Phone and Email Scams on the Rise

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Image of fishing hook with noteScams targeting students are being reported from local universities.  Phishers and imposters, disguised as employers and government officials, are tricking students into handing over money. Some of the scams may offer a job opportunity or threaten the recipient with prosecution from a foreign government.

Beware of messages that:

  • Do not clearly identify themselves or their company
  • Come from an email address that does not match the company’s domain
  • Do not give full contact information such as the title of sender, the company’s physical address, or phone number.
  • Make too good to be true offers with no strings attached
  • Ask to pay an upfront fee or asks you to transfer money for them
  • Ask to give your credit card or bank account numbers
  • Ask to send copies of personal documents

Remember: DO NOT provide any personal information, especially Social Security numbers or financial information. Legitimate companies would not ask for this information over the phone or email.

If you have any questions or concerns about keeping safe from phishing attacks and scammers, contact Technology’s Information Security Analyst, [email protected].

Phishing Icon made by Smashicons from www.flaticon.com

Simmons Connection Retiring

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Simmons Connection LogoWith final grading for some classes finishing up in AARC and all future student information activity having moved to Workday, Simmons Connection will be retiring at the end of October. Quick links to frequently used services are now available on internal.simmons.edu.  Select either “Current Students” or “Faculty & Staff” and scroll down to view various resources that are available to you.

Looking for events?  Navigate to events.simmons.edu in your browser and you will find what’s happening on campus.  You can also reserve a room for meeting or study. 

If you have questions regarding the retirement of Simmons Connection, please contact the Service Desk.

Required Zoom Software Updates

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Zoom logoBeginning November 1st, Zoom will require updates to their software to ensure it is no more than nine months behind the current version, at any given time. From that point on, users will be prompted to update their software when using the platform should their version fall behind this nine-month window.

To prepare for the new schedule and avoid service disruption, we recommend you update to the latest release prior to November 1st.  Please see our How-To article on updating Zoom or reach out to the Service Desk for assistance.

Wireless Update

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Wifi LogoThe return to a campus under construction has introduced some challenges as we learn to adjust temporarily to a higher density environment.  Technology has taken significant steps to ensure better wireless connectivity on both the main and residence campuses.  

It continues to be important for us to know where and when issues are occurring so we can ensure adequate coverage and bandwidth everywhere.  You may do this quickly by reporting problems to the Service Desk via our Wireless Network Support form.

Wireless Network Performance Improvements

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Dear Simmons Community:

The return to a campus under construction has introduced some challenges as we learn to adjust temporarily to a higher density environment. As more people congregate, live, and learn in different spaces, our wireless network is struggling to adapt. We have taken steps to configure our wireless network to offer better connectivity and further enhancements are in progress. It is important for Technology to know where and when issues are occurring. You may do this quickly by reporting problems to the Service Desk via our Wireless Network Support form.

Faculty and staff can help improve wireless connectivity for others by utilizing their wired network connections when at their desks. This will also provide the best network experience. Those needing assistance connecting their Simmons laptops to the wired network should contact the Service Desk via our General Support form, or by calling 617-521-2222.

Thank you for your assistance,

David Bruce

Welcome Back, We’ve Moved!

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TSC is located at Ground Floor of MCB Room 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) has moved and is now 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.

Information Security

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With the beginning of the new academic year, cybercriminals are hard at work. Phishing attacks are up by 11% over last year and ransomware makes up 10% of data breaches in 2021, more than twice that of 20201. Luckily there are some healthy security practices that we all can take to reduce risk:

  • Beware of email messages urgently requesting personal information. Look out for fake logos, signatures, or suspicious sender email addresses.
  • Make sure that all of your devices, apps, browsers, and antivirus software are up-to-date.
  • Think twice before clicking links or opening attachments.
  • Protect your passwords and use different passwords for your work, school, and personal accounts.
  • When visiting campus, do not leave your personal belongings unattended. 
  • Enable your lock-screen and find-my-phone where available.
  • Delete sensitive information if you no longer require it.
  • See something, say something. Report suspicious activity or suspected scams.

Please contact Richard Phung, Information Security Analyst, [email protected] or the Service Desk for more information or assistance.

Voicemail

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In July, Simmons transitioned to a new voicemail system providing easy configuration of Personal Announcements and Away messages through a new web interface.  This system includes voicemail to email and also provides advanced features such as support for blocking callers and delegating voicemail accounts to multiple users. 

If you have not already done so, please login to https://voicemail.simmons.edu to record your Personal Announcement greeting.  Please see these instructions for more information.  Technology has been working with individual Departments and Offices on the configuration of greetings for their central numbers.  Please contact the Service Desk for further assistance.

Zoom Pronouns

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Zoom has made sharing your personal pronouns in Zoom meetings simpler and more flexible. To take advantage of the new pronoun feature, make sure your computer has the latest version of Zoom and add your pronouns to your Zoom profile by:

  1. Open a browser, go to https://simmons.zoom.us, and log in.
  2. When you profile loads, click the Edit link to the right of your name.
  3. Scroll down to the Pronouns field and enter your pronouns as you would like them to appear in Zoom.
  4. Select how you would like to share your pronouns.
  5. Click Save.

When you join your next meeting, Zoom will display your pronouns according to the method you selected in your profile.

Zoom releases new versions of its client software on a regular basis. You can install any available updates from within the Zoom client. If you need assistance, please contact the Service Desk.

Simmons Voicemail and Phone upgrade Thursday evening, July 29

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On Thursday, July 29, at 6pm, Simmons will transition to a new voicemail system providing easy configuration of Personal Announcements and Away messages through a new web interface.  This system includes voicemail to email and also provides advanced features such as support for blocking callers and delegating voicemail accounts to multiple users. 

While this voicemail migration is scheduled for Thursday, July 29, all users should login now to https://voicemail.simmons.edu to record their new Personal Announcement greeting.  Please see these instructions for more information.

Saved voicemail messages from our retiring voicemail system will not be carried over to the new system, nor will any greetings or away messages. Technology will work with individual Departments and Offices on the configuration of greetings for their central numbers.  

Concurrent with the voicemail migration, we will transition to a new phone system.  The new system will operate the same as the present system on the same phones but will have some minor visual differences on the phone interface screen.  

Please reach out to the Service Desk at 617-521-2222 or [email protected] with any questions or concerns.