Take Steps to Protect Your Devices

Posted January 17, 2018 by Academic and Institutional Technology
Tags: Security Updates

Take Steps to Protect Your Devices

You may have seen recent news articles about two significant security flaws found in computers, smartphones, tablets, and other devices, known as Meltdown and Spectre. Security researchers discovered these flaws, which impact the computer processers (CPUs) that are in the heart of all the computerized equipment you use every day.

These bugs could allow hackers to steal data from your devices through malicious software or a hacked website. The bugs affect computer hardware dating to the mid-1990s, so updates to operating systems such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and IOS are required to protect devices from these flaws.

Academic and Institutional Technology is working to update Wheaton College-owned devices as vendors release updates.

Apple Devices

Apple has recently released a security patch for macOS, and you will need to update your computer immediately.

First, you must to ensure that you have upgraded to High Sierra, which is the latest macOS operating system. To make sure you have upgraded to High Sierra, please follow these instructions.

If you have already upgraded to High Sierra, you will need to check for new updates. To do this, go to the Mac App Store > Updates tab, and run any available updates.

If you need assistance upgrading to High Sierra or running updates, please bring your computer in to the AIT Service Desk, and we will be happy to help you.

Windows Devices

Starting on January 18, we will be updating all College-owned Windows devices with security patches. You should not expect to see any visible changes.

Personal Devices

To protect your personal computers, tablets, and phones, please make sure your devices are updated to the latest versions. This includes updating web browsers like Chrome and Firefox to the latest versions.

Some manufacturers will be releasing updates in the weeks to come, so we recommend you continue to check your device’s update features for new versions.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Academic and Institutional Technology by email or call 630.752.4357 (HELP).