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But )] TJ ET BT 61.016 626.431 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(before you leave, there are a few things you can do now to ensure that your return is seamless. Here are a few tips: )] TJ ET BT 78.360 598.958 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(1.)] TJ ET 0.373 0.169 0.255 rg BT 91.016 598.942 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Activate your )] TJ ET 0.373 0.169 0.255 RG 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 91.016 597.791 m 145.538 597.791 l S BT 145.538 598.942 Td /F1 9.0 Tf [(Out of Office)] TJ ET 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 145.538 597.512 m 200.042 597.512 l S BT 200.042 598.942 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [( function)] TJ ET 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 200.042 597.791 m 234.062 597.791 l S 0.153 0.153 0.153 rg BT 234.062 598.942 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [( on your sun.ac.za Outlook mailbox and indicate in the message when you will )] TJ ET BT 91.016 587.953 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(be available again in case someone needs to contact you. Also, indicate who will be responsible during your time )] TJ ET BT 91.016 576.964 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(away and add their email address to your Out of Office.)] TJ ET BT 78.360 565.991 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(2.)] TJ ET BT 91.016 565.975 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Make sure that your relevant )] TJ ET BT 207.566 565.975 Td /F1 9.0 Tf [(work-related data)] TJ ET BT 282.086 565.975 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [( is accessible for usage by your colleagues while you are away. )] TJ ET BT 91.016 554.986 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(However, do NOT give your password to colleagues when as this poses a security risk.)] TJ ET BT 78.360 544.013 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(3.)] TJ ET BT 91.016 543.997 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(If your sun password might expire during your holiday, )] TJ ET 0.373 0.169 0.255 rg BT 309.104 543.997 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(rather )] TJ ET 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 309.104 542.846 m 335.114 542.846 l S BT 335.114 543.997 Td /F1 9.0 Tf [(change it before you go)] TJ ET 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 335.114 542.567 m 436.634 542.567 l S BT 436.634 543.997 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(.)] TJ ET 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 436.634 542.846 m 439.136 542.846 l S 0.153 0.153 0.153 rg BT 439.136 543.997 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [( If it expires while you are )] TJ ET BT 91.016 533.008 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(away you will be locked out of your account and it will cause unnecessary stress to deactivate it in January. )] TJ ET BT 78.360 522.035 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(4.)] TJ ET BT 91.016 522.019 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(If you receive a )] TJ ET BT 154.547 522.019 Td /F1 9.0 Tf [(phishing email on your sun account)] TJ ET BT 308.582 522.019 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [( over the holiday and clicked on links or typed in your )] TJ ET BT 91.016 511.030 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(username and password, your account may be compromised. Immediately change your password at )] TJ ET BT 91.016 500.041 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(www.sun.ac.za/password and )] TJ ET 0.373 0.169 0.255 rg BT 212.561 500.041 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(log a service request on the ICT Partner Portal)] TJ ET 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 212.561 498.890 m 398.141 498.890 l S 0.153 0.153 0.153 rg BT 398.141 500.041 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(. Your device will then be checked )] TJ ET BT 91.016 489.052 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(and scanned after the holiday. Remember that you can also report spam directly to Microsoft by using the handy )] TJ ET 0.373 0.169 0.255 rg BT 91.016 478.063 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Report Message function in Outlook)] TJ ET 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 91.016 476.912 m 234.080 476.912 l S 0.153 0.153 0.153 rg BT 234.080 478.063 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(.)] TJ ET BT 78.360 467.090 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(5.)] TJ ET BT 91.016 467.074 Td /F1 9.0 Tf [(Information Technology will also be closing,)] TJ ET BT 280.565 467.074 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [( like the rest of the University, )] TJ ET BT 401.111 467.074 Td /F1 9.0 Tf [(on 24 December and opening )] TJ ET BT 91.016 456.085 Td /F1 9.0 Tf [(again on 3 January)] TJ ET BT 172.547 456.085 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(. If possible, please log your IT requests as soon as possible before you leave. If you have a )] TJ ET BT 91.016 445.096 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(critical problem, it might be difficult to assist you a day before you leave or on the last Friday since suppliers also )] TJ ET BT 91.016 434.107 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(close over the festive season.)] TJ ET 0.400 0.400 0.400 rg BT 61.016 414.118 Td /F2 9.0 Tf [(Posted in:General,Tips | | With 0 comments)] TJ ET endstream endobj 8 0 obj << /Type /Font /Subtype /Type1 /Name /F1 /BaseFont /Helvetica-Bold /Encoding /WinAnsiEncoding >> endobj 9 0 obj << /Type /Font /Subtype /Type1 /Name /F2 /BaseFont /Helvetica-Oblique /Encoding /WinAnsiEncoding >> endobj 10 0 obj << /Type /Font /Subtype /Type1 /Name /F3 /BaseFont /Helvetica-BoldOblique /Encoding /WinAnsiEncoding >> endobj 11 0 obj << /Type /Font /Subtype /Type1 /Name /F4 /BaseFont /Helvetica /Encoding /WinAnsiEncoding >> endobj 12 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 13 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 91.0157 598.1092 179.5577 607.2667 ] >> endobj 13 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (https://support.microsoft.com/en-za/help/290846/how-to-use-the-out-of-office-assistant-in-outlook) >> endobj 14 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 15 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 145.5377 598.1092 200.0417 607.2667 ] >> endobj 15 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (https://support.microsoft.com/en-za/help/290846/how-to-use-the-out-of-office-assistant-in-outlook) >> endobj 16 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 17 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 309.1037 543.1642 337.6157 552.3217 ] >> endobj 17 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (http://www.sun.ac.za/password) >> endobj 18 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 19 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 335.1137 543.1642 436.6337 552.3217 ] >> endobj 19 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (http://www.sun.ac.za/password) >> endobj 20 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 21 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 212.5607 499.2082 398.1407 508.3657 ] >> endobj 21 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (https://servicedesk.sun.ac.za) >> endobj 22 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 23 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 91.0157 477.2302 234.0797 486.3877 ] >> endobj 23 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-the-report-message-add-in-b5caa9f1-cdf3-4443-af8c-ff724ea719d2) >> endobj xref 0 24 0000000000 65535 f 0000000008 00000 n 0000000073 00000 n 0000000119 00000 n 0000000305 00000 n 0000000334 00000 n 0000000472 00000 n 0000000589 00000 n 0000005581 00000 n 0000005693 00000 n 0000005808 00000 n 0000005928 00000 n 0000006036 00000 n 0000006163 00000 n 0000006312 00000 n 0000006440 00000 n 0000006589 00000 n 0000006717 00000 n 0000006798 00000 n 0000006926 00000 n 0000007007 00000 n 0000007135 00000 n 0000007216 00000 n 0000007343 00000 n trailer << /Size 24 /Root 1 0 R /Info 5 0 R >> startxref 7504 %%EOF Tips « Informasietegnologie
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MFA – Everything you need to know

Friday, October 13th, 2023

Cybersecurity Awareness Month takes place during October each year. The theme for 2023 is “Secure Our World”. With this blog post, our focus is on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), which adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts, making it harder for hackers to get in. 

What is MFA?

Multi-Factor Authentication adds a second layer of security to your account to ensure that your account stays safe, even if someone else knows your password. This will mean that, for certain services, including Microsoft Outlook, Teams, etc. you will be prompted to provide more information in order to authenticate your identity as a Stellenbosch University student or staff member.

What are the benefits of MFA?

  • MFA improves the University’s security by adding another layer an intruder would have to penetrate.
  • MFA protects your University identity by ensuring no one else can act on your behalf even if your password has been compromised.
  • MFA safeguards you against security attacks.
  • With implementing MFA your information is protected which is one of the ways to increase the University’s reputation and trustworthiness.

Which authentication method is recommended?

The Microsoft Authenticator application can be downloaded from the Google Play Store (Android devices) and the App Store (Apple devices). Here’s a guide on how to set up Microsoft Authenticator: How to set up Microsoft Authenticator (1)

WATCH: A helpful guide on MFA

Be aware. Be secure. Be cyber smart.

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

Email security

Friday, March 31st, 2023

Phishing and Report Message

View a PDF here: Phishing and Report Message Infographic

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:

Something’s Phishy…

Monday, October 24th, 2022

 

 

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