IT Services
Training Tips
Training tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the wide array of useful technologies and services available at the University of Chicago. Check out IT Services on Twitter every Tuesday for the latest #TrainingTipTuesday.
Training Tip: Hang Up on Phone Scams
Phone scams are on the rise, especially during this time of year as many are renewing benefits and preparing for the next tax season. Many members of the UChicago community have received phone calls where the caller claims to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or Chinese Consulate.
These calls sometimes appear to be a local phone number or even an extension associated with the University of Chicago. Scammers know that in order to trick you into answering the phone, the call must appear familiar. These calls can actually be coming from anywhere in the country or in the world.
If you weren’t expecting a call and it sounds suspicious, hang up. Then check out this IT Security blog post with resources on current phone scams and how to report them.
Training Tip: Stay Connected with Mobile Apps
While you’re waiting in line to vote this Election Day, use mobile apps to stay connected with your colleagues or classmates at the University. To check your UChicago email, download the Microsoft Outlook app for your Apple or Android device. You can also attend meetings remotely with the Cisco Webex Meetings mobile app. To learn how to set up your account, view the Webex Conferencing Overview.
Many other collaboration tools offer mobile apps, including Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, Box, and Google Drive. Visit the Google Play or App Store on your device to search for the apps and download for the next time you’re off campus.
Training Tip: Don’t Get Scared by Email Scams
This Halloween, don’t get scared by phishing emails using trickery to try to get your information. Simply ignore and delete these messages. If you’re unsure, forward the message as an attachment to security@uchicago.edu.
One example of this is an email scam that has been making its way into University community inboxes since July. The email claims to have your password and threatens to reveal personal information if you don’t comply. Although this message may seem targeted, it doesn’t pose a real threat. View the blog post for more information.
Training Tip: Use Email Protection to Manage Your Messages
The University is enabling a new email protection service this week for all @uchicago.edu email accounts. The new service has enhanced capabilities to identify and block spam as well as to better protect accounts from phishing attempts and malicious email content.
In addition to protecting your inbox, you can use the email protection service to manage which messages you receive by adding email addresses to your Safe and Blocked Senders Lists. Learn more about these capabilities at getsecure.uchicago.edu/emailprotection.
Training Tip: Run Software Updates to Stay Secure
A software update is a free download for an application, operating system, or software suite that provides new features, fixes bugs, improves functionality, and addresses security issues.
To make sure your device is protected with the most current security patches, opt to automatically update your software. Updates can take time, but you can schedule them to run at the end of your day or when you’ll be away from your desk.
Training Tip: Lock Down Your Login
To maintain the security of your online accounts, keep your passwords to yourself. By sharing your password with others, you may be provide an opportunity for cybercriminals to access your account.
If you need to provide family members or colleagues with access to a shared account, consider doing so through a password manager, which assists in generating and retrieving complex passwords, storing them in an encrypted database, and providing them on demand.
Learn more at getsecure.uchicago.edu.
Training Tip: Identify and Report Phishing Emails
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. By knowing about potential threats, you can help protect yourself and the University community.
A common tactic cybercriminals use is phishing, which is a fraudulent email that appears to come from a legitimate source and uses a link to capture personal data like credit card numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, and other information.
If you think you’ve received a phishing email, do not respond to it. Instead, report it to security@uchicago.edu. Remember, University administrators and IT Services staff will never request your CNetID username or password by email. This is also the policy of most government agencies and financial institutions.
Learn more at security.uchicago.edu/phishing.
Training Tip: Explore IT Resources for Students
Autumn Quarter begins next week, and IT Services has a quick start guide on the technology resources available for UChicago students. Visit its.uchicago.edu/students to learn about setting up your CNetID, two-factor authentication, and email before you arrive on campus.
There is also information on services you may want to access once you start classes, including the wireless network and the learning management system Canvas. For additional support, contact IT Services online, by phone, or in-person.
Training Tip: Get Around the UChicago Campus
With Orientation Week kicking off this weekend, check out the navigation tools available to guide you around the University of Chicago campus. First, visit maps.uchicago.edu for an interactive look at campus buildings and landmarks.
The UGo shuttles offer students, faculty, and staff a free ride around campus with a simple tap of your UChicago ID card. You can also view CTA bus routes that service campus. Download the TransLoc app for your mobile device for easy tracking on the go.
Finally, view the UChicago Safety and Security website for information on parking and additional transit options.
Training Tip: Connect to Campus Resources with cVPN
The University of Chicago virtual private network (cVPN) provides faculty, students, and staff with secure access to University network resources as if you were on campus, no matter where you are in the world. cVPN is used to remotely access resources that are not available from off-campus locations.
To download cVPN, visit cvpn.uchicago.edu and log in your CNetID and password. There are detailed instructions available for Windows 10, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
Recently, cVPN was added to the list of UChicago online services and system protected by two-factor authentication. If you haven’t already signed up for 2FA, you will need to do so in order to access cVPN or download the software. Read the 2FA Overview for more information about how this service protects your information.