October 2014

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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

DoIT to increase defense against data loss

In past months, several universities have experienced major data losses at a high cost to their institution and constituents. In the coming months, the Division of Information Technology will implement an additional layer of security to further protect the university's data against cyber-theft.

Radford University is partnering with Ellucian to implement Banner Data Defense (BDD) – a product developed specifically for the Banner Suite of products to reduce the risk of data theft.

The Banner Data Defense product includes tools used to encrypt all of the Banner data as it sits in the database and as it moves from one server to another. The product also includes utilities to monitor specific data and to block suspicious activity.

The BDD product provides for a higher level of sophisticated protection that is needed in this day and age. The use of BDD will also streamline the current labor intensive process used to collect and report audit information for compliance with internal, state and federal requirements.

More information about the use and benefits of BDD will be made available as the system is configured and tested for a go-live date in the early spring.

Stop. Think. Connect. Security awareness campaign

The Internet has become an important tool that we use daily for work, home and entertainment. As with any valuable tool, we have to be aware of the risks involved when using it. The Department of Homeland Security, in cooperation with the National Cyber Security Alliance, has launched a "Stop. Think. Connect." public awareness campaign.

This campaign encourages users to practice strong and safe online habits, including:

STOP

Others from accessing your accounts by setting secure passwords.
Sharing too much personal information.

THINK

Before you click. Is this a trusted source?
About what you're doing. Would you do it or share it offline?

CONNECT

Over secure networks. WiFi hotspots may not offer the same protections.
Trust your gut. If it doesn't seem right, close out or delete the email.

If you are interested in spending time with your students discussing Cyber Security, this site provides a number of materials including presentations and videos as a resource http://stcguide.com/explore/student.

Test/Exam (Scantron) scanning moving to Walker Hall

DoIT is excited to announce that the Test/Exam scanning process, previously located in the basement of McConnell Library, will be moving to a new location on Monday, Nov. 3. This service will be located in the Walker Technology Center at the walk-up support desk in the large open computer lab on the second floor. This will provide a convenient drop-off and pickup location with improved parking, and extended hours.

Hours of operation will be:
Monday-Thursday: 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday: noon-5 p.m.
Sunday: 2-11 p.m.

If you have questions, please contact the Walker Technology Center at 831-7522.

Identity Management activation

DoIT has implemented a new Identity and Access Management system called MyRUID.

Faculty and staff should have received email notification from DoIT to activate their accounts. The activation process basically "registers" your existing account with the new system, so that all users can take advantage of improved functionality to manage their RU account, change their password or reset forgotten account passwords.

All existing or new users who have not completed the Account Activation process through MyRUID since Aug. 14, 2014, are required to complete the Account Activation process.

Please complete the following steps:

1. Click on the MyRU link from the Radford University website, but do not log in to MyRU.
2. On the MyRU login page, click on the "Activate Your Account" link.
3. Follow the instructions to setup your account.
4. Add your phone number and alternate email address (Optional).
5. Set your security questions and password. (You may choose a new password or use your current password.)
6. After entering your password it may take up to 60 seconds for the process to complete, so be patient while it completes this process.

NOTE: DoIT is experiencing problems with the Safari web browser and the account activation process at this time. Chrome, Firefox or Internet Explorer should be used until Safari issues are resolved.

Technology training offered

Academic Technologies and the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) offer training opportunities to support RU faculty and staff. Technology-focused classes scheduled in November / December include:

Visit the CITL Training and Development System to view the current schedule of classes and enroll in a session. To learn more or request a one-on-one, group or custom technology training, contact the Academic Technologies Office at acadcomp@radford.edu or by phone at 831-7521. You can also check the DoIT Knowledge Base for a wealth of online tutorials, Quick Reference Guides, "how-to" videos and articles to assist you with campus technologies.

WVRU renovations improves station's look and sound

Public Radio WVRU is pleased to announce the completion of our newly renovated studios.

This is the first major overhaul the radio station has undertaken since it was established in 1978. The on-air studio has been renovated with new floors, ceiling and everything in between.

Both studios have stylish audio consoles with cable tracks to hide wiring that was previously exposed. Not only do the studios look great, but they sound even better. The broadcast grade acoustic foam on the walls and soundproof curtains deadens the noise in the space, making it an ideal acoustic environment.

After the new digital audio boards were installed last year, students are now offered a state of the art, professional-grade broadcast facility. The WVRU student operations manager and recipient of the WVRU scholarship, Frank Griffey, says "All the WVRU students have the same huge smile on their faces when they're in the new studios. They are in awe, saying they didn't know we had something so cool and professional at our university."

If you are interested in touring the new WVRU studios, please come by 236 Porterfield Hall and you can see what all of the excitement is about.

Meet the DoIT Staff

Ashlee Claud
Manager, Radio/TV & Communication Services

How long have you been employed in the Division of Information Technology at Radford University? My 15th anniversary at RU will be in April 2015. My department was transferred to IT in May 2011.

Family: I've been married to my husband, Greg, for 15 years and we have two wonderful children. Our son, Braydon, is in third grade and daughter, Lauren, is in second grade.

Hometown: I'm originally from Salisbury, N.C.

Education: I received my B.A. from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

Interests/Hobbies: We like to travel, but the children's busy schedules keep us close by. We've found that day trips and going on hikes work well when we want to get away.

Favorite vacation destination: When we have time to get out of town we're generally headed to a beach. Beaches that are low-key with good seafood restaurants will top our favorites list.

Favorite part of your job: I really enjoy working with the students that come through WVRU. They are energetic, vibrant and keep us on our toes. It's so satisfying to watch these talented, hard-working students go on to develop successful careers after graduation. It's very rewarding.