Tech Alerts

When a new operating system is released, the USAN team regularly performs various tests to ensure that it is fully compatible with the FDU environment. As this process is still ongoing for macOS Sequoia (macOS 15), we ask that you do not upgrade your FDU-issued computer to macOS Sequoia at this time. We will send another alert to the community as soon as macOS Sequoia is fully vetted and ready to install.

In the meantime, Apple has released macOS Sonoma 14.7, which we recommend for all FDU-issued Mac computers.

When prompted for the Sequoia update, click “More Info” to locate the Sonoma 14.7 update:

Click “Update Now” to apply the appropriate update:

During the recent faculty/staff technical orientation, the community provided Computing Services with important feedback regarding the SAMI Support portal. While we will continue to use this feedback to improve the user experience, there is one change we are ready to implement immediately.

Starting on 10/9/24, SAMI notification emails will come from fdutac@sami.fdu.edu instead of the previous no-reply@sami.fdu.edu address. The new address clarifies the options for replying. In addition to visiting the SAMI Support portal or calling UTAC, you now have the option to reply directly to the notification email.

As you can see in the sample messages below, aside from the change of email address, your notifications will remain unchanged. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Computing Services is excited to announce our new External Student Engagement SAMI Request Form. The purpose of this form is to provide staff and faculty with a more efficient and effective way to communicate with Computing Services regarding upcoming initiatives, including workshops and short-term programs with surrounding high schools, which may take place on our NJ campuses throughout the year.

This form will allow the submitter to provide Computing Services with the necessary information for their workshop, including the space(s), technology, and access needed for their student engagement initiative. Upon submission, Computing Services will review and evaluate the requested information to ensure proper IT support is available.

It will also allow Computing Services to familiarize itself with the various programs that each department hosts to engage their potential student community.

The form can be found by visiting samisupport.fdu.edu and selecting the External Student Engagement Form from the Forms – Staff & Faculty panel.

Your participation in using this form is greatly appreciated as we strive to optimize our visibility and communication with our community.

Starting October 15th, Jamf Connect will replace the Self-Service Portal for software installations on all University-owned Macintosh laptops and desktops. The overall process remains quite similar. Our Mac users will continue to request temporary administrator privileges to allow for software installation. However, Jamf Connect will provide a more streamlined elevation process and an improved notification system when installing software.

When you wish to install software, click on the “Jamf Connect” menu bar app. You should be familiar with this app as it is already where you log in to sync your password. Click on “Request Admin Privileges.”

Select the reason for the elevation and click “Continue.”

You will receive the following notification when your privileges are elevated.

A countdown, as shown below, will appear in your menu bar. Complete the installation before the countdown finishes.

When the countdown reaches zero, you will return to your normal permissions and receive the following notification.

Special use elevations for shared machines will still be handled through the Self-Service Portal.

Over the past several weeks, some members of our community have been impacted by an issue with our FDU-issued Lenovo laptops. After much diagnosis and investigation, we have determined that the issue centers on Lenovo’s software that runs during the boot process and a recent change Microsoft made within Windows. Our initial focus was to find a fix that would enable the laptops to complete the boot process and establish a documented process to correct the situation if it recurs. We are now working with Lenovo and Microsoft to address the root cause.

This issue has only impacted a small percentage of our overall Lenovo fleet, except for Vancouver, where the percentage of laptops affected has been higher. When it does occur, the fix is an extensive process that can cause several hours of downtime for the user. Until Lenovo provides a permanent fix, any FDU-issued Lenovo laptop is susceptible to this issue.

I want to assure the community that we are doing everything within our power to resolve this issue with Lenovo and Microsoft.

As we begin the fall semester, the IT department would like to share a few quick tips and show you how to quickly resolve your technology needs.

What are Tech Alerts?

Tech Alerts are short but important email messages notifying the community of disruptions in service, new technology features and enhancements, or potential cybersecurity issues. We are very aware of “email noise,” so only the most important information is sent out via a Tech Alert. Please take a moment to read any Tech Alerts that you receive.

Submitting a Problem Ticket through SAMI Support

SAMI Support is our online ticketing system. There are many benefits to using the system, especially during peak periods. Below is a quick “SAMI Short” instructional video on accessing and submitting a ticket through SAMI Support.

Watch SAMI Short

Submitting a Ticket if you cannot get to SAMI Support

SAMI Support requires students to log in with a NetID and password. If your problem is with your NetID or password, this SAMI Short video will demonstrate how you can still submit a ticket online.

Watch SAMI Short

Connecting Wirelessly through FDU-Secure

The University’s wireless network can be accessed through FDU-Secure. Each student needs to authenticate by using their NetID (firstinitial.lastname@student.fdu.edu) to access the network from a PC, phone, or tablet. Here is a helpful guide to connecting your device wirelessly to the network:

Wired Service

Most residence hall rooms are equipped with an access point, shown below.

Beneath each of these access points is a series of data jacks that can be used for wired data. Only the jacks adjacent to yellow labels can be used for network access.

Connecting non-PC devices in The Residence Halls

Devices such as gaming consoles, Smart TVs including Rokus and Fire Sticks, and IoT-type devices need to connect through a different university network named FDU-Wireless. These devices must first be registered. Instructions on how to register a non-PC device can be found below:

Streeme TV (For Resident Students Only)

All resident students have access to streaming video services while on campus. To find more information on how to access the service, please visit:

Residence Life Services

My FDU Connect

Want a single source to find all things FDU? myFDU Connect is a place where students can go as their single point of entry for everything FDU. The homepage consists of a dashboard full of “cards” that represent different aspects of FDU.

As we prepare for the start of the Fall 2024 semester, Computing Services is excited to announce IT orientation sessions on SAMI Support and additional technology training. These sessions will take place on both New Jersey campuses.

The orientation aims to familiarize new hires and returning faculty with the various technological resources provided by the University. This includes an overview of the technology solutions and equipment designed to enhance both teaching and student learning experiences.

Introduction to SAMI Support

We will introduce SAMI Support, our streamlined ticketing system designed to efficiently handle technical support and service requests. You will learn how to navigate SAMI Support effectively to ensure your technical needs are met promptly. We will also cover the proper submission of the Event form and the Computing Services General Lab Reservation form to facilitate smooth and seamless access to our facilities.

Technology Topics Covered

• Introduction to classroom technology resources
• Overview of equipment and its functionality
• Demonstration of best practices in utilizing technology

Confirmation

The training sessions will take place at two different times at the Florham campus on Thursday, 8/22, and at the Metro campus on Friday, 8/23. Please confirm your attendance by completing the link provided below. If there is a more suitable contact who can benefit from this training, kindly provide us with their contact information by emailing d.james@fdu.edu and miguelds@fdu.edu.

RSVP Form

Please register by the 15th of August.

Your participation is greatly appreciated as we strive to optimize our technological capabilities for the benefit of our entire community. This is your opportunity to attend an in-person, hands-on technology orientation.

We look forward to your participation in the orientation!

On Thursday, August 15th, between 5AM and 9AM Eastern, the FDU-Secure wireless network will be updated with a new wireless SSL certificate. Wireless certificates are a security mechanism that periodically expire by design.

Upon your first connection to FDU-Secure after the update, you will be prompted to accept the new certificate. The tutorial below can assist with completing the security acceptance process for common platforms, including macOS, Windows 10, Android, and Apple mobile (iOS) devices.

The Office of Information Resources and Technology (OIRT) wants to urgently address a critical concern affecting your and our online safety: social engineering attacks. These sophisticated tactics are used by cybercriminals to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential information or making unauthorized transactions.

Detailed Concerns

1. Conversation Hijacking
   • What Happens: Cybercriminals gain unauthorized access to digital conversations (emails, messaging apps) to gather personal or business information.
   • Risk: Using the information gained, these attackers craft highly personalized and convincing messages, often requesting money transfers under the guise of legitimate requests.
   • Example: An attacker could intercept an ongoing project discussion and later impersonate a trusted colleague, requesting urgent fund transfers for supposed project expenses.

2. Business Email Compromise (BEC)
   • What Happens: Attackers impersonate high-ranking officials or trusted sources to deceive faculty, staff, or students into executing financial transactions.
   • Risk: Typically involves requests for transferring funds via gift cards or wire transfers to fraudulent accounts.
   • Example: An email seemingly from a department head asking an employee to purchase gift cards and send back the scratch codes supposedly for client gifts.

3. Extortion
   • What Happens: Threats to expose sensitive, confidential, or embarrassing information unless a ransom is paid.
   • Risk: Compromises personal and institutional integrity and may lead to significant financial losses if not addressed.
   • Example: An attacker threatens to release compromised personal photos or emails unless they receive a specified amount in cryptocurrency.

4. Password Reuse
   • What Happens: Using the same password across multiple platforms and sites.
   • Risk: If one account is breached, attackers can potentially access other accounts, leveraging the same credentials.
   • Example: A breached social media account password being used to attempt access to a university email system.

Recommended Remediations

1. Double-Check Requests
   • Action: Always verify the authenticity of requests for sensitive information or financial transactions by contacting the requester directly using a known and trusted method.
   • Tip: Use phone verification or a previously established email thread (not by replying to the suspicious email).
2. Exercise Caution
   • Action: Be skeptical of unsolicited requests or any communications pressuring immediate action.
   • Tip: Look for generic language, spelling errors, and unfamiliar sender addresses, which often signal phishing attempts.
3. Strengthen Password Practices
   • Action: Avoid using the same password for multiple sites. Implement the use of a reputable password manager.
   • Tip: Enable multi-factor authentication on all accounts that offer it, providing an additional layer of security.

Immediate Steps If Targeted

If you suspect you have been targeted by a social engineering attack or notice any unusual activity, please contact OIRT immediately. Quick reporting can significantly mitigate potential damage and help in taking swift corrective actions.

Conclusion

Awareness and vigilance are our best defenses against these sophisticated attacks. By understanding the tactics used by attackers and consistently applying best security practices, we can protect not only our personal information but also the integrity of our entire university community.

Thank you for taking action to keep our community safe.

On Thursday, a faulty software update from the cybersecurity company Crowdstrike resulted in one of the largest IT outages in history. In total, over 8 million Windows computers worldwide were affected, causing the devices to receive the familiar Windows error screen, colloquially referred to as the “blue screen of death.”

FDU uses Crowdstrike antivirus software. Fortunately, only a small number of users within our community have experienced the issue. If your PC displays the error screen, please avoid attempting to solve the issue independently. We ask that you create a support ticket via SAMISupport.fdu.edu or call UTAC at (973)-443-8822. The FDU Computing Services team is well-versed on the issue and will resolve it for you.

As you might imagine, online scammers are already attempting to exploit the issue. According to the Center for Internet Security, multiple email and web-based scammers are using this outage as a pretense to defraud people online. Please be vigilant when reviewing work or personal communications related to this outage. Additionally, you may wish to use this opportunity to review our IT.FDU.EDU article on how to spot a Phishing Scam using the link below: