Microsoft is now deploying two major upgrades to their standard operating system each year. Because these upgrades are time and resource intensive, we want to ensure that everyone in the community is aware of when Simmons Technology will update the operating system on Simmons-owned computers.

To minimize disruptions to employees, we will delay upgrades to individual computers in order to test the newest version and verify that it works with all software and systems currently in use at Simmons. Windows 10 upgrades will be installed on Technology department, library, and classroom machines before we upgrade faculty and staff computers.

The newest Windows 10 release is currently being tested and will be deployed to the community prior to the spring semester. If you are using a Simmons-owned Windows computer, you will receive more information about this upgrade in January.

If you have questions about this change in the meantime, please contact the Service Desk (617-521-2222).

Simmons Technology and the Academic Technology Committee are proud to announce the launch of a new academic technology resource site that will support teaching and learning at the College.

The site is designed to support instructors’ use of currently available technology; introduce faculty to new technologies; keep you informed of upcoming events for faculty; and facilitate online collaboration and discussion among faculty members.

You can access the site at acadtech.simmons.edu. We hope you’ll take the opportunity to explore the site and provide us with your feedback by using the contact forms on the site. We will be continuously expanding the site and adding new content. Our goal is to provide you with a dynamic and growing resource that is driven by your needs.

Even though National Cyber Security Awareness Month is just about over, that doesn’t mean it’s time to stop thinking about staying safe online.

In October, Simmons Technology identified multiple sophisticated phishing attempts to steal the personal information of College employees and students. The bad news is that this was a pretty typical month. The good news is that you can take simple steps to reduce your vulnerability to these types of attacks.

To start, always ensure that you are logging into a Simmons College website by looking for the green lock icon and the words “Simmons College [US]” in your browser’s address bar.

Most Simmons websites also use SharkPass two-step verification, which sends a push notification to your mobile device and asks you to confirm the login. If you receive a push notification but haven’t explicitly requested one from SharkPass, you should deny the login attempt.

As always, if you think your account might be compromised or that someone is trying to access your account, you can contact the Service Desk (617-521-2222) for help.

In addition to avoiding phishing attempts, you can take steps to keep your devices and data secure:

• Ensure that your computer is protected by antivirus software
• Keep your devices and apps up-to-date
• Use strong passwords and consider employing a password manager
• Never click on suspicious links or divulge personal information via email or on untrusted websites
• Stop and think before sharing content online, especially on social media

The Service Desk is available to answer your questions about cyber security and to provide you with additional resources to keep your personal information safe. Call us at 617-521-2222 or contact us online at servicedesk.simmons.edu.

Are you looking for a way to add interactive digital content to your courses? Simmons Technology now provides access to Adobe Connect for all College faculty.

Adobe Connect is an ideal solution for hosting remote guest lecturers, sharing video content with students, and engaging students with interactive tools.

Software licenses for Adobe Connect are limited and available by completing the request form. Please allow one business day after submitting your request to receive licensing information.

To learn more about Adobe Connect, visit the Service Desk website, where you’ll find a faculty guide with step-by-step instructions to request access and get started, along with a library of how-to instructions to help you leverage Adobe Connect’s features in your classroom.

Starting in November, you’ll see a new version of Google Calendar at Simmons. The transition to the new version will begin on November 28 and will take approximately eight weeks. During that time, you’ll be able to opt-in to the new calendar and switch back to the older version as needed.

All of the functionality you’re accustomed to will still be there, but the look and feel of your calendar will be updated along with new features, including at-a-glance event details, improved single-click event creation, and additional options for viewing and customizing your calendar.

If you have questions about this change, please contact the Service Desk (617-521-2222).

Another day, another data breach. That might be a slight exaggeration, but it’s not far off. Threats to personal and organizational information are constant, and while there is nothing you can do to be 100% safe from attacks, you can take some simple steps to be more secure.

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), and we want to help you understand the threats to your computers, mobile devices, and data.

The following resources and tips can help you go a long way toward keeping your information safe:

• Simmons College Guide to Information Security
• Download and Install Antivirus Software
• General Tips and Advice from Stop. Think. Connect.
• Guide to Spam and Phishing
• Free Security Check-ups and Tools
• Last, but not least, don’t ignore those notifications to update your apps and operating system. Many updates include vital security enhancements.

We also want to thank the entire community for your help in making SharkPass two-step verification a success. Everyone at the College is now using SharkPass (more than 10,000 accounts!) and benefiting from this extra layer of security.

If you have any questions about staying safe online, keeping your devices and data secure, or working with sensitive information at Simmons, the Service Desk (617-521-2222) is always available to help.