News & Events

In this Section

New Year’s Tech Resolutions

A new year and a new semester offer opportunities to build new habits and skills. ITS surveyed members of the University information technology community for their recommendations on how technology can help you be more creative, more productive, more secure and more efficient in 2024.

  • Upskill by learning a new technology that sparks your interest (for example, learning about AI capabilities). We have LinkedIn Learning as one place to gain foundational knowledge on lots of different topics. — Susan Watts, ITS
  • I use January as a time to unsubscribe from all the clutter emails I’ve accumulated during the previous year, and do a general email cleanup and organization time. — Paula Maxwell, School of Education
  • Digital detox! I’m entering a year of balance where I actively allocate tech-free time and touch grass. A well-rested mind is a creative mind, and my role thrives on creative solutions. I’m using Opal currently, but if I was a student, I would use Flipd. — Andrea Reynolds, ITS
  • I’m enjoying the new iOS 17.2 “Journal” app, which is touted as an app that “helps users reflect on everyday moments and special events in their lives.” The key feature for me is the personalized writing prompts. For example, I took a photo at my son’s track meet last week and the next evening it prompted me to make a new entry on the meet (which I did). — Christian Kirkegaard, ITS
  • Every year I map out a series of professional development segments through Microsoft Learn, LinkedIn Learning and occasionally others. Along those lines, the decision to pursue my graduate degree at the iSchool was both personally and professionally rewarding. Whenever I engage a professional development activity, whether an hour-long module, or a semester-long graduate course, I try to put at least one thing I learn into practice; it doesn’t always work out but it is a pathway to improving my own daily efforts. — Dan Cohen, ITS
  • Start using a recurring subscription tracking app like Subby (Android) or Outflow (iOS); both are free with a one-time, low-cost pro option. Once you enter your miscellaneous paid subs, it helps give a big picture to decide whether you need all of them. — Andrew Molloy, School of Architecture
  • Start using a password manager. — Dennis Wenthen, College of Arts and Sciences

 

Orange Online: December 2023 ITS Student Newsletter

This message was originally shared to all students via email on Dec. 6, 2023.

‘Tis the Season: Watch Out for Increased Phishing Activity

Phishing activity often increases during the holidays, says ITS information security analyst Andrew McClurg. Watch out for suspicious links, urgent demands and job offers that seem too good to be true. If you need more information or assistance with verifying any email messages, please contact the ITS Service Center at 315.443.2677 or help@syr.edu.

Upcoming Changes to the Syracuse University Google Workspace

Beginning Jan. 3, 2024, students using Google Drive (“My Drive”) with their g.syr.edu account will have a 10 GB per user storage quota applied and will not be able to create Shared Drives within Syracuse University’s Google Workspace. Users over the quota will be presented with a warning and be able to view, export and remove files to bring their My Drive storage consumption under the quota. Users who exceed the storage quota will not be able to create, upload or modify files within their My Drive. For more information please review our Answers resource on this topic.

In addition, as of Jan. 3, 2024, Google Photos will no longer be available as a supported app in the g.syr.edu Google Workspace. Before this application is discontinued, users should migrate photos to a personal Google account or download them to a personally owned device. Once you have moved your photos, be sure to delete them from Google Photos. Photos that are not deleted could count against your 10 GB storage quota discussed above.

You’re Invited: Help Create the New Syracuse University Mobile App

You’re invited to apply for a Student Advisory Committee dedicated to the creation of the new University mobile app. Your input will help create a user-friendly tool to enhance communication and engagement within the campus community. Plan to meet for no more than 1-2 hours each month during the Spring 2024 semester to provide feedback on features and usability. If you’re interested, please fill out a short questionnaire on Qualtrics.

Winter Break Travel Tip: Multi-Factor Authentication

If you are traveling during winter break, please remember to configure your multi-factor authentication (MFA) methods to ensure you retain access to your University accounts (email, Microsoft applications, etc.) wherever you go. ITS recommends you download and configure the Microsoft Authenticator app on the mobile device you will take with you. You can learn more about how to manage your MFA on Answers.

Course Feedback Window

With the semester coming to a close, it’s time to provide course feedback for each of your classes. Course surveys are accessed via Blackboard (Tools). Course feedback is an important way for you to share what worked for you and what didn’t with your instructor. Your responses are confidential, and no identifying information is recorded or distributed on the reports that are generated. Reports are released after final grades are submitted. If you have any questions or issues, please contact the Syracuse University course feedback team.

Research Computing Profile: Postdoctoral Research Associate Raj Kumar Manna

In our latest Research Computing Profile video, physics postdoctoral research associate Raj Kumar Manna talks about how he uses help from the Research Computing team to advance his research in soft matter and biophysics.

ITS Service Center Winter Break Hours

ITS support staff is available by calling 315.443.2677, emailing help@syr.edu or chatting with us on answers.syr.edu or its.syr.edu during regular business hours through Tuesday, Dec. 19.

Phone support will be available as follows during the break:
• Dec. 20-23: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Dec. 24–Jan. 1: CLOSED
• Jan. 2: Regular phone hours resume

In-person support will be closed from Dec. 20-Jan. 12, resuming Jan. 13.

Additional Resources

ITS and the campuswide information technology community are available year-round to help with your tech questions. Resources include:

• Answers, a knowledge base for tech-related questions
• The ITS Service Center
• The Self-Serv NetID and password management portal

Thank you for reading. Go Orange!

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Defend Your Digital World, Hollywood-Style 

By: Andrew McClurg

In the world of cybersecurity, October is no ordinary month—it’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time when individuals and organizations alike join forces to fortify their digital defenses. This year, we’re taking inspiration from Hollywood to cast a spotlight on the critical components of online security: the need for strong passwords, the power of multi-factor authentication (MFA) and the art of spotting phishing attempts.  

Scene 1: The Importance of Strong Passwords  

In the digital realm, your password is your first line of defense, just like a fortress protecting valuable treasures. But if your password is as easy to guess as “123456” or “password,” you might as well leave the drawbridge down.  

Imagine you’re the star of your own cybersecurity thriller. Your mission? Creating uncrackable passwords. Start by using a mix of upper and lower-case letters, numbers and special characters. This complexity stumps cybercriminals, making it difficult for them to break into your accounts.  

Additionally, avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or common phrases. Your favorite movie quote can make for a unique and secure password. For example,   

E_T_phoneh0me  

or  

Maythe4thBwithU!  

Remember, sequels are always a box office flop when it comes to passwords. Never reuse passwords across multiple accounts. You wouldn’t wear the same thing twice on the red carpet during awards season; you shouldn’t use the same password for multiple online accounts either. Password managers can help you keep track of passwords without breaking a sweat.  

Scene 2: The Power of Multi-Factor Authentication  

In a blockbuster film, the hero always has a trusty sidekick. In the world of cybersecurity, MFA is that sidekick, adding an extra layer of protection to your accounts. It’s like having a secret handshake only you and your trusted companion know.    

MFA works by requiring two or more forms of verification before granting access. Typically, this includes something you know (your password) and something you have (a mobile app, text message, or email code). Even if a bad actor manages to obtain your password, they won’t make it past the second act without MFA.  

Scene 3: How to Spot Phishing Attempts  

Phishing attempts are the sneakiest adversaries in the cybersecurity world. They disguise themselves as trustworthy entities, just like shape-shifting aliens in a sci-fi blockbuster. But with the right knowledge, you can unveil their true identity.    

Phishing emails often come with a sense of urgency, pushing you to act quickly. They might claim your account is compromised or that you’ve won a prize. Take a step back, breathe and scrutinize the email. Check the sender’s email address. Does it look official, or is it a remake that pales in comparison to the original?  

 Hover your mouse over any links without clicking. Does the URL match the legitimate website it claims to be? Trust your instincts; if something feels off, it probably is. Legitimate organizations won’t ask for sensitive information via email. For example, IT doesn’t need your password/MFA codes to assist you, nor will they ever ask for them. Those are for a private showing just for you.  

 Practice your cyber-survival skills by questioning the legitimacy of any suspicious emails you receive and forward any emails to infosec@syr.edu you feel InfoSec should be aware of. The more you can identify these threats, the safer your digital world becomes.  

 Conclusion: Your Cybersecurity Blockbuster  

 In the world of cybersecurity, every day is a thrilling adventure. As we embark on Cybersecurity Awareness Month, channel your inner Hollywood hero. Only cast the strongest passwords for your accounts and enlist the power of MFA for your productions. Finally, sharpen your critiquing skills and give phishing attempts two thumbs down.  

Remember, in this blockbuster of a digital age, you are the star. Your choices determine the plot. With the right cybersecurity practices, you’ll ensure a happy ending where your digital world remains secure, and you stay one step ahead of the bad actors.  

Syracuse University Enhances Wireless Networks with Wi-Fi 6E Technology

By: Jessica Houghtaling

Syracuse University is among a handful of early adopter college campuses to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E, which delivers speeds closer to wired Ethernet. As of early September, nearly 50 buildings either have Wi-Fi 6E or are scheduled to have it activated by 2024. Devices that support 6 GHz can take advantage of this technology by connecting to the AirOrangeX, SUAD and eduroam wireless networks. Continue Reading

Advisory: Zoom and Artificial Intelligence

A recent Inside Higher Ed article has spurred discussion about Zoom’s artificial intelligence-based products, including Zoom IQ Meeting Summary and Zoom IQ Team Chat Compose. If the user consents, these programs can use meeting audio, video or chats to train artificial intelligence (AI). Please note that Syracuse University’s enterprise Zoom license does not include Zoom Meeting IQ Meeting Summary or Team Chat Compose. Continue Reading