What To Do When You’ve Been Hacked

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When using our computers, tablets, and phones, we all want them—to quote an old Apple slogan—to just work. And usually, they do. Between built-in monitoring tools, antivirus software, and other security checks, devices hum along without our having to give them much thought. But what happens when that’s not the case? What do you do when you think your data, or the device itself, might be compromised?

Signs of a Problem

There are a few telltale signs that your device has been compromised, including:

  • A dramatic decline in performance (crashes, slowly loading applications)
  • An alert from your antivirus software that malicious files or software have been detected on your device
  • New applications, accounts, or other changes to your device that you didn’t make
  • Unusual requests to install new software or software updates for applications you didn’t install and/or requests to make system-level changes to your device
  • An increase in the number of pop-up/pop-under ads in your browser, a change in your browser’s homepage, or automatic redirects to sites you haven’t visited previously

Fixing the Problem

If you suspect your device has been compromised, take action as soon as possible.

  • Begin by backing up any important files to an external hard drive or a cloud storage service such as Dropbox or Google Drive.
  • Next, use a different computer or device to change your passwords for email, banking, and any other secure services you have accessed from the compromised device.
  • Follow any instructions (if provided) by your antivirus software. Often, malicious files and applications can be quarantined and removed by antivirus software.
  • Contact the Service Desk (617-521-2222) so we can have a technician provide additional guidance and confirm that your device is free from malicious files or software.

Remember, if you’re in doubt about any of these steps, you can contact the Service Desk to speak with a technician.

Getting the Information You Need, When You Need It

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Let’s face it, when most people need tech help, they turn to a Google search and often get the answers they’re looking for in just a few minutes. Many of us, particularly students, prefer the convenience of self-service when we want quick resolutions.

It is with this in mind that we’re rolling out a redesigned Technology Support website in May. The new site is built around easy access to information about our most popular services and it will provide direct entry to our rapidly growing collection of how-to articles. Our service and support hours and contact information will be front and center, so you can get help quickly from wherever you are.

In addition, you’ll be able to access articles from the Technology newsletter, as well as important announcements and up-to-date information about new services and upcoming service changes.

We hope the new site saves you time, and maybe a few clicks, when you’re looking for answers to your tech questions. As always, we welcome your feedback. If you have questions about, or suggestions for, the new site after it launches, contact Simmons Technology at [email protected].

Using Advanced Search in Gmail

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Remember that email with the attached Word document that had an article listed in the works cited section that you could really use right now? It was sent by your classmate from two semesters ago whose name you can’t quite remember at the moment, and it had something to do with statistical anomalies in urban demography or maybe statistical models of emerging democracies? You know, that one?

First, take a deep breath. Then, use advanced search in your Simmons Gmail to find it. To access the advanced search options, click on the small triangle on the right side of the search bar.

Gmail search box

From there, you can use the fields in the dropdown menu to search your email by who sent it, when it was sent, if it contained an attachment, or even how large the attachment is.

Gmail advanced search options

Use these advanced options to quickly narrow down your search and find that one email you’re looking for. To learn more about how to use advanced search, click here.

A Faster Way to Access Windows from Classroom Macs

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In the February newsletter, we provided some information about how Technology will go about replacing lectern-based classroom computers throughout campus. Part of this ongoing project involves the installation of a desktop virtualization application that provides access to the Windows operating system and all Windows-only software on lectern-based classroom Macs. This software, called VMware Horizon View Client, is now available in most classrooms.

Desktop virtualization saves time by eliminating the need to reboot dual boot computers, and provides easy access to Windows. Using it is as simple as launching the application and logging in with your Simmons username and password. The virtual desktop is an additional and optional service. If you’re more comfortable rebooting the computer, you may continue doing so.

For more information about how to access the virtual Windows desktop, along with a full list of classrooms where this technology is available, please see this FAQ. To make things easier when you’re in the classroom, we’ll be placing instructions next to computers where the virtual desktop is available.