We previously recommended that faculty, staff, and students forward any email that they suspected was a phishing scam to reportphishing@uconn.edu. Continue reading
IT News & Announcements
Update to NetID Single Sign On
NetID SSO provides secure authentication to many of the University’s web applications. Continue reading
Changes to the University’s UPrint Program
The UPrint program was originally developed by University Business Services’ Purchasing Department to replace the high number of small, cost ineffective printers at UConn with fewer large, multi-function, high duty cycle printers. Continue reading
Receive ITS Communications
Update on Wireless Services
A WiFi access point is a device representing the network side of the wireless connection to your device. Continue reading
Slate for Student Success
ITS is implementing the student success solution from Technolutions’ Slate. Continue reading
Managed Device Platforms
The university has policies that govern how data should be stored, accessed, or transmitted on university technology securely and that state our responsibility to protect it. Continue reading
Discount on IT Products for Personal Use
UConn faculty, staff, and students may purchase IT products for personal use at discounted prices. Continue reading
Changes to UConn’s Microsoft 365 environment
UConn Audit and Management Advisory Services (AMAS) recently completed a review of our Microsoft 365 tenant. Continue reading
Microsoft AI Services
Two artificial intelligence (AI) services are available to UConn employees. Continue reading
Updated Password Reset Process
Forgotten passwords must be reset. Continue reading
Adobe Licenses
The University has added new Adobe offerings to software.uconn.edu. Continue reading
Google Migration Update
ITS has been progressively transferring clients off Google. Continue reading
Training Resources through Viva Learning
Through our enterprise Microsoft 365 license, University employees have access to libraries of training content in Viva Learning. Continue reading
Laptop Loan for Foreign Travel
ITS has expanded its laptop program to improve data security for foreign travel. Continue reading
Security Update to Duo 2FA
2FA adds a second layer of protection to the login process. Continue reading
Updates to UConn Email Addresses
Previously, University email addresses followed the format of firstname.lastname@uconn.edu. Continue reading
Annual Disaster Recovery Test
DR is a critical IT operational capability designed to quickly restore and then deliver key services from an alternate location should there be a catastrophic loss of our production facilities in Storrs. Continue reading
Transition to AOVPN
DA enables remote Windows workstations to access the UConn network without traditional VPN connections. Continue reading
Kuali Financials Migration to the Cloud
Kuali Financials is a comprehensive software suite from KualiCo that serves as the University’s financial system of record for accounting and other fiscal operations. Continue reading
Staff Technology Day on June 4th
ITS and the Office of the Provost will co-host Staff Technology Day on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Continue reading
Update to ITS-Managed Workstations
We are updating workstations managed by ITS with Microsoft Systems Center Configuration Manager (SCCM). Continue reading
Update on Google Migration
ITS has communicated since July about discontinuing the university’s relationship with Google, and we have been working with our community to manage and migrate their Google data. Continue reading
Alumni Forwarding Service
ITS made the business decision to migrate away from Google’s Workspace services after they modified their terms and conditions. Continue reading
Changes to the Format of NetIDs
A NetID is a unique, public identifier that is assigned to every individual associated with the university. Continue reading
New Telecom Billing System
ITS is transitioning interdepartmental telecommunications (telecom) billing from Pinnacle to Softeligent. Continue reading
Improvements to UConn Data Network
Maintenance and management of the university data network infrastructure requires ongoing effort and upgrades in order to preserve or improve capacity, capabilities, and robustness. Continue reading
End-of-Semester Moratorium
ITS will have a moratorium on non-emergency network and system changes starting Tuesday, December 5, through Wednesday, December 20, 2023. Continue reading
Reporting Spam and Phishing Messages
There is a better process for reporting spam and phishing messages. Continue reading
Integration Platform Service
At UConn, ITS and other units acquire, maintain, and evolve various technologies to support the diverse business, research, and academic needs of the University. Continue reading
Changes to Email Addresses
ITS typically uses a standard firstname.lastname@uconn.edu format when we issue an official UConn email address. Continue reading
Atlassian SDLC Tools
The SDLC is an industry best practice methodology for planning, creating, and delivering software that effectively and efficiently meets business requirements and customer needs. Continue reading
Upcoming Windows 11 Deployment
Workstations with up-to-date operating systems receive the latest security patches, which provide protection against viruses and malware that can cause account and system-wide compromises. Continue reading
New Conference Room Bundle
Colleges, schools, and departments at the University purchase, install, maintain, and support the audio-visual (AV) infrastructure in their individual conference rooms. Continue reading
Quotas on Google Workspace Accounts
ITS will begin implementing storage quotas on Google Workspace accounts starting this October. Continue reading
Firewall Migration Project
Firewalls are network security devices that monitor and filter incoming and outgoing network traffic based on established policies. Continue reading
Phishing Awareness
Scammers are known to send messages that exploit the urgency of predictable events, such as tax season and the start of the school year, to more easily fool recipients into engaging. Continue reading
Updates to Email Communication Policy
Email is an official means of university communication. Email services are provided in support of the administrative and academic functions of the University, which may include various types of protected information (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA, PHI or PII types of data). Continue reading
Security Update for Managed Servers
The Center for Internet Security (CIS) Benchmarks are prescriptive configuration recommendations for more than 25+ vendor product families. Continue reading
Remote Access Options
ITS has provided a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) gateway to facilitate external access to university computers (e.g., work desktops) from local devices at another location (e.g., your home computer). Continue reading
HuskyVision Service Changes
HuskyVision has been the University’s on-campus cable television service to residence halls and administrative buildings since 1998. Continue reading
Transitioning Google Workspace to Microsoft 365
The University has offered faculty, staff, and students two platforms for communication and collaboration – Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. Continue reading
Updates to Management of Apple Devices
Mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, have become ubiquitous, and our community utilizes them for a wide variety of tasks. Continue reading
Classroom Computer Replacement
ITS manages the multi-year life cycle of classroom technology, and this generally entails incrementally updating equipment over time. Continue reading
Protecting University Credentials
Your login credentials verify your identity and help guard your information. Continue reading
New Event Scheduling Service
EMS Campus is a cloud-hosted university-wide enterprise scheduling solution. Continue reading
Enhancement to Data Network
ITS has focused on the largest part of our wired network, the access layer or edge of our internal infrastructure, and has made significant progress raising it to a contemporary standard over the past four years. Continue reading
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Security Concern
AI technologies simulate higher level thinking and can be used to perform tasks that might typically require input from a person. Continue reading
Improvements to Azure Active Directory Single Sign On
ITS is updating Azure Active Directory Single Sign On on May 19, 2023. Continue reading
Viva Learning for Microsoft 365 Training
As part of our Microsoft enterprise agreement, UConn faculty and staff now have access to Viva Learning. Continue reading
Enhanced Access to Travel Expense Data
The University uses SAP Concur for travel and expense management. Continue reading
Disaster Recovery Test
DR is a critical IT operational capability designed to quickly restore and deliver key services from a remote location in response to a catastrophic loss of our production facilities in Storrs. ITS built and maintains a DR site in the state operated Groton data center. Continue reading
Duo 2FA Best Practices
Duo two-factor authentication is a multi-step account login technology that requires users to enter more information than just a password. Continue reading
Scheduling Capabilities in Microsoft 365
UConn faculty and staff use Microsoft 365 for their university email and calendaring, and many are accustomed to using Outlook to schedule meetings among colleagues. Continue reading
CEN Annual Member Conference
CEN, an open access Internet service provider, is hosting its annual conference at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT on May 11, 2023. Continue reading
Device Management
ITS provides direct management support for over 6,000 Windows workstations at the university. Continue reading
University Voice Services
VoIP enables you to make voice calls via a digital signal over the data network rather than over traditional phone lines. Continue reading
Vulnerability Management Platform
Kenna Security, a part of Cisco Systems, provides industry-leading technology that leverages threat intelligence and data science to identify and assess vulnerability risks, allowing IT professionals to better prioritize resources. Continue reading
Vendor Risk Management
The university community increasingly seeks systems, services, and capabilities that are hosted externally, which typically means that the associated data is stored outside of UConn. Continue reading
UConn LastPass Licenses
LastPass is a secure password manager that supports good password hygiene. Continue reading
Migration of File Services
Microsoft 365 delivers contemporary file sharing and storage capabilities with SharePoint and OneDrive. Continue reading
Start of Semester Moratorium
ITS will have a moratorium on non-emergency network and system changes starting Friday, January 13, through Friday, January 27, 2023. Continue reading
Happy Holidays
The changes have kept coming in 2022. Continue reading
Changes to Internet Border Firewalls
Secure Shell (SSH) is a network protocol that normally operates on port 22 and allows remote logins to computers. Continue reading
Changes to Computer Patching
Software companies regularly release updates and patches to add features, fix bugs, and address vulnerabilities. Continue reading
End-of-Semester Moratorium
ITS will have a moratorium on non-emergency network and system changes starting Tuesday, December 6, through Wednesday, December 21, 2022. Continue reading
Thank You
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I write to thank everyone for their efforts and contributions. Continue reading
Upgrade Out-of-Support Mobile Devices
ITS strongly encourages the use of up-to-date hardware and software. Continue reading
Managed Workstation Exemption Requests
ITS provides a managed workstation service for both university PCs and Macs where we require System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) for Windows and JAMF for OSX to patch and maintain the operating systems and Defender ATP, an endpoint detection and response platform, to protect against malware and other attacks. Continue reading
Support for Kuali Build
Kuali Build is a cloud-based application development platform that enables code-free creation of online forms and automated approval workflows for university units and departments. Continue reading
Changes to Simulated Phishing Program
Phishing attacks are a regular occurrence for every higher education institution and ensuring awareness to these risks is vital to protecting institutional and individual systems and data. Continue reading
Cybersecurity Awareness Month
October is Cybersecurity Awareness month. This is a national campaign designed to highlight the importance of cybersecurity and provide Americans with the information and resources needed to be safer and more secure online. Continue reading
Update on UConn VPN
ITS has been in the process of transitioning our VPN service from our legacy Pulse Secure to our new Cisco AnyConnect. Continue reading
Upgrades Completed in UConn Data Center
The UConn primary data center is an access-controlled location with the specialized support, equipment, and facilities needed to properly house the servers, storage, and key network elements for much of the University’s critical cyber infrastructure. Continue reading
Upcoming Improvements to Remote Desktop Support
ITS, in collaboration with UConn IT partners, began a software review this past spring of products used to remotely access and troubleshoot client computers. Continue reading
Expansion of Duo 2FA Protection
2FA greatly protects data and applications from compromise by using a second source of validation, like a phone or token, to verify user identity before granting access. Continue reading
Kuali Financials
UConn has initiated the project to move Kuali Financials from on-premise to a cloud-hosted solution. Continue reading
Changes to Legacy Messaging Protocol Authentication
Modern authentication uses OAuth, a widely adopted framework that provides a secure user authentication workflow and includes support for interactive multi-factor authentication and risk analysis. Continue reading
Changes to UConn Wireless Networks
ITS is implementing two changes to the UConn wireless (Wi-Fi) networks at the beginning of August. Continue reading
Fourth Phase of Wired Access Layer Refresh (WALR) Project
WALR is a multi-year infrastructure initiative to upgrade the data network on every campus to a contemporary engineered standard. Continue reading
Updates to Storrs High Performance Computing (HPC) Facilities
HPC gives researchers the power and capacity to process large amounts of data (big data) and solve complex computational problems. It is fundamental to the university mission of research and figures prominently in many proposals.
Microsoft Office 365 Security Update
Criminals use stolen credentials to attack accounts and cause harm to organizations and individuals, but there are multiple, complimentary strategies that offer protection. Continue reading
Dropbox and Filelocker
We will be deprecating the ITS-provided Dropbox and Filelocker services. Continue reading
Deployment of Microsoft Windows 11
Windows 11, the latest version of Microsoft’s client operating system, was released on October 5, 2021. Continue reading
Updates to ITS-Managed Computer Labs
ITS deploys, operates, and maintains the equipment in computer labs located in the libraries on all UConn campuses. Continue reading
Update on Network Refresh Project
WALR is a data network refresh initiative to upgrade the infrastructure on every campus to a contemporary engineered standard. Continue reading
Annual Disaster Recovery Test
DR is a critical operational IT capability designed and intended to quickly restore and deliver key services from a remote location in response to the catastrophic loss of our production facilities in Storrs. Continue reading
Update on Remote Desktop Support
We communicated with you in early April that ITS was pursuing strategies to reduce risks to university desktops. Continue reading
Email Safety and Security Feature
Links are often included in email messages because they deliver additional information or provide an avenue for action. Continue reading
Microsoft SharePoint
ITS is shifting to Microsoft SharePoint as a strategic technology for services. Continue reading
Management of Wireless Data Network
ITS is updating how we will support our wireless data network. Continue reading
Improvements to the University’s Data Center
The transition to cloud-based IT solutions is an industry wide trend that continues unabated. Continue reading
Seamless Single Sign-On (SSO)
ITS is enabling Seamless Single Sign-On (SSO) for all domain-joined Windows workstations on April 18, 2022. Continue reading
Kuali Financials Upgrade
Kuali Financials is a comprehensive software suite that serves as the University’s financial system of record for accounting and other fiscal operations. Continue reading
CEN’s 2022 Annual Member Conference
CEN, an open access Internet service provider, is hosting its annual conference at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT on May 5, 2022. Continue reading
2FA Service for Students
Duo two-factor authentication (2FA) service is now formally available to students. Continue reading
Changes to Transition Plans for VPN service
The University’s legacy Pulse Secure VPN infrastructure was inadequate to meet growing needs, and we chose industry leading Cisco AnyConnect as its successor. Continue reading
Update on Firewall Migration Project
The legacy Fortinet OPS firewall protects the servers and applications housed within the University data center from malicious traffic. Continue reading
Changes to Office 365 Email
Office 365 is a Microsoft cloud product that includes Office and other services. Continue reading
Updates to the UConn Knowledge Base
We maintain the Knowledge Base (KB) on Confluence, Atlassian’s collaboration tool. Continue reading
Happy Holidays
This year continues to be one of transition for our community. Continue reading
Financial Aid Data Mart
The University’s Office of Student Financial Aid Services produces numerous reports that are required to comply with federal and state statutes. Continue reading
New University Data Integration Strategy
UConn has a substantive collection of applications that share information as a normal and useful part of their operation. Continue reading
Transition to Managed Mobility Provider
ITS selected Motus as the new service provider for university-issued cellular phones that will manage all aspects of the process and deliver the extended, 24-hour support that has long been requested by our community. Continue reading
Cybersecurity Awareness Month Wrap-Up
Throughout October, ITS engaged in activities consistent with the national campaign’s overarching theme of individual and organizational responsibility. Continue reading
New Form and Workflow Tool
The new Kuali Build integrated forms and automated approval workflow tool is now generally available. Continue reading
Update on New VPN Service
AnyConnect is an industry leading and widely used VPN service that ITS selected to replace our legacy Pulse Secure VPN service. Continue reading
Updated University IT Security Policies
Regular review and revision of policies is part of evolving a mature information security program that protects systems and data for both our community and the institution. Continue reading
Cybersecurity Awareness Month
ITS is kicking off a communication series for Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Continue reading
New Tuition Waiver Tool
A new employee and spousal tuition waiver tool was launched on the first day of classes. Continue reading
Updates to Digital Signage
ITS offers Carousel Digital Signage service for the University that includes both large signs, frequently displayed in lobbies, and smaller room signs. Our vendor announced that their on-premise system would be end-of-life by 2022, at which time our existing service would stop receiving updates. Continue reading
Launch of New On-Campus Printing Service
ITS launched Wepa at the start of the semester as a replacement for HuskyPrint. Continue reading
Registration of Wireless Devices
The internet protocol (IP) addresses for devices on the UConn network are overwhelmingly dynamic and are issued automatically by the network for specified durations. Continue reading
Changes to the University Virtual Private Network (VPN) Service
The current VPN service is offered using Pulse Secure. Increased demand attributed to telecommuting and other remote activities exposed limitations in its deployed capacity and ability to manage higher loads effectively. Continue reading
Parking System Upgrade
TickeTrak is the University’s parking system. Continue reading
Adding Cisco Umbrella to Administrative Computers
Cisco Umbrella is a Domain Name System (DNS) filtering product that guards against threats on the internet, such as malware, phishing, and ransomware. Continue reading
IT Support for Returning Employees
University employees will begin returning to their campus workspaces on or after August 16 after being away for nearly a year and half. Continue reading
Changes to On-Campus Printing
HuskyPrint is the current ITS on-campus for fee printing service designed primarily for students, but also open to the community. Continue reading
Changes to Cellular Services
ITS has been responsible for coordinating the purchase, provisioning, and support of university-issued cellular phones. Continue reading
Classroom Technology Update
ITS has progressively equipped centrally-scheduled classrooms with capabilities that support remote teaching and learning. Continue reading
Cybersecurity Review
Substantive elements of the University’s information technology cybersecurity infrastructure will be reviewed by Deloitte, an external agency. Continue reading
Webinars in Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams previously offered two main web conferencing features that served two distinct use cases. Meetings was available for connecting one-on-one or with small groups and Live Events for broadcasting to a large audience. Continue reading
Update on Refresh of UConn Network
ITS continues our multi-year initiative to update networking for all campuses and bring the whole University to a contemporary standard. Continue reading
Changes to VPN Service
The University’s move to a mostly remote learning and working environment over the past year has put a strain on many of our capabilities. Continue reading
Improvements to Webex Events
Webex is a cloud platform used for on-demand collaboration, virtual meetings, web conferencing, and videoconferencing. Many faculty and staff have turned to it for hosting and participating in large presentations and conferences, which are common activities at universities. Continue reading
Training on Microsoft OneDrive
OneDrive is a Microsoft hosted cloud storage solution available to everyone at the university through our Microsoft 365 licensing agreement. Continue reading
Technology in Conference Rooms
ITS has released the latest standard design for the audio-visual technology in university conference rooms. Continue reading
Annual Disaster Recovery Test
ITS has scheduled disaster recovery testing of our tier 1 services for the week of June 6. Continue reading
Solution for Call Centers
ITS is formally introducing the Cisco Unified Contact Center Express (Unified CCX) service offering.
When UConn shifted to mostly work from home in March 2020, ITS quickly organized a solution to permit units to answer university phone calls remotely.
Updates to IT Status
ITS maintains the IT Status page to communicate information about planned and unplanned outages, service disruptions, and other community impacting situations. Continue reading
Electronic Payment Solution
ITS, Accounts Payable, and the Office of the Bursar are providing the University with flexible and secure vendor payment options. Continue reading
Patch Management
The companies that provide our software, such as Microsoft and Google, regularly release updates and patches to add features, fix bugs, and address vulnerabilities. It is our general operating position that all software should be properly maintained and all relevant patches applied. Continue reading
Transition to Microsoft Outlook Modern Authentication
We are currently using basic authentication at the University. It has security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by brute force or password spray attacks. Continue reading
File Storage Changes
ITS is introducing archiving to the ITS provided Q: and R: drives. Continue reading
Community Device Programs
ITS has engaged in a number of initiatives to help ensure that our community has access to contemporary devices of sufficient quality to facilitate their research, teaching, and learning success. Continue reading
Data Center Firewall
ITS is migrating networks and applications hosted in the UConn data center to a new firewall. Continue reading
Microsoft 365 Available to UConn Students
Microsoft 365, which is the rebadged Office 365 service, is a collection of communication, collaboration, and productivity applications that are available through our enterprise-wide education license to all active faculty, staff, and students. Continue reading
New Webex Functionality
Use of our supported videoconferencing solutions – Webex, Teams, and Collaborate – increased by over 400% at UConn when we went fully online in March 2020. Continue reading
New “Tech Check” Support Service for Instructors
Much of the university continues to teach, learn, and work primarily from home or other off-site locations. This has allowed the University to remain safely open, but it has changed the IT support landscape. Continue reading
Additional Protection from Web-based Threats
ITS will be implementing a Domain Name System (DNS) filtering product, Cisco Umbrella, to enhance protection against web-based threats. Continue reading
Results of Simulated Phishing Campaign
The ITS Security Office recently initiated a simulated phishing campaign at the request of the Joint Audit and Compliance Committee (JACC). UConn faculty and staff received test messages this past October that mimicked a common attack. Continue reading
Changes to Device Support
ITS is simplifying and streamlining individual support services. The Technology Support Center (TSC) is housed in Homer Babbidge Library (HBL) and provides general IT support to faculty, staff, and students. Continue reading
Additions to myUConn
Since the release of the redesigned myUConn app this fall, ITS and our partners have leveraged features to better support community engagement during this unprecedented semester. Continue reading
File Sharing Services
File sharing gives others access to digital media and is a key mechanism for collaboration. In the past, this was limited to sending, receiving, or accessing information in files, but modern systems also support co-authorship, versioning, and concurrent editing. Continue reading
New integration between Webex and HuskyCT
Webex is a university supported videoconferencing application that allows people to meet and engage virtually. HuskyCT is the university supported and branded Blackboard learning management system (LMS). Continue reading
Pilot of VoIP-enabled Service
When the University began delivering services remotely, it became apparent that not all support practices transitioned effectively to this mode. Staff, particularly those who interact frequently with students and parents, needed a way to answer and respond to calls to their office numbers while working off-site. Continue reading
Upgrade of PeopleSoft System
ITS uses PeopleSoft Campus Solutions (CS) for our Student Administration (SA) system. This is the authoritative system of record for student academic data, the administrative environment supporting numerous academic processes, and a service portal for students. Continue reading
Security Awareness Training with KnowBe4
KnowBe4 is an IT security resource available to all faculty and staff at UConn. The integrated platform for security awareness training and phishing attack simulation covers an extensive range of topics and delivers content in varying and engaging formats, such as games, short videos, modules, and even sitcom-style shows. Continue reading
Upcoming Security Update
ITS is planning to install new security software, Windows Defender for Endpoint (formerly Windows Defender Advanced Threat Prevention), to the Windows workstations of administrative areas in the Managed Workstation program. Continue reading
Updated Classroom Directory Tool
ITS, Office of the Registrar, and the Center for Excellence in Teaching (CETL) collaborated this past spring to create and populate the classroom directory tool with new content and capability. Continue reading
Kuali Financial System Upgrade
KFS is a comprehensive software suite that serves as the University’s financial system of record for accounting and other fiscal operations. The upgrade includes enhanced usability with a redesigned interface, navigation, and search. Continue reading
New Webex Features and Use with Classrooms
Webex is an enterprise solution for video conferencing, online, meetings, and web conferencing. It is often utilized to deliver coursework virtually. Continue reading
New Security Initiative
Phishing scams are designed to install malware, steal personal information, or invariably accomplish something that will not be in your best interests. Continue reading
Wireless Upgrades in Residence Halls
The Wired Access Layer Refresh (WALR) project is an initiative to update networking across the university. Continue reading