News
Cybersecurity
Take necessary precautions to protect your data and review the IT Acceptable Use Policy. Due to the rise in online presence and remote work, phishing and other scams are on the rise. To improve your security, review online security and data security best practices. The UIS Security website contains further useful material on cybersecurity.
Restarting your computer once a week helps to clear random, unimportant temporary files that slow down the device. Please note that closing your laptop is not the same as restarting it or shutting it down.
Please consider the tips below to improve the security of your personal devices.
Installing the latest computer and software updates keep your devices running smoothly and securely. Faculty and staff are issued with GU-Q issued devices and software updates are deployed automatically. Instructions for updating personal devices with various operating systems and software applications can be found below:
Sign in to the Zoom application. Click your profile picture in the top right corner of the Zoom application then click Check for Updates. If there is a newer version, Zoom will download and install it.
Chrome
On a PC: Click on the Customize and Control Google Chrome icon (the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of the window), choose Help>>About Google Chrome. Chrome will automatically install updates.
On a Mac: Click on the About Google Chrome in the drop-down menu under Chrome on the toolbar (at the top left of your screen next to the Apple), to search for updates.
Updating Windows 10 or 11
Click on the Windows Start button in the taskbar, choose Settings>>Update & Security>>Windows Update and then select Check for Updates. If updates are available, they will appear on the Windows Update page. To install them, select Download and Install Now.
Updating Mac OS
Click on the Apple icon in the upper left-hand corner of your screen, choose About This Mac from the drop-down menu, and then click the Software Update button in the pop-up window. In the ‘Software Update’ window, click the Update Now button to install the available updates.
Microsoft Office on a PC
You can turn on the option to receive Microsoft Office updates by following these instructions.
Microsoft Office on a Mac
Open Microsoft Word and select Help > Check for Updates. Older versions may not automatically update.
Cisco Webex Telephone Software
Dear Faculty, and Staff,
We are excited to announce that after a successful pilot testing phase, the Cisco Webex telephone software, which will replace Cisco Jabber, is ready for deployment across the university.
Webex will provide faculty and staff with additional flexibility to make and receive calls directly from PC, laptop, or mobile device, complementing our existing desk phone setup. You will be able to use Webex on multiple devices, enabling you to stay connected seamlessly wherever you are, if you choose to.
Our IT staff will be reaching out soon to schedule individual appointments (onboarding session) for setup. During these appointments, we will install the software, provide training, issue a USB headset to ensure a smooth transition and guide you through the basics of using Webex Calling, setup Webex on your device and answer any questions you may have.
Zoom Alternatives
Zoom is the University’s designated service for conducting live online conferences, presentations, lectures, meetings and group chats, however, in situations when Zoom service is degraded or unavailable, the hosts of the Zoom meeting could also make use of the Google Meet or Microsoft Teams platforms to hold business meetings as an alternative, on a temporary basis.
Please note, Zoom is currently the only platform that is fully integrated with Canvas and the alternatives above do not offer the same functionality as Zoom. While Zoom continues to be the most widely integrated, feature-rich, and well-supported video conferencing platform we have available to us, we are writing to let you know that we have limited licensing and support for Google Meet and Microsoft Teams. Both are useful alternatives to Zoom for meetings use, whereas GU-Q classrooms are fully integrated only with Zoom to facilitate hybrid-learning.
Zoom AI Companion Message
You may see the Zoom AI Companion message displayed when signing into Zoom application. This message provides information on benefits of Zoom AI and this feature has not been turned on for all of our community as we are still in a pilot phase and working with the university leadership to determine the best approach for implementation.
Important Alert: Rise in Bank Fraud Cyberattacks
Increasingly, there are cyberattacks including phishing attempts aimed at stealing personal information, and efforts to install malicious software (malware) on electronic devices.
Cyberattacks can lead to serious consequences, including data breaches, disruptions to academic and administrative operations, and personal financial loss.
To help safeguard yourself and our community, please take a moment to review the following tips for identifying cyber threats and adopting best practices:
- Banking frauds: The bank will not ask for personal information via phone. If you get a call or message from someone claiming to be your bank, go to a branch or call the phone number on the back of your bank card to confirm it is a valid request.
- One-Time Passcodes (OTP): Never share your OTP with anyone. Always confirm that you personally initiated the request that generated the OTP and that you entered it yourself for any purchase. Remember, once you share your OTP, your money may be at risk.
- Unsolicited communications: Be wary of unsolicited emails, calls, or text messages from unknown senders, particularly those requesting sensitive information or urging immediate action.
- Sender identities: Before responding to any communication, carefully verify the sender’s identity and authenticity. Look for signs of suspicious activity, such as unfamiliar email addresses or phone numbers.
- Sensitive information: Refrain from sharing sensitive information such as passwords, financial details, or personal ID numbers (e.g. QID or US Social Security) via email or text messages. If it is absolutely necessary to share this type of information, use a secure channel after verifying recipient identity.
For more comprehensive information on cybersecurity, how to safeguard Georgetown data, and personal security measures, please click here. By staying informed and adhering to best practices, we can collectively strengthen our cybersecurity posture and safeguard against potential threats.
For additional support and guidance
Students: Please contact John Wright, Director of Student Life (email: jcw57@georgetown.edu | Office 1F11).
Faculty and Faculty: Please contact Omar Al Swadi (email oma6@georgetown.edu | Office 1A47).
To report an IT incident, please contact guqhelpcenter@georgetown.edu or 4457 8130.
Thank you and stay safe online!
Phishing Alert!
Recently, there has been an increase in phishing emails and text messages, used to conduct fraudulent activities to deceive individuals into disclosing sensitive information.
Phishing is a form of fraud in which a scammer’s message (email /chat /text /call) attempts to trick the recipient into divulging important personal information like a password or bank account number, transferring money to assist in financial fraud, or installing malicious software. Usually, the sender pretends to represent a legitimate organization, such as a university leader, bank manager/staff, senior executive, institutional department, governmental agency, or employee.
We are here to help:
Students who have been a victim of such scams are encouraged to meet with John Wright (Director of Student Life) for additional support and guidance, in office 1F11, and faculty and staff are encouraged to contact Nicole Heinz (Director of Human Resources), in office 1A34.
In addition, students, faculty, and staff may contact Omar Al Swadi in Human Resources (office 1A47 or via email oma6@georgetown.edu) for support in reporting the scam to the police.
Please contact IT User Support at 4457 8130 or guqhelpcenter@georgetown.edu, if you need additional help and support reporting a scam or phishing attempt.
How to report a suspicious email?
To help combat phishing attacks and better protect personal and university data and reputation, your Georgetown email accounts have access to the Cofense Phishing Reporter tool as an add-on to the Georgetown University Google email interface. The Cofense Reporter add-on appears as a fish icon 
“When in doubt, click the trout.”
If you receive a suspicious email, simply click the Cofense Reporter button (the fish icon) to inform Georgetown’s University Information Security Officer (UISO). The fish icon encourages users to remember “When in doubt, click the trout.”
Tips to catch fraudulent cyber scams:
- Exercise caution with unsolicited communications: Be wary of unsolicited emails, calls, or text messages from unknown senders, particularly those requesting sensitive information or urging immediate action.
- Verify sender identities: Before responding to any communication, carefully verify the sender’s identity and authenticity. Look for signs of suspicious activity, such as unfamiliar email addresses or phone numbers.
- Beware of urgent requests: Exercise caution when receiving urgent requests for personal information, financial transactions, or account credentials. Cybercriminals often use urgency as a tactic to pressure individuals into making hasty decisions.
- Scrutinize URLs and links: Take extra care when clicking on links embedded in emails or text messages. Hover your cursor over the link to preview the URL and ensure it directs to a legitimate and secure website.
- Avoid sharing sensitive information: Refrain from sharing sensitive information such as passwords, US social security numbers, Qatari identification numbers, or financial details via email or text messages or calls, unless absolutely necessary and only share sensitive information through secure channels after verifying recipient identity.