Tech tip refreshers for spring semester
After returning to campus after the holiday break, your to-do list may seem endless. As you dust off your devices for spring semester, University of Kentucky Information Technology Services (UK ITS) has a few tech tip refreshers.
Has it been a while since you’ve turned on your device? It is important for the university community to update and restart all devices like laptops, iPads and phones. Doing this keeps your device up to date by installing the latest versions of software. Putting off regular restarts can cause weaknesses in your device’s system making it vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Don’t share personal information into AI (Artificial Intelligence) chats. Do not share confidential or University-protected information. Treat AI like the rest of the internet — once AI receives information, it is saved indefinitely. If you type in identifying personal information like your address, date of birth or social security number, that can put you at risk of identity theft or leave you vulnerable to other potential crime.
Form good cybersecurity habits. Once you initiate these three important habits, most of them require little effort.
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Use a password manager. After setting up and saving one master password, a password manager will do the rest. It safely stores all your passwords, suggests new ones and it’s more secure to use one than to not.
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Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA). By using an additional secure step like a facial scan or opting to receive a text with a unique number, enabling MFA on all your accounts is like adding an extra lock to your front door. Use the Duo app for all your UK accounts.
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Learn to spot and report phishing attempts. Phishing emails and texts sound suspicious, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your information is secure.
Know where to go for iPad and Tech Help support. Have questions about your iPad or need iPad help? Find more information about support at The Cornerstone and W.T. Young Library here. The Tech Help Center has thousands of articles and step-by-step instructions on how to use UK technologies. Have a specific issue and need ITS help? Fill out the customer service form.
Download software. The university community can find free software options by visiting download.uky.edu. Additional software download instructions can be found here. For specialized software, check out Virtual Den.
Let the Media Depot help you with your student multi-media project. Thinking about filming a project, recording a podcast, singing loudly in an audio booth or composing some beats in the synth cave? Let the Media Depot staff help you with your creative project — class related or not. Reserve a room here.
Bookmark this article so to access all your tech tips with one click. Get the latest ITS alerts, news and tech tips here. UK ITS wishes the University Community a successful spring semester.