OIT Technology News:
Winter 2023 Edition

Protect Yourself:
Fighting MFA Fatigue

As the use of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) becomes increasingly common, cybercriminals have started using the requests from your 2FA authentication app to annoy users enough that they click "allow" just to get the alerts to stop. This technique, known as "MFA fatigue," is a severe security risk for your accounts and data. OIT will begin implementing measures to combat this trend, but in the meantime, we have some recommendations if you notice something suspicious.

Introducing DubBot: Automated Website Scanning Tool

OIT has recently licensed DubBot, a product that can help website editors identify and resolve web accessibility issues. The tool is free to use by all SMU Sitecore editors.

Cyber Wellness Program Helps SMU Community Discover Its Strengths

Cybersecurity is critical for success in our modern world. Learning to master cybersecurity habits through our Cyber Wellness Program is one way to strengthen security practices on campus.

Investigating the Federal Court's PACER System: Collaboration Improves Access

Recently, the Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center collaborated with OIT to better utilize the federal courts’ PACER service to access several thousand records quickly and as efficiently as possible. OIT jumped at the chance to make a difference.

New Site Provides New Methods of US Government Data Access

Created in response to the Foundations of Evidence-based Policymaking Act of 2018, the ResearchDataGov web portal has launched to allow for the discovering and requesting access to restricted microdata from federal statistical agencies.

Phishing Email Simulations Return After Hiatus

Over the past few years, SMU has worked to make people more aware of phishing attempts by sending simulated phishing emails. Soon, we will relaunch the simulated phishing email campaigns.

Getting Started with Data Research Using Forrester

Forrester is an invaluable tool with databases of research findings, including analyses, opinions, trends, leading practices, or case studies, and is available to faculty, staff, and students.

GlobalProtect VPN Service to End on March 20

Our GlobalProtect service will be discontinued on March 20, 2023, and Cisco AnyConnect will once again be our sole VPN client.

OIT's '22-'25 Strategic Plan Status Update

We would like to update you on the progress already made in our primary areas of planning: Research, Teaching and Learning, Excellence, and Innovation.

Thanks for Taking Our Calls: SMU's Former PBX Leaves The Hilltop

A few years ago, we made the switch to our new telephone system on campus. While individuals on campus moved to the new system a while back, that wasn't the end of the project!

SMU Infrastructure Improvements Continue

The OIT infrastructure team is continuing to add additional wireless access points in Dallas Hall and provide better wireless performance for high-density areas. Over 25 buildings on the SMU campus will receive upgrades to Wi-Fi in 2023.

OIT Staff to Begin Checks of Department Telephones

With the introduction of new authentication methods for campus telephones, OIT will soon be making visits to areas of campus to ensure departmental phone is logged in properly for the best performance and functionality.

Faculty/Staff Email Accounts to Move to the Cloud

Soon, OIT will migrate faculty and staff email accounts to our Microsoft 365 cloud service to simplify mailbox management and reduce University costs.