Digital Security & Year‑End Housekeeping 

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As you head off for conferences, fieldwork, or a hard‑earned vacation, give your digital life the same care you give your luggage. The checklist below combines summer‑travel security tips with end‑of‑academic‑year tasks so you start July with peace of mind and a clean slate.

Patch & Protect Before You Go

  • Install every update. Run operating‑system and app updates on laptops, tablets, and phones before departure—unpatched devices are prime ransomware targets.  See Keeping Your Computer Up to Date.
  • Turn on two‑factor authentication (2FA). Two‑factor authentication is already active with Sharkpass on your Simmons login—switch it on for your personal email, Google Workspace, cloud storage, and every other service that offers it to block most account‑takeover attacks.
  • Encrypt your devices. On your personal devices, use BitLocker (Windows) or FileVault (macOS); iOS and Android encrypt by default when you set a passcode. If the device is lost, your data stays protected.  We’ve done this on your Simmons-issued computer for you.
  • Consider, set up, and test a VPN. Public Wi‑Fi is never private; a VPN encrypts your traffic end‑to‑end.

Smart Habits on the Road

  • Avoid public USB charging ports. Stick with your own charger, a wall outlet, or a battery pack to dodge “juice‑jacking” attacks.
  • Use a privacy screen and choose seats wisely. Keep prying eyes off sensitive information in airports and cafés.
  • Keep devices in sight. Never leave laptops or phones unattended; if you must leave a laptop in a hotel room, secure it with a cable lock.
  • Watch for travel‑themed phishing. Summer brings fake flight‑change notices and hotel invoices—hover, pause, and verify before clicking.

Leaving Campus Safely

  • Appropriately backup and encrypt research data—especially anything covered by FERPA, HIPAA, or grant agreements—before you travel.
  • Store files in Google Drive rather than on USB sticks that are easily lost.

Quick Departure Checklist

  • Updates installed and encryption enabled
  • 2FA active on key accounts
  • Consider using a VPN, test and ready
  • Privacy screen in your carry‑on
  • Data backed up and safely stored
  • Required software licensed past June 30
  • (Graduating?) Files exported and devices sanitized, see Departing? Export Your Data

Questions? Contact the Service Desk at [email protected] or 617‑521‑2222.

Safe travels—and see you (and your data) back on campus in the fall!

Keeping your computer up to date

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Software and operating system updates can sometimes be inconvenient, but they are absolutely essential for maintaining the security of your computer and the Simmons network. Simmons Technology manages updates on all Simmons computers. Typically, updates are pushed out during the third week of each month. While this process is mostly automated, we need your help to ensure that the updates complete.

Windows

When you see a Window prompting you to restart your computer, please do so as soon as possible. The updates will not be fully applied until your computer reboots.  For more information, see our Knowledge article Windows Software Updates. 

macOS

When an update is ready, you will see a Simmons branded “Upgrading macOS” window. Make sure to follow the prompts and enter your standard Simmons username and password when prompted. For more information, see our Knowledge article macOS Software Updates.

Personal ComputersOn your personal computer, follow the instructions included Keeping Your Operating System

Departing? Export Your Data

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Icon for Digital ContentsAmid completing finals, saying good-bye to friends, and preparing for what’s next, it is important for departing students to preserve their digital files that made-up their educational experiences. After leaving the University, Simmons accounts remain active for six months.  After that, stored data will be irrecoverable. We recommend making preparations to export and backup your data now while there’s still plenty of time.

Transferring or exporting data for later use may seem like a daunting and stressful task, however, special utilities make this important job much easier.  

Transfer your data.

If you have an existing personal Gmail account (or can make one) we recommend transferring the data from your Simmons account into that account. The process is straightforward and the instructions are simple to follow.

How does it work?

  • Log into Google through your Simmons login.
  • Visit the transfer data website: Copy Content from your School account to Another Account.
  • Emails, Google Drive documents that you own, and documents you own in My Drive will be transferred.
  • Follow the instructions to create a new personal Google account if necessary and to start the transfer.

The transfer can take anywhere from a few hours to a week. You will be notified via email when the process is complete. The original emails and files will remain in your Simmons account after the transfer.

Export your data

If you want a backup ZIP file or do not have a personal Gmail account, Google Takeout is a free, easy-to-use product that automates the download of user data across Google’s services making it ready to be uploaded to a new account or preserved as a back-up.

How does it work?

  • Log into Google through your Simmons login.
  • Visit the Takeout website:  https://takeout.google.com
  • Choose the products and services you wish to back-up. More data can be backed up using Takeout,  including but not limited to: Gmail, Google Apps, Google Calendar, Google Drive Files, Google Keep, and YouTube.
  • Follow the instructions to create an export.
    The files are collected into a ZIP and can be downloaded for safekeeping.

Some downloads may take a long time. Do not worry! Google will notify you via email after they finish packing things up and when downloads are available.  

Where can I learn more?

Google’s Account Help Pages describe the basic procedures:

The Simmons Technology Service Desk is available to help.

21st annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month

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Greetings Simmons Community,

As we enter October, we celebrate the 21st annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This year’s theme, “Secure Our World,” emphasizes the importance of daily actions to reduce online risks. As your Information Security Officer, I’m committed to fostering a secure digital environment for our entire university community.

Focus on the Human Element

This year, we’re highlighting the crucial role each individual plays in cybersecurity. By making smart decisions online, whether at work, home, or school, we can collectively enhance our digital safety.

Four Key Actions to Enhance Your Cybersecurity

  1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Utilize SharkPass/Duo to add the extra layer of security provided to you for Simmons accounts to other third-party accounts.
  1. Use Strong Passwords Create unique, complex, strong passwords for all accounts. Consider using a password manager for added security.
  1. Recognize and Report Phishing Stay vigilant against unsolicited messages requesting personal information. Report suspicious emails to Technology.
  1. Update Your Software Regularly Ensure all your devices have the latest security patches and updates.

Cybersecurity in Education

Simmons University is proud to be designated as a Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Education by the NSA. This recognition underscores our commitment to preparing students for the evolving cybersecurity landscape. This prestigious recognition places Simmons among a select group of institutions nationwide dedicated to reducing vulnerabilities in national information infrastructure.

Stay Safe During Election Season

As we approach the 2024 election, it’s essential to be vigilant about cybersecurity. Here are key strategies to protect yourself:

Verify Voter Registration Sites

  • Check for Official Domains: Always look for .gov endings.
  • Go Directly to State Websites: Avoid clicking on links; use trusted sources like Vote.org.

Avoid Donation Scams

  • Use Trusted Platforms: Donate through ActBlue for Democrats and WinRed for Republicans.
  • Be Cautious with Informal Methods: Avoid sending donations via messaging apps.

Spot Misleading Political Ads

  • Check the Source: Look for credible references in ads.
  • Cross-Verify Claims: Use trusted news outlets to confirm information.

Navigate Social Media Safely

  • Fact-Check Surprising Claims: Use reliable sources like FactCheck.org.
  • Be Careful with Sharing: Avoid spreading unverified posts.

Protect Against Phishing

  • Be Wary of Unsolicited Messages: Don’t click links or download attachments from unknown senders.
  • Report Suspicious Emails: Notify Technology.

By practicing these strategies, you can help create a safer online environment during this critical election period.

Remember, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. By working together, we can create a safer digital environment for our entire Simmons community.

Stay secure, 

Kristen Howard 

Simmons Information Security Officer

Welcome Back

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Technology Support Center (TSC) located in MCB Ground Floor A-050

Technology is excited to welcome you back to campus! Whether you’re new or have been here for years, we’re here to assist you. The Technology Service Desk is located on the ground floor of the MCB, room A-050. The Service Desk’s services, including walk-up support and equipment loans, are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Not on campus or remote? Our Service Desk provides technical support on a wide variety of topics. We can help you troubleshoot problems with your computer, account access, printing, Zoom, and many other technology-related issues. Our website provides access to many resources including contact information, support hours, FAQs, service and support request forms, classroom and event support information, and hardware and software discounts.

Elevate Your Skills with LinkedIn Learning

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Discover the Power of Continuous Learning

As the new academic year begins, it’s the perfect time to focus on personal and professional development. Enter LinkedIn Learning, an online platform offering a diverse range of courses spanning business, technology, and creative fields. With expert-led tutorials, LinkedIn Learning is a flexible and practical tool for skill enhancement. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast keen on exploring AI and machine learning, a creative mind diving into graphic design, or a business professional looking to sharpen your leadership or analytical skills, this platform has something for everyone.

Stay Ahead with Hot New Technologies

The digital landscape is evolving rapidly, and staying informed about the latest trends is more crucial than ever. LinkedIn Learning offers courses on cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, data science, and cloud computing. These courses are designed to give you a competitive edge in your field by deepening your understanding of the technologies driving innovation across industries. Whether you want to learn how AI is reshaping business processes or explore the latest advancements in cybersecurity, LinkedIn Learning has you covered.

Why LinkedIn Learning is Your Ideal Fall Companion

LinkedIn Learning’s greatest strength lies in its vast library of courses, taught by industry veterans who provide both theoretical knowledge and practical insights. The platform’s integration with LinkedIn allows you to easily add completed course certifications to your profile, enhancing your professional online presence. What sets LinkedIn Learning apart is its personalized approach, offering course recommendations based on your interests and career goals, making it a tailored and efficient learning journey.

Embrace the Opportunity for Growth

This fall, transform your study breaks into productive learning sessions with LinkedIn Learning. The skills you acquire could significantly impact your academic and career trajectory, open new opportunities, or simply boost your confidence in your abilities. Start your learning journey on LinkedIn Learning today and take a significant step toward enhancing your skill set and future-proofing your career.

Visit LinkedIn Learning, explore its extensive course catalog, and embark on a journey of self-improvement and professional development. Your future self will thank you for this investment.