Tag Archives: 201909

Information Security: Back to School

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This fall, nearly 20 million students in the US are expected to attend universities. This is an exciting time for Simmons University as our students, faculty, and staff eagerly prepare for the upcoming academic year.

Unfortunately, the return to school provides ample opportunities for hackers, thieves, and other unsavory types who wish to take advantage of people during these particularly busy times. When it comes to information security, it is important for our community to not only be aware of common scams and pitfalls, but to exercise mindful safety and security practices.

Watch Out for Common Scams Targeting College Students

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

What can I do?

  • Always think twice before clicking links or opening attachments. If you get a message with an unexpected attachment, contact the sender directly to confirm they actually sent it.
  • Protect your passwords. Never reveal your password to anyone. Use different passwords for different accounts, especially between your work, school, and personal accounts. Reminder: Simmons will NEVER ask you for your password.
  • Protect your stuff. Lock up your belongings or take them with you when you leave. Do not leave your belongings unattended. Always remember your mobile device, and make sure you password protect your devices.
  • Keep your machine clean. Make sure that all of your devices, apps, browsers, and antivirus software are up-to-date. Restart your computer or phone periodically. Delete sensitive information if you no longer need it.
  • Back-up your files regularly. Use storage options that are approved by Simmons Technology to back-up your important information, and also make sure your backups work!
  • See something, say something. Report suspicious activity or suspected scams.


Send any questions or concerns to: [email protected]

Reminder: Technology Procurement Policy

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Not sure how to go about purchasing technology within your department? Check out the Simmons University Department Technology Procurement Policy to answer all of your questions regarding software purchases and more. Here are a few key points to remember:

  • All technology-related purchases must be submitted via the Technology Procurement Request form. This allows Technology to ensure all purchases comply with campus standards including information security, accessibility standards, and compatibility with campus systems.
  • The Technology Department is responsible for funding the annual maintenance of all software used university-wide (exceptions to this policy may be determined on a case-by-case basis).
  • Prior authorization from Technology is required for all technology purchases and commitments, including those made with a credit card.
  • Some peripherals, such as webcams, headsets, and keyboards can be purchased through Workday without consultation from the Technology Department. Check out the pre-approved items in the Zones Punchout in Workday!

For any questions about this policy, please contact Bridget Cullen at [email protected] or 617-521-2402.

Introducing: LinkedIn Learning

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Simmons Academic Systems & Technology is excited to announce that our Lynda.com online, on-demand learning resource has moved to a new look and feel. It is now LinkedIn Learning; the same great Lynda content in a more modern and interactive system.

Please visit linkedinlearning.simmons.edu to connect to LinkedIn Learning. If you have visited Lynda.com previously, logging in with the same credentials will reconnect you to all of your previously viewed Lynda content. You will also be prompted to connect an existing LinkedIn account to your Simmons LinkedIn Learning account, however it is not required.

Introducing: 25Live Pro

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Simmons University has recently launched our new events management and scheduling system, 25Live Pro – which has replaced R25.

Why 25Live Pro?

After extensive research, we selected 25Live Pro as our new room scheduling solution. This service offers more features, ease of use, and scalability for the Simmons University community:

  • A 100% web-based solution
  • Easy searching of events, and available location
  • Better performance, intuitive, easy to use interface for creating events
  • Space utilization reporting
  • Improved security

Access the new system and training

In order to access the new system, visit events.simmons.edu and log in using your Simmons username and password.

To facilitate the transition to 25Live Pro, we are holding training sessions until October. Please click HERE to sign up for a training session.

For any questions about this new service, please contact John Woja at [email protected] or at 617-521-2003.

Introducing: Zoom

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Zoom logo

Simmons Technology is excited to announce Zoom – our new web conferencing solution to replace GoToMeeting. Zoom services will begin later this month, with the official switch from GoToMeeting taking place on May 31st.

Why are we switching to Zoom? As general best practice, the Simmons Technology Business Solutions Office evaluates campus wide technology services every three years. Seven months ago, we began the evaluation process of GoToMeeting. We distributed an RFP to five vendors and have narrowed down the finalists to Zoom and GoToMeeting. We concluded that Zoom offers more control over meetings that could maximize the remote learning experience. These features include:

  • Simpler intuitive user interface
  • Greater screen and webcam sharing capacity
  • Virtual breakout rooms
  • Virtual waiting room
  • Delegated scheduling privileges
  • More control over cloud recording/sharing
  • Seamless Simmons Moodle integration

To learn more about Zoom, we will be holding two information sessions:

  • May 7th 12:30pm – 1:30pm in Kotzen (L001) 
  • May 8th 11:30am – 12:30pm in C103

If you are interested in receiving personal assistance with Zoom, we will be having drop-in sessions during the following dates:

  • May 6th – May 10th, 3pm – 5pm in L330

Additionally, Zoom offers excellent free online resources about its features and services:

Questions or concerns about Zoom? Contact Ken Chan, Business Solutions Analyst.