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Keep cybersecurity top of mind when working from home or campus
Oct 5th, 2021
man employing security systems on computer

The recent return to campus has many employees now working from two locations and creates complexities and potential cybersecurity risks.

“Each person's situation may pose a unique challenge. Those working on a dedicated campus computer would have different considerations than someone who is commuting back and forth with a laptop,” says Kevin Macnaughton, team leader security in Information Technology Services.

“We want people to remain mindful of the cybersecurity risk that each scenario poses and be a human firewall to stop a threat before it has devasting effects.”

Remember these tips to keep cybersecure:

  • Use remote desktop to maintain the continuity of your digital work environment by accessing an on-campus computer from home, providing protection for the University’s network.
  • To protect from potential theft when travelling to and from campus with your laptop, be sure not to leave your device unattended or visible.
  • Use the VPN to connect to the Internet when working off-campus. It allows your data to be encrypted over a wired or Wi-Fi network.

For more cybersecurity best practices while working at two locations, see the Working from Home and Campus web page.

To showcase the global cybersecurity efforts, IT Services is sharing the Canadian government’s campaign, with its focus of “This year, life happens online.”

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.

Campaign to bring awareness of cybersecurity best practices
Oct 1st, 2021
man cowering near insecure computer

The University of Windsor will mark Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2021 with its own digital campaign focused on themes relevant to the campus community whether working or learning in-person or remotely.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month, held each October, is an internationally recognized effort to inform the public of the importance of cybersecurity. The campaign aims to help Canadians better understand online security, and to supply simple steps to protect themselves, their families, their devices, and their workplaces.

“We are using the opportunity to remind and assist our faculty, staff, and students about cybersecurity best practices on campus and at home,” says Kevin Macnaughton, team leader security in Information Technology Services. “We hope to help them better identify the ever-changing phishing tactics, advise on securing their mobile devices or workstations, and highlight the global campaigns taking place.”

Key cybersecurity themes will be shared via DailyNews and UWindsor social media channels starting next week and run through to the end of October. More information is available at uwindsor.ca/cybersecurity.

Video provides tip on using Power Automation to simplify tasks
Sep 29th, 2021
Tech Talk logo

Take control and automate your work flows with Power Automate. This app allows you to optimize your work and reduce repetitive tasks by combining processes with apps you already use.

See Information Technology Services team member Jonathan North walk through scheduling a meeting using a list item from Microsoft Lists to trigger a workflow in a short 124-second Tech Talk video.

Tech Talk is a presentation of IT Services. More Tech Talks are available at www.uwindsor.ca/its/tech-talk.

Video explains use of Microsoft Lists
Sep 27th, 2021
Tech Talk logo

Do you find yourself copying information from Microsoft Forms to Microsoft Lists?

A recently added Tech Talk video shows you the process of transferring information from form fields into a list with the help of Power Automate. Watch Information Technology Services team member Jonathan North walk through the steps in this short 123-second Tech Talk video.

For more information about Microsoft Lists, click on the link in the Comments section below the video. Also, find IT Services’ collection of Tech Talk videos and gain useful tips and tricks on how to work more efficiently.

Input sought in review of learning management system
Sep 23rd, 2021
screens displaying Blackboard surrounded by question marks

The University of Windsor has accomplished a lot with its Blackboard learning management system, says Erika Kustra, director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning, and input from users will advance that progress.

Kustra is co-chair — with Nick Baker, director of the Office of Open Learning, and Ryan Kenney, executive director of Information Technology Services — of a committee tasked with reviewing Blackboard.

The Learning Management System Review Committee, a multidisciplinary team of faculty, staff, and students, aims to collect as much data as possible from community stakeholders, vendor engagement, and environmental scans to inform decision-making.

“Over the last 18 months it has become clear just how critical learning management systems are in higher education as the hub of digital learning,” says Baker. “All the major LMS have moved to hosting in the cloud to improve reliability, scalability, and support. With Blackboard also moving in that direction, it is time to review the system and the impact such a move would have.”

The University of Windsor has used Blackboard Learn as its LMS since 2015. The company has announced it will no longer support the University’s self-hosted model of Blackboard as of the end of 2023. Continuing with Blackboard will require significant work to switch to its cloud-based software as a service model. The changing landscape and the expiration of the University’s contract with Blackboard makes it an appropriate time to review campus needs.

The team is inviting faculty, staff, and students to participate in a 20-minute anonymous survey on the usability of current tools, desired features, and anticipated needs.

It is important to capture the perspectives, needs, and aspirations of users from across the campus community, says Jasleen Dayal, president of the University of Windsor Students’ Alliance.

"By participating in this survey, students will also have the chance to give direct and detailed feedback on their experiences using Blackboard, which will play a crucial part in selecting an LMS we can feel confident in to support the future of our online learning for years to come," she says.

Upon completing the survey, participants will have the option to enter a raffle draw for one $250 Amazon gift card and five $50 Amazon gift cards. The survey has been approved by the Research Ethics Board and will conclude Oct. 15.

For more information about the LMS Review and how to get involved, visit https://uwindsor.ca/ctl/lmsreview.