August 2018 OET Newsletter

McAfee VirusScan Phase Out

As of June 1, 2019, the University will stop support for McAfee VirusScan.  The recommended replacement solutions are Windows Defender for Windows 10 and Avast Security for macOS.  Since computers running Windows 7 do not have Windows Defender as an option, OET will work to upgrade all Windows 7 computers to Windows 10 before June 1.

PII Finder Scans

Over the next few weeks, OET will use Spirion, formerly Identity Finder, to scan all data saved on its file servers to look for personally identifiable information (PII).  This automated process will result in a list of file names that OET will share with unit directors.

Most PII comes in the form of sensitive data such as social security numbers, grades, financial information, and health care information associated with names. Visit IT’s protecting PII page for further information. Because of the data’s sensitive nature, we recommend that you periodically review your files saved on computers, other devices, and OET servers, and delete any files that contain PII, if you no longer need them.  You will need to encrypt any files with PII that you must retain.

The University of Delaware offers several solutions for encryption, including AESCrypt and native tools built into Windows, macOS, and Microsoft Office.  For more information about encryption tools, visit IT’s encryption page, or write to OET. Thank you for helping to keep UD’s data safe.

Exchange Online Archiving

Exchange online archiving is now available for clients who use Exchange for email.  Online archiving automatically or manually stores mailbox items through Microsoft Office 365 on Microsoft’s servers.  You can access archived items in Outlook (Windows only) or through the Exchange web client.

Archiving does not count against your quota, and it offers a way to store items that you access infrequently but that you still want to keep.  Although online archiving does offer some benefits, you should be aware of the following caveats:

• UD does not back up and cannot access the Exchange online archive.
• Microsoft keeps multiple copies of recoverable items for 30 days after deletion.
• You are responsible for backing up your archived items.
• After you leave UD employment, your archive will not be recoverable.

For further information, visit Using Exchange Automatic Archiving.

Advising Site Now Live

The Office of Educational Technology recently worked with the Provost’s and Registrar’s offices to develop a campus-wide advising site at http://www.advising.udel.edu/.   The site is a portal for students to find their advisors, schedule an advising appointment, register for classes, access grades and perform other tasks.

Flipgrid Now Free for Educators

Microsoft recently purchased Flipgrid, an online tool that promotes student engagement through discussion, making it free for educators. Flipgrid allow educators to create a grid, so that students can respond to topics via video on any device.  Videos can be from 15 seconds to 5 minutes in length.  Educators either share a Flip Code or QR code for student access.  Easy to use and quick to set up, Flipgrid provides an opportunity for student feedback—whether students are on or off campus—and educators get to put a face with a name.