Weekly Feed—Technology News & Updates

KENNESAW, Ga. | Jan 27, 2025

Protecting Your Privacy: National Data Privacy Day (Jan. 28)

January 28 marks National Data Privacy Day, a reminder of the importance of safeguarding personal information in an increasingly digital world. At KSU, we take data privacy seriously, and we're committed to protecting the sensitive information of our students, faculty, and staff.

Why is Data Privacy Important?
In today’s interconnected world, protecting your personal data is essential to prevent identity theft, unauthorized access, and other cyber risks. Whether you’re sharing information online, accessing campus resources, or collaborating on research, understanding how to safeguard your data is critical. Protect your data privacy every day!

How You Can Stay Safe
Follow these quick tips to help protect your data:

  • Review Privacy Settings: Regularly review and update the privacy settings on your devices, apps, and online accounts to ensure you’re sharing only what you intend to.
  • Use Strong and Unique Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for each account and enable multi-factor authentication (such as Duo) for added protection. MFA requires two or more verification steps to access your accounts, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
  • Make Informed Decisions: Carefully read privacy policies, agreements, and terms & conditions before sharing your data. Consider the amount of information being requested and weigh it against the benefits you receive in return.
  • Beware of Phishing Scams: Be cautious of suspicious emails or messages asking for personal or financial information.
  • Clear Your Cookies & Update Regularly: Cookies store data about your browsing activities. Regular cleanups reduce privacy risks, as these files can be exploited by hackers or shared with third-party advertisers. Keep your devices and software updated to protect against vulnerabilities.
  • Choose Private Browsers: Use internet browsers that prioritize privacy by blocking ads and trackers to minimize the data gathered about your online activities.
  • Stay Informed and Tech-Savvy: Commit to learning about the latest security practices and techniques to protect yourself online. Attend informational seminars or workshops to enhance your knowledge.
  • Know Your Privacy Rights: Familiarize yourself with privacy laws that allow you to request or delete personal data collected by businesses.
  • Share Your Knowledge: Spread awareness by sharing your tips, tricks, and experiences with others to help create a more secure online environment.
  • Lastly, you can visit NCA’s Manage Your Privacy Settings (staysafeonline.org/articles/manage-your-privacy-settings) to check the privacy settings for social media accounts, retail stores, apps, and more.
     

What We’re Doing at KSU
University Information Technology Services (UITS) is constantly working to ensure the security of your data through robust policies, advanced technologies, and regular training for faculty, staff, and students.

Additionally, our Director of Risk Management and Data Privacy oversees data privacy frameworks and inquiries to ensure compliance with best practices and legal requirements. This role provides guidance and support on privacy-related matters and helps maintain a secure and transparent environment for the university community.

Together, we can create a safer digital environment for everyone. Stay safe, stay secure!


New Gmail Security Alert Coming Feb. 4

Starting February 4, KSU’s email system will include a new security feature to help protect you from phishing attempts and scams: Emails sent from Gmail accounts will display a prominent warning message at the top. This alert is designed to remind students, faculty, and staff to exercise caution when interacting with Gmail emails.

Think before you click. Stay safe and secure! 

Always pause and verify before: 

  • Clicking on links
  • Opening attachments
  • Replying to emails 

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and secure email environment at KSU!


Our New Website Is Live!

University Information Technology Services (UITS) is excited to share our brand-new website: kennesaw.edu/uits. 

 
What’s New?
Our new website is designed to:

  • Simplify your experience with user-friendly navigation and clear information.
  • Provide quick solutions via a search bar directly connected to the IT Knowledge Base.
  • Keep you updated with the latest IT news, updates, and announcements.

 
Key Information:

  • New web address: https://www.kennesaw.edu/uits
  • Temporary redirects: Previously saved links and bookmarks will redirect to the new site for 12 months.
    • Important note: Links or bookmarks to PDFs will not redirect.  

We Value Your Feedback!
Your input is important to us. Use the feedback form on the new website to share your thoughts and help us continue improving. 

Have Questions?
Questions? UITS is here to help! Contact the IT Service Desk.


Technology Workshops (Jan. 28, 29, & 30)

Elevate your tech skills with University Information Technology Services (UITS)! Our technology workshops will help you unlock the full potential of tech tools that help you work effectively at KSU. 

Check out UITS’s complete selection of instructor-led technology workshops!

Microsoft Loop for Collaboration
Tuesday, Jan. 28, 10–11 a.m. via Teams—Register for this workshop

Enhance your productivity and organization skills in our Microsoft Loop workshop! Discover how Loops tools, from voting tables to progress trackers, can make your workflows and collaboration a breeze. Explore Loop integration in Teams, create individual workspaces with the Loop app, customize templates, and enhance collaboration.

Get IT Together: Tech Tools to Get (and Stay) Organized
Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2–3 p.m. via Teams—Register for this workshop

Participants will explore essential organization tools in Microsoft’s suite of applications. You'll learn how to streamline tasks using Outlook, manage to-do lists effectively with Microsoft To Do, organize notes and ideas in OneNote, and efficiently store and collaborate on files using OneDrive.

Organizing Your Outlook Inbox
Thursday, Jan. 30, 10–11 a.m. via Teams—Register for this workshop

Optimize your organization with Outlook's hidden features. Learn to create message categories, set up automatic email sorting, and declutter your inbox for enhanced productivity.

 


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