Announcements

February Security Post: Refuse the phishing bait

Data breaches and identity theft rarely involve hackers rappelling from a ceiling’s skylight, deftly avoiding laser detection systems to infiltrate computers and servers; often they simply fool a community member with a generic mass produced phishing email.   Phishing isn’t relegated to just e-mail! Cybercriminals will also launch phishing attacks… Continue reading »

Glow course management system down

Due to problems with Amazon’s Web Services the College Glow site is currently down. From Instructure’s status page: http://status.instructure.com/ Update – Amazon Web Services is currently experiencing what appears to be a large-scale networking issue that has impacted Instructure along with many other companies. We are working with Amazon… Continue reading »

Google Calendar features help identify when others are available

Google Calendar features help identify when others are available Google Calendar has two powerful features to help you identify when your colleagues are available when scheduling a meeting with them. More info here: https://gsuitetips.com/tips/calendar/find-a-time-in-google-calendar/ These features require that you have access to your attendees calendars, typically these will… Continue reading »

Peoplesoft Student Records System Upgrade

The Peoplesoft Student Records System was upgraded over the weekend of 2/17 through 2/19. Any browser favorites or bookmarks you have to the system may not work beginning on Monday, 2/20. To connect to the Peoplesoft Student Records system, enter: https://sarah.williams.edu in your browser (clear the cache if you… Continue reading »

Be on alert for tax scam emails and phone calls

During tax season you are likely to receive fake scam emails which appear to be from the IRS regarding returns, e-files, W2s and 1099s. Keep in mind the IRS doesn’t initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information. You may… Continue reading »

January Security Post: Keep What’s Private, Private

You exist in digital form all over the Internet. Guard your privacy, not just to avoid embarrassment but also to protect your reputation and finances. Following are specific steps you can take to protect your online information, identity, and privacy. Turn on 2-step verification: https://oit.williams.edu/help-docs/2-factor-authentication/ A second authentication protects… Continue reading »

Displaying Announcements at the Top of the Home Page

If a course has a content page set as the course home page, instructors can display a certain number of recent announcements at the top of the page. This change allows instructors to show announcements as part of the course home page when students view GLOW in a web browser. Continue reading »

[Resolved] Service Disruption for Google Drive

Starting at about 11:40am on 1/17 we started seeing problems in accessing Google Drive. From Google: We’re investigating reports of an issue with Google Drive. We will provide more information shortly. Users may be receiving errors when accessing Drive. Classroom users may also be receiving errors when submitting or… Continue reading »

Allow file upload in your Google Forms submissions!

Allow file upload in your Google Forms submissions! You can now include a file upload button in your Google Form, so that your respondents can easily add documents to their form submission. More info can be found here:  https://sites.google.com/site/scriptsexamples/home/announcements/google-forms-file-upload-feature Whether you are a teacher who wants to collect students’… Continue reading »

December security post: Managing your online reputation

Social media sites help you stay connected both personally and professionally, but the information you share can provide fodder for phishing attacks, identity theft, or allow people to make negative assumptions about you. Please check a sites privacy and security settings to manage your online public presence.   The most… Continue reading »

Subject: Help Desk!! … another scam

A busy week for scammers… a 3rd wave of phishing attempts this week is hitting our Inboxes today… The body of the email: “Due to the recent spam attack on our database, you are advise to update your mailbox, please click here to avoid your account being suspended”. along with a link… Continue reading »

Newest phishing attempt: Subject: building trust

We are receiving numerous reports of a new phishing attempt that looks like a PDF being shared through Google Drive. It has the Subject Line: building trust. Please delete it. For more information about phishing emails check out: Phishing Emails If you did reply to… Continue reading »

Phishing attempt: secure document circular

Many are reporting having received emails with the Subject Line: secure document circular Please delete this newest of phishing attempts. For more information about phishing emails check out: Phishing Emails If you did reply to one please follow directions at: What to do if… Continue reading »

You can put a time limit on shared items in Google Drive!

Did you know that you can set a time limit on folders and files that you share via Google Drive? More information can be found here:  https://support.google.com/drive/answer/2494893 When you share any file or folder in Google Drive with another user, the shared links will work forever unless you manually… Continue reading »

Secure Your Phone!

Many people are aware that security is important on a computer but most people forget that their smartphone is a full computer as well.  And, since you carry that smartphone around with you and can easily lose it, security is as important on your phone as it is on your computer. Continue reading »

Security post – managing a passel of passwords

As you know, not every password scheme or tool works for everybody. You need to use a system that works best for you, one that is simple enough to be foolproof and practical in daily use but secure enough to guard your digital life. It’s a natural tendency for people… Continue reading »

Mac OS 10.12.1 Sierra and Purple Air

A recent update to Mac OS 10.12 (Sierra) is causing problems for some people when connecting to the Purple Air wireless network.  OIT has discovered the source of the problem and has developed a process that should resolve the issue. First, turn off your wifi Then:… Continue reading »

Managing a passel of passwords

Like it or not, passwords are an inescapable part of modern life, providing protection at the cost of inconvenience.     It’s a natural tendency for people to try and keep things simple by using the same password for multiple services or devices.  But as recent headlines have made… Continue reading »

Cybersecurity month tip #2: Using 2 factor authentication

Your password can be exposed through a number of methods like phishing, a compromised computer or website, a rogue WiFI setup or a breached service. Fortunately we have a system available that can prevent anyone from accessing your Williams google account even if they know your password. Two-factor authentication (also… Continue reading »

October is cybersecurity awareness month

This week:  How to keep your data safe when your accounts at major sites are compromised.  Yahoo!, Dropbox, MySpace, Pandora, LinkedIn…these are just a few of the sites which have had data breaches. How do you keep your own data safe?  To start it is important to have strong and… Continue reading »

Google Calendar: Attach a file to discuss during an event.

Attach a file to discuss during an event. In Google Calendar, you can attach an agenda, spreadsheet, presentation, or any other useful file you want to discuss during a meeting or event. In Google Calendar, you can attach an agenda, spreadsheet, presentation, or any other useful file you want to… Continue reading »