Office of Educational Technology
June 2017 OET Newsletter
AppLocker to Debut on Windows Desktops
As an added security measure, OET plans to implement AppLocker on Windows desktops that are members of the OET domain by the end of the summer. AppLocker is a security feature built into the Windows operating system that checks applications and system files before they run to make sure that they run from a presumed safe location on your computer’s local hard drive, such as the C:\Windows or C:\Program Files directory.
Computers running AppLocker will send a small amount of log data to an OET-owned and monitored server. This log data will only show applications blocked or allowed by AppLocker and the name of the computer that blocked or allowed each file. We will use this data to help ensure that necessary software runs without interference from AppLocker, and to identify potentially harmful software before it has a chance to infect machines and access University-owned data.
This new policy will only affect Windows computers that are on the OET domain. This includes Windows desktops that are in campus offices. The policy will not affect Macintosh or Windows computers that are not part of the OET domain, including most Windows laptops and Surface tablets.
Wireless Networks Update: It’s Time to Switch
Now is a perfect opportunity to make the switch on your wireless devices to the preferred, secure wireless network at UD, Eduroam, as IT plans to phase out the UDel Secure wireless network by the end of the summer and to retire the UDel wireless network within a year. All faculty, staff, and students with UD credentials can access Eduroam, which takes about a minute to configure. In addition, two other networks will soon become available in campus buildings—UD Devices and UDel_Guest.
The UD Devices network is a less-secure, limited network for registering special devices such as Apple TV, Amazon Echos, and AirPrint printers. This network is considered less secure because these devices often do not get software updates like laptops or phones. Devices on the UD Devices wireless network are not permitted direct access to University networks.
Campus visitors can use UDel_Guest, also a less secure, limited network, to obtain access to the UDel_Guest Wi-Fi network for 24 hours. In addition, you can use UDel_Guest to register devices for use on campus.
Directions to configure the UD Devices and UDel_Guest networks are available on IT’s site, and you can contact OET if you need assistance.
UD Wireless Networks Now Available in Georgetown
To support CEHD students, faculty, and staff, University of Delaware wireless networks are now available on Delaware Technical and Community College’s (DTCC) Owens Campus in Georgetown, Delaware. Staff and faculty from CEHD, UD’s Network and Systems Services (NSS), and DTCC collaborated for the past several months on installation of the Eduroam, UDel_Guest, and UD Devices wireless networks in the Jason Building and Carter Partnership Center on DTCC’s Owens Campus.
Do2Learn Fun on Alumni Weekend
Twenty-eight people attended CEHD’s Do2Learn open house in the Education Resource Center on Saturday, June 3, for Alumni Weekend. Alumni and their families collaborated to build ramps for robots, design electrical circuits using dough, race robots, build intricate structures, and help design twirling moustaches, among other activities.
“It has been their favorite UD alumni weekend activity so far! I am sure they will be asking for it again next year!” said one attendee about her children.
In addition, Dr. Jenny Buckley, mechanical engineering, and Amy Trauth-Nare, Professional Development Center for Educators, demonstrated toys designed and crafted by UD students and their Orthopaedics in Action curriculum.
A huge thank to our volunteers and to our alumni and their families who made this a successful event!
Beware the Phish
Many of you spotted the phish that IT sent on June 19 to selected employees, as part of its Take a Bite Out of Phish campaign. If you didn’t receive the phish or didn’t recognize it as a phish, IT analyzes some tell-tale signs—a misspelling, a questionable domain, and a general signature—that indicate it is a phish.
You can use these and other signs outlined in the Secure UD Threat Alerts blog to evaluate any email message before you respond. If you have a doubt as to whether an email message is legitimate, contact OET or write to reportaphish@udel.edu, IT’s new email address for reporting suspicious email.
WordPress Users Group Meeting
If you edit your WordPress site for your unit, join us at our next campus-wide WordPress Users Group meeting on Wednesday, August 23, at 12:00 p.m. in room 205 Willard Hall Education Building. Bring your lunch, your ideas, and questions. We look forward to seeing you.
Two Security Updates Now Enforced
Non-student miscellaneous wage employees who have not already done so must now complete a security update before they can log into most UD services or applications. Exceptions that will not prompt for an update are My UD Settings, Emergency Contacts, and UD Time.
In addition, non-degree students who have not signed up for two-factor authentication (2FA) must enroll before logging into most UD services or applications. Information Technologies (IT) reports that this brings the number of UD accounts protected with 2FA to over 35,000.