We would like to inform you about an upcoming operating system upgrade for Windows campus computers. In the days following the end of our Spring term, the ITS Department will be rolling out Windows 11 to enhance the computing experience across the campus.

Please note that while we strive to make this transition as smooth as possible, some computers may not be compatible with Windows 11. If your computer falls into this category, you should have received a notification already.

As part of this upgrade, it's crucial to emphasize the importance of backing up your data. We strongly recommend using your campus OneDrive account for this purpose. OneDrive provides a secure and easily accessible cloud storage solution, ensuring that your important files are protected during the upgrade process.

The upgrade process will be automatic, and we anticipate a brief downtime during the installation. The estimated downtime is approximately 30 minutes; however, it could take much longer depending on the specific computer as the system undergoes the necessary updates. We understand the importance of your work, and we appreciate your patience during this period. Your computer will provide you with the option to choose when to restart and apply the update, allowing you to schedule the upgrade at a time that is convenient for you and minimizing any potential disruption to your work.

We understand that change can be challenging, but Microsoft has announced the End of Life for Windows 10 next year, and we believe that Windows 11 will bring improved functionality and enhanced security to your computing experience.

If you encounter any questions or problems with the upgrade, please contact the ITS Help Desk for assistance at (805)-437-8552 or by submitting an ITS Service Request.

Thank you for your cooperation as we work towards providing you with the latest and most secure computing environment.

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CSUCI IT Services is pleased to announce that we will be re-opening our face-to-face customer support space in Broome Library 1350 on March 25th, 2024. Formerly known as the Solution Center Service Desk, the ITS Help Desk has been renamed to emphasize our dedication to providing prompt, efficient, and courteous assistance with IT-related matters to our campus community.

We cordially invite the campus community to the grand [re]opening of the ITS Help Desk on March 25th at 9:00 AM in Broome Library 1350. Learn about the services offered at the ITS Help Desk, mingle with ITS staff, and enjoy light refreshments. 

For further information regarding the opening of the ITS Help Desk, please visit the CSUCI News Center - Solution Center reintroduced as ITS Help Desk.

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As you prepare to do your taxes this season, be on the lookout for these potential signs of tax fraud: 

• First and foremost, be wary of unsolicited messages claiming to be from the IRS or any tax authority. These entities will never contact you by email, text message, or social media to request personal or financial information. 
• Emails containing documents about tax law changes are another avenue for scammers to get malicious files into your computer.
• The promise of unusually large refunds, which scammers use to lure unsuspecting taxpayers into sharing sensitive information. 
• If using one, ensure your tax preparer is reputable and has appropriate credentials. Always review your tax return carefully before submitting and avoid signing blank forms. 

Lastly, safeguard your Social Security number and personal information, as these are key targets for identity thieves. By staying informed and vigilant, you can keep your valuables safe and out of the hands of criminals. 

Read more about this here: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-security-summit-partners-warn-of-surge-in-new-client-scams-aimed-at-tax-pros-as-2024-filing-season-approaches.

For more information, contact CSUCI's Information Security Team at infosec@csuci.edu or visit the Information Security website.

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In a recent cybersecurity triumph, the U.S. government successfully thwarted a sophisticated botnet linked to the People's Republic of China. This botnet was allegedly utilized to conceal hacking activities targeted at critical infrastructure, posing a potential threat to national security.

The nation-state hackers used comprised routers from Cisco, NetGear, and other routers that were vulnerable because they had reached “end of life” status; that is, they were no longer supported through their manufacturer’s security patches or other software updates.

The Department of Justice spearheaded a coordinated effort to dismantle the botnet, severing the connection between compromised devices and the central server. This strategic move neutralized an immediate threat and signaled the United States' commitment to defend against cyber threats.

Critical infrastructure, including power grids and communication networks, is increasingly vulnerable to cyber-attacks. The disruption of this botnet is a pivotal step in protecting these essential systems and attributing cyber-attacks to their perpetrators. The incident also emphasizes the need for international cooperation in addressing evolving cyber threats.

Your home network and EOL devices can lead to a cyber-attack. Ensuring devices are updated and replaced in a timely manner is crucial to protecting yourself from an attack like this. 

Source: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/us-government-disrupts-botnet-peoples-republic-china-used-conceal-hacking-critical

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CSUCI Information Technology Services would like to bring attention to a great opportunity for students looking for scholarship opportunities in the field of Information Security.

Educating Future Information Security Professionals

The International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) and its Center for Cyber Safety and Education are deeply committed to encouraging and supporting students pursuing a degree focusing on cybersecurity, information assurance, or similar fields. The scholarships, sponsored by ISC2, support students globally. Efforts like these can lead students to long-term career success in a rewarding and critically important field. The scholarships are part of an effort to bridge the cybersecurity workforce gap—which stands at 3.4 million needed professionals—by providing future cybersecurity professionals across the globe with scholarships to prepare them for a rewarding career in this important field.  

Find more information about all the scholarships at https://www.iamcybersafe.org/s/scholarships.

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Dear CSUCI Community,

Beginning December 18, 2023, CSUCI computers will undergo a Windows update using a new tool introduced by ITS. This update includes all the Security and Quality updates that would normally be deployed as required but will now include the latest Windows feature update and essential system improvements.  Due to the additional functionality, the first update will potentially be longer than a traditional update and it is essential that the update completes once started before shutting down your system.  These updates will apply only to Windows computers.

Key Information:

• Start Date: December 18, 2023
• Updates: Newest Windows feature update and required patches
• Restart Required: After updates, a restart is necessary (may take up to one hour)

User Options:

• Notification: You will be notified before the restart.
• Restart Time: Choose a time or allow an automatic restart.
• Suggestion: Consider restarting as you leave for the day.

Questions or Concerns: For any inquiries, please contact the Solution Center at 805-437-8552.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Best regards,

ITS (Information Technology Services)

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CSUCI Information Technology Services (Jim August and Carlos Miranda) recently enjoyed conducting engaging hour-long in-person and virtual presentations at Pacifica High School and Camarillo High School titled "Info Sec Careers: Why you are needed and why you can do them!"

During the sessions, we delved into the world of information security, discussing the importance of these careers and highlighting the opportunities available to students from all backgrounds. We aimed to inspire the students by emphasizing the demand for these roles and their capability to excel in this field. Information Security needs women, minorities, and other candidates from diverse backgrounds for good-paying jobs.

Key Highlights

Understanding Information Security: We provided an overview of information security, its significance in today's digital landscape, and its crucial role in safeguarding data.

Education: Graduating High School Students can look at going to CSUCI for majors such as Information Technology and Computer Science and, coming soon, a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity. 

Career Pathways: Exploring various career paths within information security, we showcased the diversity of roles available, ranging from ethical hacking to cybersecurity analysis and beyond.

Certifications: Our goal was to empower the students by emphasizing that these careers are not only in demand but also accessible with dedication, passion, and continuous learning. The session provides an overview of the different Information Security professional certifications and the skills needed to attain them. 

Interactive Session: We engaged the students through interactive discussions, answering their questions and encouraging them to consider the diverse opportunities within information security.

We hope our session sparked interest and curiosity among the students about the exciting world of information security, inspiring them to consider a career path in this ever-evolving and crucial field.

A huge thanks to Pacifica and Camarillo High School for the opportunity to connect and share insights into the world of information security careers!

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