Campus is alive again with the start of the semester. It is a busy time for everyone and easy for some of the more mundane things to fall through the cracks. So, here’s a rundown of some important stuff that may be fresh information if you are new to the Museum or UF, and a good reminder to those who have been around a while.
Two Factor Authentication
UF email systems are swamped at the start of each new semester with SPAM and Phishing exploit attempts. The filters catch a huge amount, but some inevitably make their way to our Inboxes, especially at the start of fall semesters. I typically receive about five UFIT Email Alerts a week about email exploits proliferating through campus. Today alone, I have received EIGHT!
The good news is you can now better protect yourself from these threats and minimize your level of risk. UF has opened Two Factor Authentication to faculty and staff and we encourage everyone to enroll in 2FA (two factor authentication) for an extra layer of personal protection. 2FA kicks in when you access UF central services like my.ufl.edu and prevents an attacker from altering your direct deposit information, even if they have your password (it is not used when you sign on to your desktop computer or laptop).
For more information on 2FA, including enrollment instructions, check out the OMT Works article at https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/omt/blog/two-factor-authentication/.
UF Email Policy
Did you know that UF requires all employees to use a university provided or approved electronic mail service when conducting University business via electronic mail? Outside email services, such as Gmail and Yahoo, are expressly forbidden, as is automatically forwarding your UF business email to another service. For the full scoop, check out the OMT Works article at https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/omt/blog/uf-email-policy/.
New Museum Employees
Start of semester always brings an influx of new people needing access to Museum IT resources, like email accounts, shared drives, software, etc. . . Don’t forget that supervisors must complete a Network Access Request (https://intranet.flmnh.ufl.edu/helpdesktools/NetworkAccessRequests/Create). This form goes directly to Museum Human Resources and kicks off the process of getting new people Museum access. OMT cannot help until the Network Access Request is submitted and Museum HR has had time to create the appropriate affiliations. Set your new employees up for success by submitting their Network Access Request at least a week in advance so access is ready on their first day.
IT Purchasing
IT purchasing at UF is complicated, to say the least. Navigating the many vendor contracts, UF Strategic Master Plan for IT, and regulatory compliance is daunting. The good news for Museum users is that the OMT navigates these waters for the Museum. OMT is the Museum’s designated ISM and Software Licensing Liaison and is charged with coordinating the Museum’s IT purchasing needs. Whatever your IT purchasing need, from a new laptop to an Adobe license, simply create a Museum Help Desk Request (https://intranet.flmnh.ufl.edu/helpdesktools/Tickets/Create) and a certified help desk technician will be happy to assist.
Have a great semester!