IT Services - IT Alerts

Ban of DeepSeek on 51�Թ��devices / Interdiction d'utilisation de DeepSeek sur les appareils de McGill

51�Թ�� — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 13:55:08 +0000

This message is published on behalf of Paul Chamberland, Chief Information Officer & Associate Vice-Principal IT Services. / Ce message publié au nom de Paul Chamberland, Dirigeant Principal de l’Information & Vice-recteur associé, Service des TI.

Le français suit.

Dear members of the 51�Թ��community,

Phishing scam: shared "51�Թ�� Appointment Notice"/"McGILL University Report"

51�Թ�� — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 17:01:31 +0000

A targeted phishing email is circulating, asking you to open an attachment containing a fraudulent link to shared documents.

The message uses a variation on these subject lines:

[name of person] shared "McGILL UNIVERSITY APPOINTMENT NOTICE" with you
[name of person] shared "McGILL UNIVERSITY REPORT" with you

See an example of the message at the top of this page. Personal information has been removed from the image.

Password reset for 51�Թ��Username - Minerva reset password access ends March 26

51�Թ�� — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 19:51:53 +0000

As of March 26, 2025, you will no longer be able to reset your 51�Թ��username password in Minerva. Password resets will be managed through a single, secure platform using Microsoft’s Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) feature to enhance security and better protect your data.

Note: Password resets for Banner/Imaging/Data Warehouse will remain available in Minerva.

Staff Directory decommissioned – Staff to update/review Workday information

51�Թ�� — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 16:09:15 +0000

As of January 31, 2025, 51�Թ��IT Services has decommissioned the 51�Թ��Staff Directory. This initiative aims to streamline processes, improve security against phishing attacks, and replace outdated technology.

Updates to MyCreds™: Enhanced eTranscript and document Sharing for students!

51�Թ�� — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 14:43:57 +0000

We’re excited to share new features to MyCreds^TM, the platform accessed through the ES Services (Enrolment Services eStore & MyCreds^TM) in Minerva, that allows students to securely share documents such as electronic transcripts, custom letters, documents, and forms.

RESOLVED: Mercury online course evaluation system is currently down.

51�Թ�� — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 17:44:35 +0000

Update - Monday, December 2, 2024 - Afternoon:

Mercury online course evaluation system is back online.

Original announcement - Monday, December 2, 2024 - Morning:

We regret to inform you that the Mercury online course evaluation system is currently down due to unforeseen technical issues. IT Services is working to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.

Staff and students will not be able to access Mercury during this time.

Boost engagement in your PowerPoint presentations with Microsoft Forms!

51�Թ�� — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 19:15:38 +0000

Exciting news for Office 365 users! Microsoft Forms is now seamlessly integrated with PowerPoint, allowing you to incorporate live polls, quizzes or surveys directly into your slides. This powerful, easy-to-use feature is free and perfect for gathering real-time feedback and boosting engagement in any setting, from lectures to group projects!

Make your presentations dynamic, collaborative and impactful! With MS Forms, it’s easy to bring your audience into the experience, enabling instant engagement and interaction. Get started today and take your presentations to the next level!

Microsoft Teams update: Private Teams only for enhanced security!

51�Թ�� — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 18:48:24 +0000

Important update for Microsoft Teams users! Starting November 27, 2024, all newly created Microsoft Teams groups were set to Private by default. If you attempt to create a new team, the Public option will be unavailable (greyed out), as shown below:

Winner announced! Beats Headphones - IT Services Virtual Scavenger Hunt contest!

51�Թ�� — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 18:49:24 +0000

Congratulations to Emma Hogarth (Biomedical Sciences), for winning the 2024 IT Services Virtual Scavenger Hunt Contest.

Emma scored 100% on our IT Quiz and won a pair of wireless Beats headphones in the prize draw!

Thank you to all who entered and answered skill-testing questions about the IT services available to 51�Թ��students.

We had 1513 entries! Within those entries:

Change to the classroom telephones autodial behavior

51�Թ�� — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 20:14:28 +0000

After October 18, Classroom telephones will no longer automatically call the Audiovisual support hotline when you remove the telephone receiver from the base.

This change will prevent accidental calls to the hotline.

After that date, you will have to use the press the AV System Support button on the lower-left side of the telephone’s display screen to call the Audiovisiual support hotline. (See below)

Wi-Fi network: Action required for devices on iOS and MacOS to renew certificate

51�Թ�� — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 13:43:09 +0000

On Friday, June 21, the security certificate that secures authentication to McGill's wpa.mcgill.ca, eduroam, and cusm-muhc.mcgill.ca Wi-Fi networks will be renewed. This certificate allows you to sign on to the Wi-Fi network in a secure manner.

For Android and most Windows devices, the change will be seamless, and no action is required. However, devices that run iOS and MacOS will display a message prompting users to accept the new certificate.

IT Services' 2024 Annual Report now available! / Le rapport annuel 2024 du service des TI est maintenant disponible !

51�Թ�� — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 19:54:23 +0000

As McGill’s new CIO, Paul Chamberland says IT Services strives to “create seamless and engaging digital experiences” for the 51�Թ��community. From tools that help students succeed to infrastructure upgrades and security enhancements, read the 2024 IT Services Annual Report to discover how we’re driving innovation and supporting students, faculty, and staff.

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Known issue: Intermittent search-related issues

51�Թ�� — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 21:45:49 +0000

Users may experience intermittent issues where the web search engine returns no information, or is slow to display results. This also affects Profiles in the WMS. The team is currently working with the vendor to fix this issue as quickly as possible.

uPrint Anywhere downtime scheduled Thursday, February 22 from 5:00pm-8:00pm

51�Թ�� — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 21:45:39 +0000

uPrint Anywhere, the email –based solution that allows you to print from your mobile devices, will undergo maintenance on Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: As of March 18, Authy desktop has been discontinued - Install OneAuth to continue authentication on Windows or Mac device

51�Թ�� — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 14:35:48 +0000

The Authy desktop apps for Windows, macOS and Linux has been discontinued by the vendor and will no longer be supported as authentication method after March 18, 2024. Please install the secure alternative application, OneAuth to continue authentication on your Windows or Mac device.

When opening the Authy desktop app you may notice the following message from the vendor:

Phishing scam: RE: Final Reminder: Complete: [name] DocsOnline Docs Via E-Sign #63 - Mcgill Project-08(REVISED)

51�Թ�� — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 18:49:07 +0000

A phishing email is targeting the 51�Թ��community with the subject "RE: Final Reminder: Complete: [name] DocsOnline Docs Via E-Sign #63 - Mcgill Project-08(REVISED)." See an example of the message above.

Elevating security by enhancing 2FA

51�Թ�� — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 19:45:14 +0000

In McGill’s ongoing efforts to strengthen our security, we will continue to introduce enhancements to Microsoft Authenticator, including:

Important update: retirement of wiki feature in Microsoft Teams as of Jan. 2024

51�Թ�� — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 20:31:30 +0000

Are you the owner of an MS Teams workspace featuring a wiki tab, typically used for meeting notes?

If so, we would like to inform you about a significant change concerning the wiki feature (usually used for meeting notes) in Microsoft Teams. Microsoft has announced that as of January 2024, the wiki feature will be retired and replaced by OneNote.

In this article:

How does this affect you?

Actions you will need to take

Steps to export wiki content to OneNote

Update: myProgress has been restored.

51�Թ�� — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 14:14:03 +0000

The myProgress service has now been restored.

Wired connectivity has been restored at Macdonald campus

51�Թ�� — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 20:40:09 +0000

UPDATE: The wired connectivity at Macdonald campus has been restored.

New recipient limit for Non-2FA enabled 51�Թ��email accounts

51�Թ�� — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 20:09:19 +0000

In an effort to limit the impacts of unsolicited and fraudulent emails being sent in large numbers to the 51�Թ��community, McGill’s IT Infrastructure & Information Security has decided to limit the number of emails that can be sent from non-2FA (two-factor authentication) enabled email accounts.

VPN UPDATE: Cisco AnyConnect has been replaced by Cisco Secure Client

51�Թ�� — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 20:35:10 +0000

The way we currently access McGill’s VPN (via Cisco AnyConnect) has been replaced by Cisco Secure Client. Cisco Secure Client is an upgraded version of Cisco AnyConnect and offers enhanced features, security and performance.

NOW LIVE: Minerva’s login page has been updated to implement 2FA and SSO.

51�Թ�� — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 14:31:38 +0000

The login page for Minerva has been updated to implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and Single Sign-On (SSO).

The new login page includes two options to log in. Please take note of which login method you should use:

Phishing scam: (Attention chair.psychiatry) | Re-authenticate 2 Factor Authentication (2Fa) | September 2023

51�Թ�� — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 15:31:44 +0000

A phishing email is targeting the 51�Թ��community with the subject "(Attention chair.psychiatry) | Re-authenticate 2 Factor Authentication (2Fa) | September 2023". See an example of the message above. The message contains a QR code and asks you to scan it with your phone camera:

"Dear User:

Your authenticator session has expired today. Kindly re-authentication with your mobile device to avoid being locked out of your email account.

Quickly scan the QR Code below with your smartphone camera to re-authenticated your password security.

Phishing scam: Mcgill Authentication For [name]@mcgill.ca Expires on [date]

51�Թ�� — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 21:15:30 +0000

A phishing email is targeting the 51�Թ��community with the subject "Mcgill Authentication For [name]@mcgill.ca Expires on [date]". See an example of the message above. The message contains a QR code and asks you to scan it with your phone camera:

"Message date: [date]

Promptly scan below QR code with your phone camera to release HELD messages

[fraudulent QR code]

Some messages failed to load and could'nt be delivered."

RESOLVED: Course synchronization issue with myCourses

51�Թ�� — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 20:42:25 +0000

Update: The issue affecting course synchronization in myCoures has been resolved.

Original message, published on August 24, 2023:

Currently, there are several courses experiencing synchronization issues with myCourses. Additionally, there are students and instructors who are not correctly enrolled in these courses. In some cases, courses appear as synchronized or created in Banner and Minerva, while myCourses does not reflect any record of these courses.

RESOLVED: Non-credit course registration system experiencing issues

51�Թ�� — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 14:37:28 +0000

The issues affecting the non-credit course registration system have now been resolved.

Original announcement: A technical issue is affecting the non-credit course registration system. As a result, students of the School of Continuing Studies may be unable to access 51�Թ��services. IT Services is working towards a resolution, and we thank you for your patience during this time.

RESOLVED: Facilities and Space Management System (FAMIS) is now available

51�Թ�� — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 14:18:17 +0000

The issue affecting Facilities and Space Management System (FAMIS) is now resolved and the system is now available.

Original message: McGill's Facilities and Space Management System (FAMIS) is currently unavailable. IT Services is working towards a resolution. We thank you for your patience.

Phishing scam: "Completed: Complete with Via-Sign: #7 - 34499-07-# Monday July 2023"

51�Թ�� — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 20:50:07 +0000

There is a phishing email targeting the 51�Թ��community with the subject "Completed: Complete with Via-Sign: #7 - 34499-07-# Monday July 2023". The message body contains a fraudulent link.

New two-factor authentication (2FA) enhancements

51�Թ�� — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 16:11:54 +0000

Over the next few months, we will introduce enhancements for those of you that use Microsoft Authenticator for two-factor authentication (2FA), and make it much easier for you to report suspicious emails in Outlook.

Report suspicious emails in just a few seconds!

51�Թ�� — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 16:20:56 +0000

Reporting spam or a suspicious email just got easier. You can now report them with the click of a button (or two) in Outlook for desktop, web, and mobile.

UNIWeb decommissioning on Aug.11, 2023

51�Թ�� — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 18:59:47 +0000

On August 11, 2023, UNIWeb will no longer be accessible to 51�Թ��staff and students. Given the very low usage rate and relatively high cost of the UNIWeb license, the decision has been taken to discontinue access to this tool.

Refer to the full message from the Academic Personnel Office.

Temporary Minerva outage now resolved

51�Թ�� — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 13:44:28 +0000

Earlier today, Minerva experienced a temporary outage and some users were unable to access the site during this time. Please be advised that all users should now be able to access Minerva.

We thank you for your understanding.

Phishing scam: From "Document Notification", subject line "[Date] Message for..."

51�Թ�� — Thu, 25 May 2023 21:11:41 +0000

A targeted phishing email is currently circulating, asking you to click on a fraudulent link (see image).

Please DO NOT click any links or reply to the message. Delete this email immediately! It does NOT come from a 51�Թ��source.

Phishing scam: Subject line "Action required: for..."

51�Թ�� — Thu, 18 May 2023 16:24:30 +0000

A targeted phishing email is currently circulating, asking you to open an attachment that contains a fraudulent link. See an example of the message to the left.

Please DO NOT click any links or reply to the message. Delete this email immediately! It does NOT come from a 51�Թ��source.

Phishing scam: "Microsoft De-Activation In Progress"

51�Թ�� — Fri, 12 May 2023 20:20:39 +0000

There is a phishing email targeting the 51�Թ��community with the subject "Microsoft De-Activation In Progress". See an example of the message above. The example we received says,

"Dear User,

This is the last time we will notify you that we'll stop processing incoming emails in your school account, and the reason is you failed to verify your Microsoft account which may lead to the permanent deletion of your account from our database in the next few hours.

Kindly take a minute to complete our email verification below

Quebec government directive to remove TikTok from mobile devices

51�Թ�� — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 18:34:14 +0000

La version française suit.

Dear members of the 51�Թ��community,

Effective immediately, please be advised that the application TikTok must not be installed on any mobile device (i.e., mobile phone or tablet) that has been provided to you by the University, or on any mobile device for which 51�Թ��covers the cost of the mobile service. If you currently have TikTok installed on your 51�Թ��mobile device, you must remove it immediately.

Staff and student versions of It Takes All of Us will be available in myCourses

51�Թ�� — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 14:42:37 +0000

An updated version of It Takes All of Us for all students, staff, and faculty will be live and available in myCourses as of January 30, 2023. More details: /sv-education/

UPDATED: Wired and wireless connectivity issues at 5100 de Maisonneuve

51�Թ�� — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 17:48:51 +0000

Update (March 30, 2022)

The wired network outage at 5100 de Maisonneuve reported last week is ongoing. We have learned that the issue was caused by a fire in the manhole, which damaged the fiber cable. Emergency teams from the City of Montreal are on site and we hope to be able to resolve the issue by early next week once their work is complete. Check back here for status updates.

Original message (March 23, 2022)

IT Services - IT Alerts

Ban of DeepSeek on 51�Թ���devices / Interdiction d'utilisation de DeepSeek sur les appareils de McGill

Phishing scam: shared "51�Թ��� Appointment Notice"/"McGILL University Report"

Password reset for 51�Թ���Username - Minerva reset password access ends March 26

Staff Directory decommissioned – Staff to update/review Workday information

Updates to MyCreds™: Enhanced eTranscript and document Sharing for students!

RESOLVED: Mercury online course evaluation system is currently down.

Boost engagement in your PowerPoint presentations with Microsoft Forms!

Microsoft Teams update: Private Teams only for enhanced security!

Winner announced! Beats Headphones - IT Services Virtual Scavenger Hunt contest!

Change to the classroom telephones autodial behavior

Wi-Fi network: Action required for devices on iOS and MacOS to renew certificate

IT Services' 2024 Annual Report now available! / Le rapport annuel 2024 du service des TI est maintenant disponible !

Known issue: Intermittent search-related issues

uPrint Anywhere downtime scheduled Thursday, February 22 from 5:00pm-8:00pm

IMPORTANT UPDATE: As of March 18, Authy desktop has been discontinued - Install OneAuth to continue authentication on Windows or Mac device

Phishing scam: RE: Final Reminder: Complete: [name] DocsOnline Docs Via E-Sign #63 - Mcgill Project-08(REVISED)

Elevating security by enhancing 2FA

Important update: retirement of wiki feature in Microsoft Teams as of Jan. 2024

Update: myProgress has been restored.

Wired connectivity has been restored at Macdonald campus

New recipient limit for Non-2FA enabled 51�Թ���email accounts

VPN UPDATE: Cisco AnyConnect has been replaced by Cisco Secure Client

NOW LIVE: Minerva’s login page has been updated to implement 2FA and SSO.

Phishing scam: (Attention chair.psychiatry) | Re-authenticate 2 Factor Authentication (2Fa) | September 2023

Phishing scam: Mcgill Authentication For [name]@mcgill.ca Expires on [date]

RESOLVED: Course synchronization issue with myCourses

RESOLVED: Non-credit course registration system experiencing issues

RESOLVED: Facilities and Space Management System (FAMIS) is now available

Phishing scam: "Completed: Complete with Via-Sign: #7 - 34499-07-# Monday July 2023"

New two-factor authentication (2FA) enhancements

Report suspicious emails in just a few seconds!

UNIWeb decommissioning on Aug.11, 2023

Temporary Minerva outage now resolved

Phishing scam: From "Document Notification", subject line "[Date] Message for..."

Phishing scam: Subject line "Action required: for..."

Phishing scam: "Microsoft De-Activation In Progress"

Quebec government directive to remove TikTok from mobile devices

Staff and student versions of It Takes All of Us will be available in myCourses

UPDATED: Wired and wireless connectivity issues at 5100 de Maisonneuve

Ban of DeepSeek on 51�Թ��devices / Interdiction d'utilisation de DeepSeek sur les appareils de McGill

Phishing scam: shared "51�Թ�� Appointment Notice"/"McGILL University Report"

Password reset for 51�Թ��Username - Minerva reset password access ends March 26

New recipient limit for Non-2FA enabled 51�Թ��email accounts