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IT support during COVID

Monday, March 23rd, 2020

In line with SU communication regarding the operational needs and our staff’s well-being Information Technology also must limit the exposure and levels of infection of our IT Support staff.  Until further notice the following logistics are applicable to ensure the continuation of IT support to the University community:

ICT Partner Portal

For any support, please log a call on the ICT Partner Portal. In case of requests to work from home, please note that a request type for the remote access has been created which you can select on the entry page. A reference number will be emailed to you and a technician will be in contact. Please do not send an email to help@sun.ac.za.

Remote Assistance

Technicians assigned a request will contact the user and support will be provided remotely. 

No deliveries or collections

Until further notice desktops, laptops or mobile devices will not be collected or delivered. Technicians will contact the end-user telephonically and arrange for pickup or delivery of their devices from the demarcated areas at the IT HUB.

No support available at end-user residence

For end-users already working from home only remote assistance for support will be provided. No IT Technicians will be called out for support

McAfee upgrade

Thursday, March 12th, 2020

As we all know, McAfee has been the product of choice with regards to Virus Protection on campus computers. New and improved products are released regularly, and we need to keep up with the change to remain protected against virus attacks.

We are currently in the process of upgrading our McAfee environment to McAfee Endpoint Security.

What is it?

McAfee Endpoint Security is a modern, integrated, extensible security solution that protects servers, computer systems, laptops, and tablets against known and unknown threats. These threats include malware, suspicious communications, unsafe websites, and downloaded files. It replaces several legacy McAfee products that were deployed as point products (VirusScan Enterprise and others) with a single-agent architecture and integrated advanced defences like machine learning analysis, containment, and endpoint detection and response (EDR).

How is it different from VirusScan Enterprise?

McAfee Endpoint Security outperforms VirusScan Enterprise, giving you a 25% higher protection rate.

How will the upgrade affect my computer?

During the upgrade process, your computer will become a little slower, but this is just temporary.

Any questions? Have a look at the FAQs.

Phishing email with subject “SUNCOM”

Wednesday, February 5th, 2020

An email from a sun.ac.za address with the subject “SAFECOM – 5 / FEBRUARY / 2020” has been sent to staff and students. The email asks you to open a message received from “SUNCOM” (also see image below)

This is not a legitimate email, but a phishing attempt which will lead you to a fake website.

By clicking on links and providing your information, you give criminals access to your personal information and your accounts. If you think your account or device has been compromised or you notice suspicious activity:

  • Immediately change your password on www.sun.ac.za/password.
  • Contact the IT Service Desk by logging a request or calling 808 4367.
  • More information is available on our blog and Twitter.

Card access problems on campus

Tuesday, February 4th, 2020

Some students and staff might experience problems with card access on campus.

Due to a heavier load on the network in terms of traffic and potential technical glitches, card access is being denied at some doors.

The rights of valid and registered cards will automatically updated after they’ve been swiped and should work shortly afterwards. 

We realise that this is frustrating and inconvenient and are doing everything possible to address the problem. 

For further enquiries, please log a request on servicedesk.sun.ac.za.

New warning banner for your email

Tuesday, February 4th, 2020

The nature of cyber-attacks is always evolving and Information Technology, with the help of staff and students, has to do everything within our power to try and prevent them.

In an attempt to tighten cyber security on campus, we will soon provide a new warning which can identify the origin of an email. By establishing the origin of email, it’s easier to protect against cyber security risks such as malware, spoofing and phishing. 

From now on, every time you receive email from outside campus a yellow banner will be displayed at the top of your email:

Click for a larger image

 

Click for a larger version

When staff or students receive a potentially dangerous email which seems to have been sent from a colleague with a sun.ac.za address, they will immediately be able to see that it is, in fact, not from their colleague, but from an address outside the university.

Just keep in mind that the banner does not indicate that the email is necessarily a security risk, but that the possibility exists and that you need to be extra careful when responding to it.

We will continuously assess the effectiveness of this decision and reconsider if necessary. For any additional enquiries, please send an email to help@sun.ac.za.

 

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