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IT News

Author: Christine Doucette

How’s your Cyber hygiene?

Cyber hygiene is the practice and steps K-Staters can follow to improve our online security and maintain the health of our IT systems.

Cyber hygiene is often compared to personal hygiene. Just as you follow daily personal hygiene practices to stay healthy, adopting a daily cyber hygiene routine is crucial for safeguarding the health of K-State’s network and ensuring the safety and security of our data. By making these habits a part of your daily routine, they will become second nature.

Be aware of phishing scams. Cybercriminals use phishing scams to try to trick you into sharing personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, social security numbers and bank account numbers, by sending you fraudulent emails or directing you to a fake website. Learn what a phishing scam looks like.  If you suspect that you have been compromised…” use something like “If you suspect you’ve been targeted or fallen victim to a phishing scam, report the incident immediately to abuse@ksu.edu.

Create strong passwords. Complex passwords can prevent many malicious activities and protect K-State’s network. Consider using passphrases or a reputable password manager to create and store complex passwords securely. Learn about K-State’s eID password requirements. Continue reading “How’s your Cyber hygiene?”

FERPA training emails sent by mistake

On Monday, Oct. 21, some K-State students, faculty and staff were mistakenly sent an email about Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) training. FERPA training is mandatory for individuals who handle student data as part of their job responsibilities. If you are not required to undergo this training, please disregard the email.

If you are mandated to take FERPA training, K-State will send a follow-up email containing instructions on how to access the training. If you do not receive a follow-up training email, no further action is needed on your part.

Thank you for your understanding. If you have questions, contact the IT Service Desk.

Upgrade now to Windows 11

Have you upgraded to Windows 11? Last week, K-State released the Windows 11 23H2 feature update to devices using the central campus Windows software update server. Devices not compatible with Windows 11 will receive a notification with a list of reasons the compatibility check failed. Please contact your department’s IT director or the IT Service Desk if you have any questions about the update. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025.

Windows 11 was designed with multiple layers of security to help keep your apps, information and identity secure. New features in Windows 11 include Snap Assist for better organization and Copilot, an AI-powered assistant. Learn more about the new features in Windows 11.

Tips for protecting your devices and personal information

You use devices like laptops, smartphones, tablets and watches to store sensitive information like your credit card. Protecting and securing that information is important to safeguarding your identity and data.

Here are a few things you can easily do to protect your devices.

Install antivirus software

Antivirus software is your first line of defense. It detects, blocks, and removes viruses and warns about dangerous websites and links.

Use strong passphrases/password manager

Using long, complex and unique passwords is a good way to prevent your account from being hacked. An easy way to keep track of and remember your passwords is by using a password manager. Continue reading “Tips for protecting your devices and personal information”

Software available for students, faculty and staff

K-State provides free and for-purchase software products to students, faculty and staff. The goal is to make resources available to the K-State community to provide the necessary tools to reach academic, research and work goals.

Microsoft 365 is a popular resource at K-State. This free office collaboration suite includes tools such as email, calendar, applications and file storage space. You can access the suite from your desktop, web browser or phone. For more information, view the Microsoft 365 webpage. Continue reading “Software available for students, faculty and staff”

Manhattan campus computer labs

Do you need to use a computer? There are many options available at the computing labs across K-State’s Manhattan campus:

  • Cardwell Hall Math/Physics Library — Room 105
  • College of Business Admin. — Rooms: 1052, 1053, 3112, 3114 and 3121
  • Hale Library — Located on the first, second, third and fourth floors
  • K-State Student Union — First floor
  • Paul Weigel Library of AP Design — Room 1128, Regnier Hall
  • Sunderland Foundation Innovation Lab — First floor, Hale Library

Continue reading “Manhattan campus computer labs”

K-State utilizing geolocation for cybersecurity

""The internet is an incredible tool for learning and sharing information, but it also poses a cybersecurity threat. To prevent hackers from stealing your personal information, K-State uses geolocation to protect accounts from being compromised by using IP information. If any suspicious activity is detected, the user will receive an email notification with recommendations on the necessary next steps, which may include updating account passwords.

Continue reading “K-State utilizing geolocation for cybersecurity”

Duo: Remember me for 7 days feature

K-State uses Duo two-factor authentication to keep your personal information safe. This provides a second layer of security for your account by requiring a secondary device to verify your identity. Duo ensures that only authorized users can access your account, even if they know your password. All K-State students, faculty and staff are required to use Duo. Continue reading “Duo: Remember me for 7 days feature”

Use Adobe Creative Cloud to create a multimedia experience


All active K-State faculty and staff are eligible for a free Adobe Creative Cloud license, which includes Acrobat Pro DC. The Adobe Creative Cloud includes over 20 applications and services, including software for graphic design, video editing, web development, photography, mobile applications, and some optional cloud services.

You can use Adobe Creative Cloud tools to create graphics and illustrations, layouts and design pages. You can publish and share online videos.

Continue reading “Use Adobe Creative Cloud to create a multimedia experience”