CaTS Blog

Recently, a serious security risk was detected in Java version 7, which is currently in use on WSU computers. To mitigate this risk, an update to Java is necessary. Below, you’ll find information on how to update Java for both Windows and Macintosh. Please contact the CaTS Help Desk at (937) 775-4827 if you have any questions or encounter any problems after the upgrade.

*Windows*

On Wednesday, March 13, CaTS will be deploying an updated version of Java to university-owned Microsoft Windows computers on the campus network. You do not need to do anything to receive this update. If you are a Banner Admin user, please see the note below.

Note: After the update, Banner Admin users will no longer be able to tab from the username field to the password field when logging in to the system. In order to do so, the user must click directly into the password field before typing. The vendor for Banner Admin is aware of this issue and is working on a resolution.

Banner Admin users may also be presented with a confirmation box during the first login after receiving this update. These users should choose "Run with the latest version" to continue opening Banner Admin. Click the link below to see a screenshot of this box.

https://www.wright.edu/cats/images/other/banner_admin_java7.png

*Macintosh*

CaTS is unable to automatically deploy the Java update to Macintosh users. Most Mac users should receive this Java update if they use Apple Software Update on a regular basis. Below you’ll find a list of Mac OS X versions, along with information on how to update to the latest version of Java.

- OS X 10.6.8, 10.7.1 through 10.7.2 – The Java update is available through Apple Software Update. NOTE: This will be an update to Java 6.
- OS X 10.7.3 – 10.7.x – The Java 7 update must be manually installed through the Java.com website.
- OS X 10.8.x – The Java update must be manually installed through the Java.com website. Please note that Banner Admin is not supported with OS X 10.8 and higher at this time.

Beginning in the Fall 2012 Semester, CaTS will begin locking the doors to all electronic classrooms by 11:59 p.m. Monday through Thursday and by 9:00 p.m. on Friday. This is being done to address recent security concerns, along with a need to have classroom technology ready to use for faculty/instructional use each morning. These steps will help to make the classrooms more secure and easier to use.

Please make note that three electronic classrooms in the basement of Millett Hall (002, 009, and 028) will be left open for students or student groups that need to use them for academic purposes. In addition, there are 10 24-hour computer labs across campus that students can use.

These labs are located in the following locations:

* 042 and 058 Dunbar Library
* 008, 012, 016, and 026 Library Annex
* 039 and 043 Millett Hall
* 064 and 072 Rike Hall

Any student or student group that wishes to use an electronic classroom other than those listed above must contact the Student Union Administrative Office (x5522) in advance to make a reservation. Any classrooms that have been scheduled through the Student Union Administrative Office or the Registrar for evening or weekend usage will be left unlocked by CaTS. If a door is inadvertently locked, a call can be placed to the Help Desk at (937) 775-4827 and a representative will come to unlock the door.

Faculty, Staff, and Students,
The Help Desk was recently notified of yet another phishing scam email that targets students, faculty, and staff of Wright State University. The message tells the reader that their email account storage is over quota, and that they need to click the link in the email to upgrade their account. Once clicked, a page comes up asking for a username and password.

This scam message could have a subject line with the words "Final Warning!!!!" and might have a "copyright 2012 Wright State University" line within the email.

Please note that this is a scam and not an official notice from Wright State University or CaTS. DO NOT fall victim to this scam by clicking the link or entering your log in information. If you do, your campus account could be used by spammers to send spam email.

Remember, CaTS will NEVER ask you for your account information via email or the web. If you have questions concerning this, please contact the Help Desk at (937) 775-4827.
 

The protection of sensitive data is a concern for the university, so CaTS would like to take this opportunity to remind you of our Full Disk Encryption project that we originally announced in October of last year.

If a university-owned computer is lost or stolen, and if that computer is storing legally protected sensitive data (social security numbers, credit card information, grades, transcripts, etc.), the university may be held liable for this loss. To combat this situation, CaTS has been installing a software program called CheckPoint Full Disk Encryption on all university-owned laptops both new and previously purchased. This software stores data in an unreadable format unless the proper credentials are provided. By using this software, the university can identify which computers have been encrypted and can help avoid potential legal and financial risk.

The cost of the Full Disk Encryption software is being covered by the university. When a CaTS Desktop Technician is setting up your new laptop, they will ask you if they can install the software. Under certain circumstances, exceptions can be granted. There is an exception form available which allows you to request that the software not be installed. This form is available at Forms Website.

For more information about the encryption process, see the CaTS PC Encryption website, located at: Encryption Website. You can also call the Help Desk at (937) 775-4827.