Category Archives: TechNews

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 Support Center (TSC) is located on the ground floor of the MCB, room A-050. TSC’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.

Moodle Upgrade

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Icon for Moodle

The Simmons Moodle platform is scheduled for an upgrade before the Spring 2024 semester commences. To ensure a smooth transition to the enhanced user experience, we will be sharing updates and sneak peeks of the upcoming features during the Fall semester. If you’re interested in getting acquainted with the fresh offerings, which encompass streamlined navigation, an upgraded course page, and a revitalized dashboard, kindly explore the resources available on Moodle’s New for Teachers and New for Students pages, or refer to their dedicated YouTube playlist.

Classroom Audio Improvements

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In the past year, many larger classrooms and laboratories have undergone the installation of microphones, with more installations planned for the future. These microphones serve to enhance the auditory experience for all participants. Even if you project your voice effectively, the inclusion of microphones can significantly enhance clarity for individuals seated at the rear of the room or those with hearing impairments. The microphone settings have been configured to provide a subtle amplification to your voice. While you might not be actively aware of their operation, students will certainly perceive the difference.

Two distinct types of microphones are in use. Within the Lefavour labs, belt pack microphones are employed, featuring clip-on microphones and a switch on the upper part. Conversely, other classrooms utilize lavalier microphones designed to be worn around the neck. These lavalier microphones activate automatically upon removal from their cradle. All the microphones are equipped with rechargeable batteries, necessitating correct placement in the cradle once their use concludes. Additional information can be accessed through the provided links.

Shure Lapel Mics
Shure Lapel Mics
Extron Lavalier Mics
Extron Lavalier Mics

Information Security and Phishing

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Nearly 20 million students in the US are expected to attend universities this fall. 

This is an exciting time for Simmons as our students, faculty, and staff return for the academic year. Unfortunately, the return to school provides ample opportunities for cybercriminals who wish to take advantage of people during these particularly busy times.

Phishing attacks are once again on the rise, accounting for more than 20% of data breaches in 2021[1]. It is estimated that one in every 99 messages (1.2%)[2] is malicious which equates to nearly 3.4 billion fake emails per day.

Luckily there are some healthy security practices that we all can take to reduce risk:

  • Beware of email messages claiming to be of an urgent nature.
  • Pay attention to the sender of the email message.
  • Look out for fake logos, signatures, or suspicious message contents.
  • Check those URLs; only visit official, reputable websites with encryption.
  • Think twice before clicking links or opening attachments.
  • Protect your passwords and use different passwords for your work, school, and personal accounts.
  • Keep your machine clean. 
  • Make sure that all of your devices, apps, browsers, and antivirus software are up-to-date.
  • Delete sensitive information if you no longer need it.
  • Back-up your files regularly. 

Be mindful of common scams targeting college students, including:

  • Emails that contain “important information about your Simmons account” or a “problem with your registration”
  • Tech Support scams where you get a call about a “problem with your computer”
  • Scholarship scams, textbook rental or book-buying scams.
  • IRS scams demanding money for a fake “federal student tax”
  • Tuition reimbursement or student debt cancellation scams
  • Messages asking for your login information, passwords, or other personal information
  • Fake friend requests, fake login pages, and fake DropBox or Google Docs share notices.

Thank you for your continued cooperation supporting your information security and online safety!  For more information about phishing and Internet scams, as well as ways to identify them, please visit our Phishing and Scams resource page

Please send any questions or concerns to the Technology Service Desk.  

[1] Verizon 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report (https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/reports/dbir/)
[2] Valimail Email Fraud Landscape Spring 2019 Report (https://valimail.docsend.com/view/qndhuhn)

Listserv Migration to Google Groups

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In the upcoming weeks, we will be undergoing a transition of email list operations from our current listserv service to Google Groups. During this shift, all current functionalities will remain intact and will largely remain transparent to those sending and receiving list-based messages.  This change will bring forth streamlined management, a seamlessly integrated experience with other Google applications, and contemporary features. In due course, instructions outlining the transition process will be communicated to list owners and managers, ensuring a smooth and informed migration.

Xfinity on Campus discontinuation

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After careful consideration of cost-efficiency and usage patterns, we regret to inform campus residents that we have made the difficult decision to discontinue the Xfinity on Campus television service. We understand the impact this may have on your experience and we want to assure you that we are committed to assisting you through this transition.  

In light of this discontinuation, you have the opportunity to explore alternative services independently. While we understand that this change may present challenges, it also offers a chance for more personalized choices tailored to your preferences. You now have the flexibility to subscribe to services that cater specifically to your interests, whether it’s sports, entertainment, news, or more. This shift empowers you to curate your own viewing experience and select options that align with your unique preferences, ensuring a more tailored and satisfying entertainment journey. 

Some popular choices for broadcast TV via internet — many with free trial periods — include:

Holiday Cybersecurity Tips

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Picture of Fish Hook through a gift cardAs the holiday season is underway, Simmons Technology is reminding users to be cautious of potential holiday scams and malicious cyber campaigns, particularly when browsing or shopping online. These scams can come in the form of emails or ecards with malicious links, attachments infected with malware, or requests to support fraudulent charities or causes. It is important to remain vigilant and avoid clicking on unfamiliar links or providing personal information to untrustworthy sources.

It is important to take extra precautions to protect yourself against common online shopping scams. Here are some tips to stay safe:

  • Only shop on reliable websites from retailers you know and trust.
  • Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails and be wary of email attachments.
  • Never give out your financial or personal information via email or text.
  • Watch out for fake package tracking emails, fake ecards, and fake charity donation scams.
  • Look for “https://” in the address bar before entering your credit card information online.
  • Don’t auto-save your passwords or credit card numbers.
  • Regularly check your credit card and bank statements and report any discrepancies to your financial institution.
  • Use text alerts provided by your banking app or site to help detect unusual activity.
  • Pay with a credit card instead of a debit card, as credit cards offer protections that may reduce your liability if your information is used improperly.
  • Ignore pop-up offers and deals, and make sure your devices, apps, and anti-virus software are always up-to-date.
  • Protect your passwords by making them long and strong, never sharing them with anyone, and using two-factor or 2-step authentication whenever possible.

We encourage users to remain vigilant and stay safe during the holiday season.

New cell phone or mobile device?

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Picture of new mobile deviceIf you are getting a new mobile device, it is important to enroll it with SharkPass/Duo to avoid any potential service disruptions. If you still have access to your existing device, you can find instructions on how to enroll a new device on the SharkPass information website. If you need a new activation link, you can contact the Simmons Technology Service Desk or call 617-521-2222 for assistance with enrolling your new device.

Important Sharkpass/Duo Changes

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Logo of Duo SecuritySimmons Technology partners with Duo, our two-step authentication vendor, to provide students, faculty, and staff with a secure and seamless login experience. As part of our ongoing effort to improve security, we periodically review and update our security controls. We are currently looking at ways to improve our security platform, and as a result, there will be changes to the way we connect to Simmons’ computing resources. We ask that members of the community pay attention to any updates and be aware of how these changes may impact them.

Universal Prompt

On January 10, 2023, Simmons Technology will be implementing the Universal Prompt for Sharkpass/Duo, which will change the appearance of the login process for Simmons resources. The new prompt will have a redesigned interface that is sleeker and more simplified. This change is part of our ongoing efforts to improve the user experience and enhance security.


What do I need to do?

You do not need to take any specific action in preparation for this change. The Universal Prompt will automatically choose Duo Push as your preferred authentication device when you log into a Simmons resource. We ask that you be aware that this change will take effect on January 10, 2023, and be prepared for a slightly different login experience. All device management functions will still be available in the new interface, but the way these features are accessed may change.

For more information about the Universal Prompt’s redesigned user interface, please visit the SharkPass information site.

Duo Mobile on Legacy Devices

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Picture of no mobile deviceDuo has announced that effective February 9, 2023, Duo Mobile will no longer be supported on devices running Android 8 or 9, or iOS 13 or earlier. This means that users will not be able to download the latest version of Duo Mobile on these devices, and they will no longer receive fixes or security updates for Duo Mobile. Support teams will also have limited ability to troubleshoot issues with Duo Mobile on these older operating systems.

However, Duo Push will continue to work on already-installed versions of Duo Mobile on these devices, and users will still be able to authenticate using Duo. Duo Mobile will continue to be fully supported on devices running iOS 14 or Android 10 or newer.

To determine which operating system your mobile device is running, please see these articles:

If you need assistance determining whether your device will be compatible with Duo Mobile after February 9, 2023, you can contact the Simmons Technology Service Desk or call 617-521-2222.

If you do not have a compatible device, you may be eligible for a free two-step verification hardware token. Please contact the Service Desk to request one.

These changes are part of Simmons’ ongoing efforts to improve security for our community members and our computer systems. Please be on the lookout for future communications as we get closer to the critical dates.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Richard Phung at [email protected] or 617-521-2692.

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