Your Student Technology - Information Technology Services (2024)

Iowa State uses a cybersecurity tool called multifactor authentication (MFA) to protect your login information. With MFA, you are required to complete a second login step after inputting your Net-ID (username) and password - like typing in a code received via text message. You will be automatically prompted to enable MFA when first signing into your Iowa State accounts.

CHOOSE THE MFA METHOD RIGHT FOR YOU

There are five different verification options available for MFA: the Okta Verify app, the Google Authenticator app, SMS text message, voice call and Yubikeys(a USB-type physical device). Okta Verify is recommended for ease of use. You can learn more about the verification options in the ISU Service Portal.Most verification options will require a cell phone.If you don'thave a cellphone and can't acquire a Yubikey, please contact the IT Solution Centerbeforeattempting to activate MFA.

ARE YOU OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES?

We recommend you set up an alternate form of MFA other than SMS text message or voice calls

Oktais the name of your Iowa State Sign On Dashboard and the easiest way to log into your most-used and favorite applications.In fact, you've already visited the Sign On Dashboard to enable password reset.

Your Sign On Dashboard is a “single sign-on, or SSO” solution. Once you log in, you can access Iowa State applications (like your email or online coursework) with just one click - like using a master key. Logging into accounts this way isquick and secure. Plus, you only have to remember one password rather than typingin your login credentials for each website.

• Learn how toadd more applications and organize your dashboard with sections.
• Set up apps to autolaunch when signing in - no more clicks required!

Iowa State’s email platform is Microsoft Outlook. Your Outlook account was automatically created after you received your Net-ID, and your Iowa State email address is:[Your Net-ID]@iastate.edu.Your Outlook accountcan be accessed through your Sign On Dashboard at login.iastate.edu. It can also be added as an app to yourphone, tablet or computer.

As a student Cyclone, all communication from Iowa State offices will go to your Iowa State Outlook (not a previously-used email account). Thiscan include correspondence from Admissions, Financial Aid, the Registrar’s Office, your academic advisor, your instructors and others. In other words,you are responsible for the information that is sent to you. Learn more about using Outlook.

Microsoft Outlook also offers a calendar. It's greatfor keeping track of classes, marking exams andscheduling study time or other events. Since faculty and staff also use Outlook, it's possible to request appointments through Outlook. However,be sure to confirm Outlookis the preferred scheduling method, either by referring to your syllabus or reaching out to the individual you're meeting with.Manyoffices use their own scheduling software, particularly academic advisors, in order to ensure a high-quality experience for everyone.

Secure your Devices

Follow these steps to ensure private data is secure on your personal device:

• Install software updates
• Set a screen lock
• Create a good login password
• Enable full disk encryption
• Lock your computer when away
• Physically secure your laptop
• Keep your personal firewall enabled
• Keep your antivirus, antispyware and anti-malware software enabled
• Connect to Wi-Fi networks with care
• Delete ISU private data you don’t need

Install software updates

• Your operating system and app store will tell you when you need to install updates.
• If you disabled updates, turn them back.
• Install them quickly.
• Some apps may also use native MacOS and Windows notifications to inform you about updates.
  • Windows

    

  • MacOS
    
• Manually Check for Updates.
  • Windows devices:Check for updates manually.
  • For macOS:Check for updates manually.
  • For a mobile phone or tablet:
    • iPhone / iPad instructions to check for updates manually.
    • Android instructions to check for updates manually.

Set a screen lock

• For macOS devices

1. Select themenu icon(Apple icon in upper left hand corner of your screen).
2. SelectSystem Preferences.
3. Click theSecurity & Privacyapplication.
4. In theGeneral tabensure the check box next to "Require password after sleep or screen saver begins" is checked
   

• For Windows devices

1. Go toSettingsmenu.
2. SelectPersonalization,thenLock Screen.
3. InScreen Saver Settings,select a screen saver other than "none."
4. Ensure the box next toOn resume, display logon screenis checked
   

• For a mobile phone or tablet
  • Set a passcode. Use the default length that the device supports.
  • Set up fingerprint or FaceID if supported.
  • Set a time interval to auto lock.
  • iPhone / iPad instructions.
  • Android instructions.

Create a good login password

• At least 8 characters and complexORa phrase that’s at least 20 characters long.
• Don’t write it down.
• Don’t use the same password on more than one site.
• Use a password manager to help you remember all your passwords.LastPass, 1Password, Dashlane, Bitwarden, KeyPass, Apple iCloud keychain, and Google Password Manager are all good apps to consider for this.
  

Enable full disk encryption

• For macOS devices

1. Select themenu icon(Apple icon in upper left hand corner of your screen)
2. SelectSystem Preferences
3. Click theSecurity & Privacyapplication
4. In theFileVaulttab, selectTurn On FileVault
   

• For Windows devices:

1. Insystem settings, selectSystem and Security.
2. Then selectBitlocker Drive Encryption.
3. ClickTurn on Bitlocker.
   

• For a mobile phone or tablet:

• Storage encryption is automatic if you enable a screen lock.

Lock your computer when away

• For MacOS devices:
• PressControl +shift + ejecton your keyboard. For newer Macs, select thelock iconin the touch bar. If your devicedoes not havethe screen lock option in the touch bar, follow the instructions below.
  

1. SelectCustomize Touch Bar.
   
2. SelectScreen Lock.
   

• For Windows devices:

1. Press and hold theWindows keyon your keyboard and press "L".
   

Physically secure your laptop and keep it safe

• Carry it with you.
• Donotleave it unattended in public locations, like the library or coffee shop.
• If you must leave it in your car, keep it in the trunk, out of sight.
  

Keep your personal firewall enabled

• For MacOS devices

1. Select themenu icon(Apple icon in upper left-hand corner of your screen).
2. SelectSystem Preferences.
3. Click theSecurity & Privacyapplication.
4. In theFirewall tab, selectTurn On Firewall.
   

• For Windows devices

1. In the Cortana search box, enterFirewall.
2. ClickWindows Firewallin the search results.
3. In theWindows Firewallwindowthat appears, make sure thatWindows FirewallisOn.
4. If it is not on, click theTurn Windows FirewallOn or Off link in the left pane of the window.

• For a mobile phone or tablet:
  • There is nothing you need to do on a mobile phone or tablet.

Keep your antivirus, antispyware and anti-malware software enabled

• Ensure antivirus updates and scans of your computer are occurring regularly.
• For Windows devices:
  • Defender automatically checks files for viruses and performs updates by default.

• For macOS:
  • XProtect provides macOS users with virus and malware protection.
    As an extra precaution, you are encouraged to configuremacOS Gatekeeperto only allow you to download apps from the App Store or those created by identified developers.

1. Select themenuicon (apple icon in upper left-hand corner of your screen).
2. SelectSystem Preferences.
3. Click theSecurity & Privacyapplication.
4. In theGeneraltab underAllow apps downloaded from:,select theMac App StoreorMac App Store and identified developersradio button.

• For a mobile phone or tablet:
  • We don't recommend installing any antivirus software on your mobile device.

Connect to Wi-Fi networks with care

• Modern apps and websites use encryption so your privacy is still protected, even if you use an open Wi-Fi network that doesn't have a password.
• Make sure the sites you are visiting use HTTPS and show the padlock icon.
  
• If you see a privacy error like the one below, someone on the same wireless network might be trying to invade your privacy.Do not click through it; instead, disconnect from that wireless network and connect to yourphone or a hotspot instead.
  

Delete ISU private data you don't need

• If you need to download university data, delete it as soon as you are done.
• Try to use Cyboxand Microsoft OneDrive to keep documents in the cloud and off your personal device.

As a student, you’re required to have a laptop computer or otherdevice appropriate for your major/program. Visit the Computer Requirement web page to learn more.

You can print to campus printers - like those in Parks Library - using a systemcalled PaperCut. Every student is allotted 1000 printcredits at the beginning of the semester to use with PaperCut.If you need more printcredits than your semester allotment, you canrequest more credits in the IT Portal. Printcredit usage variesby printer and ink type. Learn more about printing.

Students can borrow technology equipmentfor freefrom the Tech Lending Program managed byUniversity Library. This equipment is helpful for completing media-based class assignments, for student organization purposes and more. Some available equipment includes iPads, DSLR cameras and lenses, microphones, various chargers and adapters, sound systems and more.Visit theTech Lending websiteto learn more about available equipment and how to borrow items.

Many Iowa State students experience daily barriers to their educational goals.Creating barrier-free access to hardware and software falls under the broad area of digital accessibility. In addition to helping make course materials and websites digitally accessible, there is digital accessibility technology available on campus. The equipment and assistive technologies include screen readers and speech and language software. Learn more about digital accessibility equipment in tech lending.