Home
FUTURE STUDENTS SUPPORT UWINDSOR

All Stories

Important Update about Stream Classic
Jan 18th, 2024

Changes are coming that will affect Microsoft Stream Classic videos. Starting February 3, 2024, Stream Classic videos will be migrated to the new Stream (on SharePoint) platform.

The new Stream platform seamlessly integrates with apps across Microsoft 365. With Stream (on SharePoint), videos can be uploaded the same way as other Microsoft 365 files; you don’t have to go to the Stream portal like in the classic version.

Stream Classic videos will continue to be accessible using the same video links as before, until February 15, 2025. IT Services recommends, however, that any published Stream Classic links found on web pages or elsewhere be updated with the new Stream (on SharePoint) links as soon as possible.

Uploads to Stream Classic have not been available since May 2023, yet users may wish to take some time before February 3 to delete any unwanted videos, to help speed up the migration process.

If a video is ineligible for migration due to being in draft mode, incomplete, or in processing state, users will be notified to review and manually move their content. Please note that these videos cannot be redirected or migrated to the new Stream platform automatically.

Should you experience any issues, please contact the IT Service Desk by

New Microsoft Teams Coming
Dec 11th, 2023

New Teams now available

 

Teams will be updated on Monday, December 18, 2023. In the interim, you may notice a banner message while logged into Teams with the option to try the new Teams. We encourage you to explore the latest version in advance.  

A few benefits of refreshed Teams include:

Faster and lighter – For those with newer devices, you may notice the app is twice as fast and has lower memory usage.

Updated look and feel – Provides improved channels and meetings experience with a clean design. The refreshed design offers a standard grey dashboard, and you can pick a theme that suits you or sync it with your operating system.

Multiple accounts and organizations – You can more easily switch between accounts in different organizations. You can also set up unique status presences for each organization account and remain active in them simultaneously.

If you choose to try the new Teams before it is updated on December 18, you may need to log out and restart Teams to see the toggle. If it still does not work or you receive a message that the organization policy prevents you from upgrading, please clear the Team’s cache. Find the KBA instructions on how to clear the Teams cache.

After December 18, when Teams is upgraded, you can still toggle between the Classic and New Teams platforms until early 2024. The option to toggle back can be found under the Settings and more (three dots) menu in the right-hand corner or under the start menu.

If you should experience an issue with the Teams app, please contact the IT Service Desk by:

 

Open house reception to celebrate retirements of IT Services staff members
Dec 11th, 2023
Johnny Murer, Eva Bernachi, Armand Gaudette, and Mary Brownlie

An open house reception Wednesday, Dec. 13, will celebrate the retirements of several long-serving Information Technology Services team members.

Eva Bernachi has been at the University since 1982. Bernachi has over 41 years of service, most recently as a database administrator and senior application developer in IT Services.

Mary Brownlie, database administrator/programmer analyst, will retire after 43 years with the University. Brownlie began working in the Office of Personnel Services in 1980 as a secretary-receptionist. From this position she was promoted to programmer in IT Services in 1985.

Ed Drouillard, systems support and operations manager, retired in early 2023. He was a long-dedicated member of Information Technology Services for 42 years.

Armand Gaudette, senior application programmer, started working in IT Services in 1985 and will retire after more than 38 years of service.

Mike Kenney will be posthumously recognized for his 41 years of dedication to the University. He was set to retire this year.

Johnny Murer, system programmer, retired from IT Services in the summer of 2023. He began his career with the department in 1981.

Friends and colleagues are invited to wish them well during an open house from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the University Club, Vanier Hall.

IT Services provides tips to protect electronic assets
Oct 25th, 2023
Cybersecurity is a team effort

In today’s digitally driven world, electronic devices play an essential role in personal and professional lives, making it crucial to prioritize their security.

IT Services recommends following these activities to help you safeguard your electronic assets and mitigate cybersecurity threats.

Each habit provides protection, and combined, they are great defences against cyberthreats.

  • Closing applications and browsers: At the end of your workday, close all applications and browser tabs to prevent potential vulnerabilities.
  • Restart your computer regularly: At a minimum, weekly computer shutdowns and restarts help clear any potential security threats and improve system performance.
  • Enable automatic operating systems: These updates promptly address security vulnerabilities and improve overall device performance.
  • Use the GlobalProtect VPN: Utilize the University’s updated GlobalProtect VPN for secure connections.
  • Maintain antivirus and firewall software: Stay up-to-date with antivirus and firewall software for comprehensive protection.
  • Application updates: Install Microsoft Office from portal.office.com for regular updates and always use trusted sources like Company Portal, Microsoft Store, or Mac App Store for apps.
  • Check for application updates: Ensure your applications, including web browsers, are set to check for updates automatically.
  • Install Endpoint Protection software: Endpoint Protection software, like Cortex XDR and Windows Defender, acts as a shield against external viruses and malware. Both scan your device for malicious software, removing potential threats.

Guidance on computer care can be found on the Cybersecurity Computer Care webpage.

Registering or joining your University-owned or personal device in device administration protects the shared campus network and data. It is a collective measure to fortify the campus network against potential cyber threats, enhancing data protection and security.

When a computer or mobile phone is joined or registered in device administration, it safeguards the University’s data while offering near-seamless access to UWindsor systems for University employees. Device administration also deploys security fixes and patches directly to the device, enhancing its security posture.

By adopting a proactive approach to cybersecurity, the campus community can play a pivotal role in fortifying the University’s data against cybercriminals. These security measures, combined with the University’s robust firewalls, work together to safeguard the network and data from malicious attacks.

Led by IT Services, Cybersecurity Awareness Month underscores the importance of cybersecurity for the UWindsor community, empowering individuals to take control of their digital safety and share in the responsibility of protecting the University’s data. Explore additional resources at uwindsor.ca/cybersecurity.

IT Services warns not to take the bait
Oct 18th, 2023
graphic reading cybersecurity requires a team effort

Phishing attempts rank as one of the most prevalent types of fraud — the most-reported in Canada in 2022, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

It takes many forms including email, text, call, and voicemail, all aiming to access an individual’s personal information. Vigilance is key in identifying phishing attempts and empowers the campus community to defend itself against would-be attackers.

Information Technology Services offers five tips to avoid getting phished:

  1. Evaluate the email or text request type.
  2. Examine the sender’s name and email address carefully for inconsistencies.
  3. Review the message for urgency or out of the norm solicitations.
  4. Check links found within the email by hovering over it.
  5. Beware of requests to access your computer.

Individuals should even use caution when responding to what looks like an internal email message or a reputable vendor. Hackers attempt to impersonate familiar people, to get you to let your guard down.

Suppose you think the message is legitimate, but have a suspicion. In that case, you should contact the sender through a different communication channel to verify the message. Do not respond to the potential hacker through the original message.

“We continue to help community members who experienced attempts to comprise their accounts,” says Marcin Pulcer, interim executive director of IT Services. “Hackers play the guise of providing a helpful service. It could not be further from the truth resulting in personal data and productivity loss. While these types of phishing attempts may seem on an individual level, the threat could lead to a campus-wide problem.”

MS Outlook offers a way to report phishing email attempts within the application. It is useful to report the message as it helps improve the effectiveness of filtering the nefarious messages to your Junk Mail folder. Otherwise, report the message to spam@uwindsor.ca.

Find examples of phishing messages on the Cybersecurity Awareness website to brush up your skills to prevent phishing attacks.

If you think you have had your UWin Account compromised, report it to the IT Service Desk at 519-253-3000, ext. 4440, and change your UWin Account password immediately.

Led by IT Services, Cybersecurity Awareness Month efforts highlight cybersecurity issues relevant to the UWindsor community. More information can be found at uwindsor.ca/cybersecurity.