Students,
Welcome to Tech Update, a helpful resource from IT Services delivered to your inbox regularly throughout the year. In this issue, you’ll find information on Northeastern’s annual Data Destruction Day (today!), updates about the new password requirements, and information on the ways the Student Hub can help you organize your busy academic lives.
As always, technology support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the year. Call 617.373.HELP [4357], email help@northeastern.edu, or visit the Tech Service Portal at service.northeastern.edu/tech/.
Cheers!
-M
Marcus P. Robinson,
Associate Vice President, Engagement and Experience
Tech Update: October 18, 2021
Expanded Tech Support Services Are Here
Regardless of where you are, or what time it is, IT support is available at Northeastern.
- On the Boston campus? The Tech Bar on the second floor of Snell Library can help with laptops and devices, navigating Canvas, equipment lending, and more. Open Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Beyond Boston? Find complete IT support online, 24/7, by visiting the Tech Service Portal
- For quick access to help articles, IT tickets, and service requests, download the Now mobile app.
Learn more about expanded tech support services >
Navigate the Academic Journey with the Student Hub
The Student Hub hosts many resources and tools that can help Northeastern students easily navigate and keep track of their busy academic and active daily lives. Read and watch to learn more about how the Hub can help. Learn more about academics and the Student Hub >
Data Destruction Day is Today
Have an old laptop, smartphone, tablet, or even an Echo Dot that you are done with? Don’t throw it out; even purged or reset devices may often still retain personal data. Instead, dispose of it securely and sustainably on Data Destruction Day on the Boston campus. Bring your devices for disposal on Monday, October 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Look for the A1 DATASHRED trucks between Centennial Common and Meserve Hall.
Don’t Pass on Password Updates
Passwords act as the first line of defense to protect personal and university-owned devices and information against online threats. To enhance the safety of the entire university community, everyone with a Northeastern account will have to update their passwords to meet new, stronger password requirements. Thanks to those who’ve already strengthened and updated their passwords! If you still need to, take a moment to do so before October 29. Learn more about password requirements and updates >
Learn How to Maximize Adobe Technologies at the Adobe Max Conference
Faculty, staff, and students have access to Adobe products through Northeastern at no additional cost. From October 26-28, the virtual worldwide conference event, held by Adobe, will offer more than 400 sessions, labs, keynotes, musical performances, special guest appearances…and a sneak peek at what Adobe labs are up to next. Register for Adobe Max >
Spooky Season: Job Posting Edition
Fraudulent job postings are on the rise. Unsolicited generous offers, aggressive outreach, and even offers that would provide applicants with payment prior to being hired, are all red flags when it comes to job postings, as well as recruiter engagement. Learn more about how to spot, and report fraudulent job postings >
Update for Best Features and Security
It’s always best practice to keep the versions of your applications and software current when updates are released. Updates often come with new features or security patches that keep your information and devices safe. Two frequently-used applications are making changes, making it particularly important to stay current with updates.
- Microsoft Teams on iOS
If you’re running iOS 13 or below and the Microsoft Teams app, consider upgrading to iOS 14 or higher as soon as possible. Microsoft is retiring support of the Teams mobile app for the older iOS beginning this month. According to Microsoft, the existing Teams build 3.17.0 will continue to work on iOS 13 devices, but there won’t be any new app updates or downloads from the app store going forward. Learn more about keeping iOS up to date > - Zoom
Update Zoom to version 5.5.0 or higher across all personal devices before November 1 to ensure you receive the latest Zoom features, support, and privacy and security enhancements. Zoom has announced that all software downloads must never be more than nine months behind the current release. The application will start prompting users to update if they fall behind. Learn more about keeping Zoom up to date >
Looking for More Tech Updates?
The Tech Talk community is available 24/7 through Communities at Northeastern. Find announcements, tips, and a place to engage with others about how technology impacts daily life at Northeastern.