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Computer Literacy and Digital Literacy – not the same thing

Wednesday, June 7th, 2023

Computer and Digital Literacy are two separate things, but they go together. For us to be effective, responsible technology users, we need to have both. In this article we explore the difference between these two concepts, and why it is important to develop digital literacy skills.

What is computer literacy?

Computer literacy is defined as the knowledge and ability to use computers and related technology efficiently, with skill levels ranging from elementary use to computer programming and advanced problem solving. Those who are computer literate have the ability to perform basic tasks on the computer. For example, switching on your computer, knowing how to access the internet, navigating a browser, and operating software systems, and completing any other tasks that make it possible to do your job.

What is digital literacy?

Digital literacy is the ability to navigate our digital environment using reading, writing, critical thinking and technical skills. It’s about using technological devices such as a smartphone, laptop or tablet, to find, evaluate and communicate information. So, digital literacy goes beyond computer literacy because it gives individuals the power to connect around the world. 

Why is digital literacy important?

Digital literacy skills are essential for participating in the modern economy. Digital literacy can play a powerful role in helping people connect, learn, engage with their community, and create more promising futures. Simply reading articles online does not address digital literacy, so it is important for everyone to understand the variety of content and possibilities that are accessible online.

  • Efficient Communication: Digital literacy improves communication that creates a more efficient workflow. It allows employees to communicate with each other through various platforms, such as email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and social media.
  • Enhances Problem-Solving Skills: With digital literacy, employees can access vast amounts of information through the internet, which allows them to research solutions to complex problems, find relevant data, and make informed decisions.
  • Increases Efficiency: Digital tools such as automation, online collaboration platforms, and project management software can increase efficiency in the workplace.
  • Improves Creativity: Digital literacy can also foster creativity in employees by providing access to various digital tools that can unleash their creative potential and produce high-quality content.
  • Better Time Management: Digital literacy can help employees manage their time more effectively.
  • Online Security: Digital literacy skills help individuals understand the importance of securing their online information and the potential risks of cyber-attacks.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Digital literacy skills are crucial for leveraging AI’s benefits.
  • Big Data: Digital literacy skills have become essential for individuals to interpret and analyse vast amounts of data effectively.
  • Social Media: Digital literacy skills are essential for using social media safely and responsibly. It enables individuals to identify potential risks associated with social media.

Start your digital literacy pathway

With the Microsoft Digital Literacy classes, you can gain skills needed to effectively explore the internet. 

Sources:

YOTTABYTE

LinkedIn

Microsoft

Futurelab

SU IT Digital Literacy in a nutshell

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Number matching enabled by default for all Microsoft Authenticator users

Tuesday, May 16th, 2023

Microsoft Authenticator app’s number matching feature has been generally available since November 2022. If you have not already leveraged the rollout controls (via Azure Portal Admin UX and MSGraph APIs) to smoothly deploy number matching for users of Microsoft Authenticator push notifications, we highly encourage you to do so.

Microsoft extended the availability of the rollout controls until 8 May 2023, to deploy number matching in their organisations. Microsoft services started enforcing the number matching experience for all users of Microsoft Authenticator push notifications since then.

Please note

The expected behaviour for NPS extension have been changed to be more admin friendly. NPS versions 1.2.2216.1+ will be released once Microsoft starts to enable number matching for all Authenticator users. These NPS versions will automatically prefer OTP based sign-ins over traditional push notifications with the Authenticator app. An admin can choose to disable this behavior and fallback to traditional push notifications with Approve/Deny by setting the registry key OVERRIDE_NUMBER_MATCHING_WITH_OTP Value = FALSE. Previous NPS extension versions will not automatically switch Authenticator push notification authentications to OTP based authentications. 

How does this affect the university?

To prevent accidental approvals, admins can require users to enter a number displayed on the sign-in screen when approving an MFA request in the Microsoft Authenticator app. This feature is critical to protecting against MFA fatigue attacks which are on the rise.

Another way to reduce accidental approvals is to show users additional context in Authenticator notifications. Admins can now selectively choose to enable the following:

  • Application context: Show users which application they are signing into.
  • Geographic location context: Show users their sign-in location based on the IP address of the device they are signing into.

Number match behaviour in different scenarios going forward

  1. Authentication flows will require users to do number match when using the Microsoft Authenticator app. If the user is using a version of the Authenticator app that doesn’t support number match, their authentication will fail. Please make sure upgrade to the latest version of Microsoft Authenticator (App Store and Google Play Store) to use it for sign-in.
  2. Self Service Password Reset (SSPR) and combined registration flows will also require number match when users are using the Microsoft Authenticator app.
  3. ADFS adapter will require number matching on versions of Windows Server that support number matching. On earlier versions, users will continue to see the “Approve/Deny” experience and won’t see number matching till you upgrade.

          o  Windows Server 2022 October 26, 2021—KB5006745 (OS Build 20348.320)

          o  Windows Server 2019 October 19, 2021—KB5006744 (OS Build 17763.2268)

          o  Windows Server 2016 October 12, 2021—KB5006669 (OS Build 14393.4704)

  1. NPS extension versions beginning 1.2.2131.2 will require users to do number matching after May 2023. Because the NPS extension can’t show a number, the user will be asked to enter a One-Time Passcode (OTP). The user must have an OTP authentication method (e.g. Microsoft Authenticator app, software tokens etc.) registered to see this behaviour. If the user doesn’t have an OTP method registered, they’ll continue to get the Approve/Deny experience. You can create a registry key that overrides this behaviour and prompts users with Approve/Deny. 
  2. Apple Watch will remain unsupported for number matching. We recommend you uninstall the Microsoft Authenticator Apple Watch app because you have to approve notifications on your phone. 
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Microsoft: Out with the old and in with the new

Friday, March 31st, 2023

Technology has helped us become more efficient and work faster than ever, but technology is driven by software that must keep up with new requirements and regulations. For example, the security of the data on your device is critical, especially if you are working with company information. Then we must also comply with regulations such as POPIA.  

Now, more than ever, it is important that the software used on campus is updated. The IT Division always follows the rule of “best minus one” to ensure that software is properly tested for compatibility and that bugs are repaired before it is rolled out to the rest of the campus.

What does that mean for me as a user?  

The software that plays the most crucial part on your device is Microsoft Windows, and the version recommended is Windows 10 version 21H2. If your device is not compliant but still under warranty, the IT Division will upgrade it without charging the handling fee.

All new devices on campus are now installed with Windows 11 21H2.

It is also important to upgrade your Office software to Office 365 as the older versions, such as Office 2016, is no longer supported by Microsoft, and Office 2019 is nearing the end of support by October 2023. Once again, your data will be at risk as the software no longer receives security updates.

So, it’s out with the old and in with the new to save you time, get new features and have greater security.

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Email security

Friday, March 31st, 2023

Phishing and Report Message

View a PDF here: Phishing and Report Message Infographic

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Stop waiting and start updating

Friday, March 31st, 2023

Why Windows Updates are crucial for your device’s health

This article was compiled by Elnita Jacobs, Computer Technician 1: IT General Support Services, and Bradley van der Venter, Senior Configuration Specialist: IT General Support Services.

In today’s world with the ever-changing threat landscape, keeping our devices up to date is essential for ensuring they run smoothly and securely. Windows Updates is one of the most critical updates we need to keep up with. 

Windows Updates visual

 

1 – The Importance

Firstly, let’s talk about why installing Windows Updates is so important. These updates are designed to fix bugs and vulnerabilities in the operating system, improve performance, and add new features. This means that by installing updates, you can keep your device running smoothly and securely and take advantage of new features that Microsoft releases. Windows Updates can also help to protect your device from malware and other security threats, making them a critical part of your device’s overall security.

2 – “Patch Tuesdays”

It’s also worth noting that Windows Updates are typically released on the second Tuesday of every month, known as “Patch Tuesday”. This means that by default, Windows Updates are enabled to install automatically, and you can expect your device to receive updates shortly after this date each month. Additionally, if you fail to restart your device after updates have been installed, Windows will force a restart after seven days to ensure compliance. 

Please note that this is not enforcement from Stellenbosch University (SU) but from Microsoft. 

This is important to keep in mind, as it ensures that your device stays up-to-date and secure, even if you forget to restart after installing updates. For example, suppose you restart your device immediately after updates are installed. In that case, you minimise the risk of, for example, being in a meeting and then Windows notifying you that it will restart in approximately 20 minutes. 

This will only happen if you haven’t restarted your device for more than seven days after installing the Windows Updates. 

3 – The Consequences

Now, let’s consider the consequences of failing to install Windows Updates. First, when you fail to update and restart your device, you leave it vulnerable to security threats. Hackers can exploit the operating system’s vulnerabilities to gain access to your device and steal sensitive information such as passwords and financial data. Malware can also infect your device, causing it to slow down, crash, or render unusable. Additionally, failing to update your device can result in poor performance, as bugs and other issues can accumulate over time, making it harder to use your device efficiently.

One of the most significant risks of not updating your device is the possibility of data loss. If your device becomes infected with malware or crashes due to bugs, you may lose important data such as documents, photos, and videos. This can be devastating, particularly if you have not backed up your data. Additionally, if you use your device for work, you may risk losing valuable business data, which can be catastrophic for your business.

4 – The Solution

What can you do to ensure that you are keeping your device up to date? The simplest solution is to enable automatic updates on your device (Stellenbosch University Windows Asset devices joined to the domain have this enabled by default). This will ensure that your device receives updates as soon as they become available without any effort on your part. Alternatively, you can manually check for updates by going to the Windows Update in the Settings option on the Start Menu. Restarting your device regularly after installing updates is also important, as this ensures that they are fully installed and can take effect.

In conclusion, installing Windows Updates is crucial for ensuring your device runs smoothly and securely. By keeping your device up to date, you can take advantage of new features, improve performance, and protect yourself from security threats. Failing to update and restart your device for updates can lead to poor performance, data loss, and security vulnerabilities. So, ensure you enable automatic updates or manually check for updates regularly, and always restart your device after installing updates.

Reference:

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