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Division of Information Technology
P.O. Box 6888
Radford, VA 24142
Phone: (540) 831-5173
Fax: (540) 831-6217
Email: cio@radford.edu

Division of Information Technology
Radford University

Annual recertification begins for DoIT's sensitive systems

The Division of Information Technology's (DoIT) annual user recertification process began on March 12. As in previous years, DoIT will be using an online process for recertification. All users of Banner INB, Cognos, CS Gold (RU Express) and HMS (housing) must complete this process to maintain access. Users of these systems will receive an email from DoIT with instructions on how to complete the recertification process. To maintain access, users and supervisors must complete the process by March 30.

For website guidelines, tips, tricks and more, go online

Radford University's Office of Web Communications provides a number of resources to assist departments as they develop their web presence. Visit www.radford.edu/webcomm to find helpful information on the following subjects:

• University Web Guidelines–The university's website is an official publication of Radford University. As the primary connection point for external audiences, radford.edu must reflect the university's strengths and distinctiveness. Guidelines for website design that address identity standards and best practices for navigation and usability are put in place to protect the Radford University brand.
• Mass Email Guidelines–The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure that electronic communications comply with accessibility standards, follow network security guidelines and effectively and efficiently use campus resources.
• Downloads—Users can access the Content Administrator's Guide, image size specifications, tips on writing for the Web and more.
• Training–Web Communications provides training on using the content management system as well as workshops on search engine optimization, content strategy, using analytics and more.
• Frequently Asked Questions–This is the place to start. If your question has already been answered, then you are closer to a solution.

To make your online presence even more effective and consistent, these resources can be of value. Consult them regularly
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How to avoid costly mistakes using Web photography

As departments develop their websites, it is important to understand how to avoid violating copyright restrictions on imagery—photography, video and artwork. Those needing imagery will often do a Google Image search or visit Flickr for images to be used on their websites. This is an unsafe practice.

When a photographer posts an image on the Web, the photographer owns the copyright to that photo and does not automatically grant permission for that photo to be used elsewhere. If the copyright holder is a stock photography agency, "stealing" an image for your website can be a costly misadventure. These agencies do charge fees for use of their property and can assess penalties if they discover their images have been used without permission. Be advised, there are now technologies that copyright holders use to discover images used without permission.

An important note: "Royalty-free" does not mean "free." It simply means that you pay for the image once and have no further payment obligation. When using stock photography, always ensure the image has been purchased legally.

Radford University's Web Guidelines address the proper use of stock photography on the Radford University website, radford.edu. Use of stock, or generic, images of people, classes or campuses is prohibited on the Radford University website. Any image showing a person, classroom or campus must come from Radford University.

Web Communications and University Relations are collaborating on a project to make quality images of our campus accessible and downloadable. In the meantime, contact university Photographer Lora Gordon at llgordon@radford.edu with photography requests.

Is it legit? When in doubt, ask

Phishing is a common type of spam that can lead to theft of a user's personal information. Phishing attacks work by "spoofed" emails that are made to appear as if they come from a legitimate website with which a user has online dealings and at which the user has set up an account. Common spoofed accounts may come from what appears to be a user's bank, credit-card company, Internet service provider (ISP) or workplace.

The phony email may ask a user to reply with pertinent account details to "update security," for example. The phishing email may also provide a link to a spoofed website or pop-up window that mimics a real site. In reality, the site to which the link connects has been set up for the purpose of obtaining a victim's personal information, such as credit-card numbers, passwords or other account-specific details.

To protect yourself:

• Never respond to emails that request personal financial information.
  Reputable organizations don't ask their users/customers for passwords or account details in an email. If you think the email may be legitimate, contact the company by phone using a number from official documents or from its website. Be sure to access the official website by typing in the URL manually and not from an email.
• Be cautious about opening attachments and downloading files from any email, regardless of its source.
  If the systems of trusted friends or colleagues have been compromised, messages could be sent from those systems without their knowledge.
• Visit important websites by typing the URL into the address bar and not by clicking on email links.
  Phishers often use links within emails to direct their victims to a spoofed site, usually to a similar address such as "mybankonline.com" instead of "mybank.com." The URL shown in the address bar may look genuine, but there are several ways it can be faked to take a user to a spoofed site. Again, if you suspect an email from your bank or online company is false, do not follow or retype any links within the email. Access the known address only by typing it in manually.
• Keep an eye on your accounts.
  Log into your online accounts. Check your statements often. If you see any suspicious transactions, report them immediately.
• Keep your computer secure.
  Some phishing emails or other spam may contain spyware or open a "backdoor" that allows hackers access to your computer with a "Trojan." Maintaining the latest antivirus software will help detect and disable malicious software but will not stop phishing emails. Make sure you keep your operating system up to date, and download the latest security patches for your Internet browser.
• Never guess. Always ask.
  If you receive a suspicious email and are uncertain what to do, contact RU's Technology Assistance Center at (540) 831-7500 or your ISP. You can also contact the organization that you believe is being spoofed and ask them if the questionable email is legitimate. Never be afraid to ask. Your skepticism could save you time, money and embarrassment.

Meet the DoIT Staff

Josh Williams '06
Multimedia classroom technician

How long have you been employed in the Division of Information Technology at Radford University?
I have been with DoIT for about three years as a part-time employee and about four as a full-time employee.

Family:
Grandparents Don and Dontha; parents Cheryl and Myron; brother Lauren; and Uncle Reggie Williams.

Hometown:
Lynchburg

Education:
I have a degree in geology from Radford University, and I'm finishing a B.S. degree with concentrations in applied mathematics and statistics from RU as well.

Interests/Hobbies:
Hiking, reading, computer games, photography, astronomy, history, woodworking and gardening.

Favorite Vacation Destination:
Any place with interesting geology and/or history. My trip to Hawaii to see the lava flows and the telescopes has been my best vacation so far.

Favorite part of your job:
Being able to work with the most recent technology and incorporating it into classrooms around campus.