PantherTech Support

Bring Your Own Device and IT Off Campus

Keep EIU data on EIU computers; use discretion with physical documents

• Do not use your personal computer to download or copy sensitive information.
• OneDrive, which you can access from Panthermail, is a resource that allows you to access your files from anywhere.
• Remember, laws and regulations do not change. Confidentiality is still the upmost priority. Do not release sensitive information (SSN, Grades, Health Information, etc) in email or by phone.
• In addition, you may be taking documents/files home with you to complete work tasks. Please be sure to make a list of these items for your records and provide a copy to your supervisor before removing them from your office. It is imperative that no confidential documents leave EIU campus. Also, please do not print confidential documents on your home printer.

Online tools can be used for communication and meetings

• Microsoft Teams is a great way to instant message, video, and voice chat. It is ideal for instant messaging and virtual meetings between EIU employees and is our recommended platform for inter-university communication.
• More Information
• Use Teams
• Microsoft Bookings gives EIU employees an easy way to schedule appointments with students or colleagues. It integrates directly with Teams so that you can set up video calls as well.
• More Information
• Zoom can be used if you need meet with users that do not have an EIU NetID. It is ideal for hosting virtual meetings with external audiences.
• More Information
• Use Zoom

Use Microsoft Remote Desktop or a Virtual Desktop

• Want access to all the programs and resources that you typically have while using your EIU computer?
  • VPN - Virtual Private Network
    • A VPN allows you to connect to EIU's network as if you were on-site and use EIU resources that are only available on our network, i.e. Banner and Remote Desktop
    • More Information
  • RDP - Remote Desktop Protocol
    • If you need access to programs/files only available on your EIU computer, RDP will will allow you access to that machine.
    • More Information
  • VDI - Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
    • Need access to EIU resources and programs? Visit view.eiu.edu to connect to a virtual desktop. You'll have access to your department files and personal U drive as well as many of the programs already installed on your university desktop.

If you need to take equipment home with you, submit the proper paperwork

• University property may be temporarily removed from university premises when it is determined to be necessary and useful to do so.
• Temporary Removal of Property Request Form

Verify you have an antivirus on your home computer, and it is up to date

Windows

• Windows Security > Virus & threat protection
• Verify no action is needed.
• If warned to "Turn on" select "Turn on" to engage Windows Defender or install Sophos or Avast

macOS

• Apps > Search for Sophos or Avast
• Ensure XProtect is enabled.
• Protecting against malware in macOS - Apple Support

Sophos Home is free for 5 devices (https://home.sophos.com).

Avast (http://www.avast.com)

Make sure your computer has all its security patches

• Update your operating system.
• Update your web browsers and use Firefox or Chrome.
• Apps like Adobe Reader can be updated under Help > Check for updates.

Be aware of emails

• Do not email yourself files. Email is not encrypted; use services such as EIU’s OneDrive instead.
• This is an opportunity for phishers to take advantage of changing times.
  • Never share your username/password.
  • Be aware of the address bar and verify that it is an EIU service.
  • Use EIU’s email verification page (https://www.eiu.edu/verify) for official communication.
  • Have you received a suspicious email? Forward it to phishing@eiu.edu.

Microsoft Office can easily be used from home

• Did you know you get Microsoft Office for free if you are an employee?
  • https://portal.office.com/account/?ref=MeControl#installs
• Outlook and Office for Mobile
  • Install Microsoft Outlook on your mobile device or tablet. You can find Microsoft Office in your App store.
  • Other apps are also available for mobile such as Teams, Word, Excel, OneNote, and OneDrive.

Physically Secure devices and information

• If you leave your computer, it is a good idea not to keep work material on your screen.
• Lock your home and office doors.
• Do not leave laptops or mobile devices in the car or where they can be seen from a window.
• Do not use unencrypted portable hard drives or flash drives, ITS can help with encrypting the devices.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi

• Only use trusted encrypted network connections.
• Ensure your WiFi is encrypted using the WPA2 to prevent snoopers from accessing your network.
• Use EIU’s VPN to encrypt data between EIU and your computer.

Update Settings on Your Office Phone

If you're not going to be in your usual office location, you can make sure those who attempt to contact you there will still be able to reach you. You can forward your phone calls to another line by following these directions:

You may also wish to simply adjust your voicemail to instruct those who call you to reach you at an alternate number or via email. Instructions on updating your voicemail settings and messaging are available online.

If you have questions or difficulties about these processes, contact Becky Shew at rmshew@eiu.edu.

Operating System

Currently Supported Operating Systems

• Windows 10
• Windows 11
• Apple macOS 10.15
• Apple macOS 11
• Apple macOS 12

For Mac (Apple) products

• Find out which macOS your Mac is using - Apple Support

For Windows products

• Which version of Windows operating system am I running? (microsoft.com)

Encryption

Encryption is a data protection feature that integrates with the operating system and addresses the threats of data theft or exposure from lost or stolen computers.

• Apple macOS: Encrypt Mac data with FileVault
• Microsoft Windows: Encrypt Windows data with BitLocker