the sender through a different communication channel to verify its legitimacy — never respond directly to the suspicious message.

MS Outlook offers a way to report phishing email attempts within the application. It is useful to report the message as it helps improve the effectiveness of filtering the nefarious messages to your Junk Mail folder. Otherwise, report the message to spam@uwindsor.ca.

You can also report smishing (phishing attempts via SMS text) by forwarding the messages to 7726 (which spells SPAM on most keypads). This alerts your mobile provider to investigate the message’s content. Canadian telecom companies take spam very seriously, and reporting to 7726 helps them identify new smishing tactics.

To better prepare yourself against phishing attacks, visit the Cybersecurity Awareness website and review examples of phishing messages. Don’t let yourself become a target — stay informed and stay protected.

If you think your UWin account has been compromised, report it to the IT Service Desk at 519-253-3000, ext. 4440, and change your UWin Account password immediately.

In early 2024, the University implemented mandatory cybersecurity training for all faculty, staff, post-doctoral fellows, adjunct professors, sessional instructors, and student employees. If you have not completed the mandatory training, do so by Oct. 31.

Led by IT Services, Cybersecurity Awareness Month efforts highlight cybersecurity issues relevant to the UWindsor community. More information can be found at uwindsor.ca/cybersecurity.