Over the last month, Simmons Technology has seen a sharp increase in spam containing malicious attachments. Opening infected files that you receive via email can install unwanted and dangerous software on your device. Some files even contain malware that will lock you out of your device and demand a ransom in exchange for unlocking it.

We don’t want to see anyone at Simmons end up in these types of situations. Here’s what we’re doing—and what you can do—to stay safe:

• We adjusted Gmail’s spam filtering tool to enhance our ability to detect and quarantine spam and malware.
• We are available to help you identify potential problems with attachments.
• You should be cognizant of who has sent you an email with an attachment and the name and file type of the attachment. If it looks unusual or suspicious, don’t open it.
• You should install antivirus software on your computer. If you’re using a Simmons-owned computer, antivirus software is already installed and running.
• You can learn to look for signs that your device has been compromised by a virus or malware.

If you have questions about information security or concerns about a specific email or attachment, please contact the Service Desk at 617-521-2222.

The new VoIP telephone system at Simmons makes it easier than ever to connect to a colleague or department using a voice-activated directory. To access the directory, dial 3411 on campus or 617-521-3411 from off campus. The directory is also available from off campus when calling 617-521-2000 outside of business hours.

Using a speech recognition tool, the directory can look up and connect you with any department or employee on campus when you say their name. You can also search for departments by saying department guide or using common synonyms such as help desk to reach the Technology Service Desk. There is a full list of department extensions and synonyms available, along with instructions for updating department information.

If the system is unable to match the employee or department name, there is also an operator available during normal business hours.

For more information about the voice-activated directory, visit the Service Desk website. If you need additional assistance, please contact the Service Desk at 617-521-2222.

Following a complete overhaul of in-room technology equipment, the Career Resource Center in SOM 106 is now the Career Resource Center Meeting Room.

The space is available for meetings of up to fifteen people and features a complete suite of media technology, including:

• Built-in projector and screen
• Windows computer with wireless keyboard and mouse
• HDMI and VGA video/audio connections for laptops
• Blu-ray player
• Audio conferencing equipment (coming soon)

You can reserve the Career Resource Center Meeting Room directly through events.simmons.edu (R25).

Supporting Trans* Students
The Department of Public Safety often shares information with the Simmons community to help ensure our safety. What we don’t often see is the commitment to continuing education that helps the officers and civilian staff better understand the needs of a diverse campus.

On March 7th, Public Safety held a team workshop, entitled “Supporting Trans* Students at Simmons College: Understanding for Safety and Empowerment.” The workshop was conducted by Merrimack College professor Susan Marine. Dr. Marine is an expert in empowering women and gender non-conforming students, and she brings years of experience in violence prevention, diversity initiatives, and LGBT advocacy—issues that are vitally important to our community.

R.A.D. Self-Defense Classes
During February and March, Sgt. Jarrad Farrington and Inspector Michael Legee taught R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) self-defense courses in Alumnae Hall. The R.A.D. system is a comprehensive course consisting of 12 hours of strategies to help develop awareness, increase prevention, reduce risk, and learn physical self-defense. To learn more about R.A.D. and upcoming classes, please call 617-521-1112 or email[email protected].

New Academy Graduates
We would like to congratulate Blake Coleman and Phillip Dimanche on their graduation from the Police Academy. Officers Coleman and Dimanche recently completed the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Training Alliance #9 course.