Author Archives: Judith Julien-Alexander

What is Multi-Factor Authentication and Why Do We Need It?

Recently, cybersecurity has become a priority for businesses, government, and schools which is why Goucher has included this as part of the new strategic plan. One of the first cybersecurity projects Information technology (IT) is implementing is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

MFA is a two-step process of providing access to a website or application for an added layer of security. Banks, colleges, and more now require MFA and most likely you’ve already gone through this process for at least one site outside Goucher.

To help ensure the security of email and data, IT began implementing MFA via a phone app called Microsoft Authenticator. Other than the added security that comes from adding MFA to your account, there are other advantages:

  • Users with MFA setup no longer need to call the Help Desk to reset their Goucher password. This is also true for shared accounts.
  • Password resets for faculty/staff have changed from every 90 days to every 180 days

Before you Begin:

Please review the following information prior to setting up MFA:

In most cases, you will only be prompted every 90 days to verify your identity. Students living on campus will be prompted at least once every 7 days. This will occur for each device. For instance, if you use the Outlook app on your phone, you will need to approve access. If you then access your email through a browser, you will again be prompted to approve access. There are other situations that will trigger a new authentication request. . Please review the FAQs for more information.

MFA will only work with certain email apps on mobile devices. The following apps support modern authentication:

  • Outlook on iOS version 10.x and greater
  • Outlook on Android

Make sure you have the latest OS or application version installed on your device prior to setting up MFA.

MFA will only work with Office 2016 or higher or Office 365. If you are running Office 2013 for Windows or Office 2011 or lower for Macs, on your Goucher-managed laptop, contact the Help Desk to upgrade your system. If you are using Office on a personal computer to check your Goucher emails, please make sure that you are running at least Office 2016 (for Windows users) or Office 365 (for Windows and Mac users). Office 365 can be installed on personal computers for work at home use. For those who cannot upgrade or install Office 365 on your personal computer, you will need to use the web-based version of Outlook to check messages.

Instructions on how to take advantage of Microsoft’s Office 365 home use option

Two authentication methods are needed to be set up to fulfill MFA requirements. Entering your password and setting up one of the methods below is not enough to fulfill MFA requirements. You will need to set up both the authenticator app and the phone methods. The only exception is if you have a non-smartphone device. In that case, only set up the phone method.

Get Started

Once you have reviewed this information, go to Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication for instructions.

Have more questions? Review the Multi-Factor Authentication FAQs page.

Multi-Factor Authentication FAQs

What is Microsoft Authenticator?

Microsoft Authenticator is a free mobile device application that can be downloaded from Google Play or Apple store. The app notifies you if access to an Office 365 application is being attempted. If you did not initiate the access, you then select the option to not approve it. If you did, then you select “Yes” and you will be given immediate access.

The app also provides a one-time password code in case you need another way to verify your identity. The code changes every 30 seconds for added security.

Why do I keep getting “Activation failed” when setting up the authenticator app?

In order for the authenticator app to work properly, it needs to be able to send you notifications when it needs you to approve access to an Office 365 application. If you see the message below, go to your phone settings and make sure that push notifications are enabled for the authenticator app.

You may also need to make sure that the app has access to your camera if you need to scan a barcode to complete the setup.

Why do we have to use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

Cyber attacks are more prevalent than before. Goucher needs to take steps in order to prevent any major threats. Setting up MFA is one of many IT projects that will be implemented to address cyber security as part of the strategic plan.

What do I do if I’m not able to download the Authenticator app on my phone?

If you get an invalid link when you scan the barcode or are not able to find “Microsoft Authenticator” app in the Google Play or Apple store, you can use the following links:

Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-authenticator/id983156458

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.azure.authenticator&hl=en_US&gl=US

Access this link from a browser on your phone and it should bring you to the correct app. If you continue to experience a problem, please contact the Help Desk.

I already have Goucher email setup on my phone. Will that cause a problem?

This may cause a problem. We recommend you remove the Goucher email account and make sure your phone is running the latest operating system before going through the instructions.

For instructions on how to remove and add your Goucher account back to your phone please check the following link https://blogs.goucher.edu/knowledgebase/2018/07/05/adding-your-office-365-email-account-to-your-mobile-device/

Why do we have to select two methods? Isn’t one method and entering my password enough?

As you know, a password is one of the easiest things that can get hacked. Therefore, we cannot rely on passwords alone. Providing two additional methods provides a backup method just in case you experience a problem with the other.

For instance, You set up the authenticator and phone as your MFA methods. If for some reason the authenticator app doesn’t work, you can then select to use the phone method to receive your verification code.

I don’t have a smartphone. Is there another option to set this up?

Although the authenticator app is one of the preferred methods, we understand that not everyone has a capable phone. If that’s the case, you should only set up the phone method to receive your verification code via phone or text.

I use Mail for my Goucher email already. Can I still use that instead of the Outlook app?

The Mail client is not as reliable as the Outlook app. It is highly recommended you use the Outlook app to avoid any problems.

I went through all the steps, but I’m getting a message that I’ve been blocked. What do I do now?

Make sure you’re using the Outlook app instead of the Mail app if you’re an iPhone user.

If you are using the Outlook app, remove the Goucher email account and add it back in. If you continue to experience a problem, contact the Help Desk.

Why am I being prompted to enter my credentials when it hasn’t been 90 days yet?

There could be several reasons for this:

  • You are a student who lives on-campus. Students who live on-campus will be prompted to re-authenticate every 7 days.
  • Your IP address changed. If you travel with your device, such as between campus and home or to any new location, the IP address change from one location to another can trigger a re-authentication.
  • You are using a new device that has not been authenticated.
  • Your account was flagged with suspicious activity, and for security reasons it automatically triggers a prompt to ask you to re-authenticate.
  • You have another Goucher account setup in Outlook that has not been configured for MFA. If you have a department or shared account setup in Outlook, you may continue to get prompted to enter credentials because the account hasn’t been setup in MFA yet. If you go through the steps for that account, please make sure to only select E-mail and Phone for the authentication methods. Contact the Help Desk if further assistance is needed.

I tried to set up phone sign-in via the app and it says that it’s not enabled. How do I set up the phone method?

The phone method can only be set up through the MFA Setup website. The phone sign-in is another option that the authenticator app provides that we are not implementing at this time.

Important Related Links: What is Multi-Factor Authentication and Why Do We Need It? and Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication

How to Use Webcam in Classroom

Connect Webcam to Laptop

Locate the USB cable connected to the webcam

Connect the cable to your laptop’s USB port. If using a laptop equipped with a USB-C port, then use the USB hub that was provided with your laptop.

Zoom Settings

If the connected webcam is not detected by default, navigate to the bottom of the screen.

Click the arrow next to the “Stop Video” icon.

Select the USB webcam in use. For example,  “AUKEY PC- LM1E Camera,” or “Logitech C920.”

To use the connected webcam’s microphone, navigate to the bottom of the screen.

Click the arrow next to the “Mute” icon.

Under “Select a Microphone” click the microphone corresponding to the make and model of the webcam. For example, “AUKEY PC-LM1E.”

Under “Select a Speaker” click on the appropriate speaker output. For example, “HDMI” if using the AV system.

Instructional Videos

How to Connect Your Windows Laptop

How to Connect Your MacBook (Coming Soon)

Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication

Before you Begin:

Review the information provided in the What is Multi-Factor Authentication and Why Do We Need IT? article prior to going through these instructions. Also, take the time to review the instructions before going through the steps.

Instructions:

Everyone must visit the MFA Setup Page to configure at lease one secondary verification method. You can choose to use the Microsoft Authenticator app (Option 1 below) and/or choose a text or call to your phone (Option 2 below). Best practice is to set up both using the Microsoft Authenticator App as the default method with a phone verification (SMS or Call) as a backup.

Please read the instructions below carefully prior to following the steps.

Option 1: Microsoft Authenticator App

Once installed, this will be set as your default sign-in method. You can change this if you prefer to use a different method as your default.

  1. Visit the MFA Setup link and sign in with your Office 365 username ([username]@goucher.edu) and password. Click NEXT.
  2. From the Security info page, click Add Method then select Authenticator App.
  3. Then click the Add button.
  4. You will then be prompted to download the app to your phone. From your phone, launch the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
  5. Search for and download the Microsoft Authenticator app. Once downloaded, click Next on the Microsoft Authenticator window on your computer. Then click Next again.
  6. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app and select to allow notifications (if prompted).
  7. Select Add Account from the Customize and control icon (3 vertical dots) in the upper-right corner.
  8. Then select Work or school account (Android) or Scan a QR Code (iPhone).
    NOTE: If this is the first time setting up the Microsoft Authenticator app, you might receive a prompt asking whether to allow the app to access your camera (iOS) or to allow the app to take pictures and record video (Android).  Please select “Allow” so the authenticator app can access your camera to take a picture of the QR code in the next step.
  9. Scan the QR code provided on the screen which will add the account to the device automatically. Once this is complete, click Next on your computer.
  10. From your phone, click Approve to allow your account to be added to the Authenticator app.

Tip: If you are not able to scan the QR code or are denied access, you can still receive approval by providing the one-time password code found in the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Option 2: Phone (As Default or Backup Method)

As a backup option to the Microsoft Authenticator app, it is recommended to add a second method. To receive a phone call or text to verify your identity, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the MFA Setup link and sign in with your Office 365 username ([username]@goucher.edu) and password.
  2. For first time users: Click NEXT, and then click “I want to set up a different method” link.


    For users who already setup the Authenticator app
    : From the Security info page, click Add Method

  3. Select Phone from the dropdown.

  4. Enter your cell phone number and choose the option to either Text me a Code or Call Me.
    • If you choose the text option, you will receive a message on your phone with the code you need to enter.
    • If you choose the call option, you will get a phone call for verification. Please follow the prompts to continue.

Your Security info page should look like this once both methods are set up:

Verifying Your Identity

Once all the methods are set up, you can then attempt to access your Goucher email. If you are off-campus, you should be prompted to enter your password, then an option should appear to verify your identity. Here’s how the app should look once it’s been set up:

If the authenticator app is installed on your phone and set as the default sign-in method, then you’ll be prompted to approve access. If you selected a different identity method, then a verification code will be sent via text or phone call.

You will only be prompted for MFA once the feature is enabled for your account. If you do not receive a prompt while off-campus then it hasn’t been enabled for you yet.

Troubleshooting tip: If you already have your Goucher email setup on your phone, you may experience a problem with the authentication. If that is the case, remove the Goucher account from your email app then add it back again.

For instructions on how to remove and add your Goucher account back on your phone please check the following link https://blogs.goucher.edu/knowledgebase/2018/07/05/adding-your-office-365-email-account-to-your-mobile-device/

Please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@goucher.edu if you experience a problem during setup.

 

Important Related Links: What is Multi-Factor Authentication and Why Do We Need It? and Multi-Factor Authentication FAQs

 

How to Pull Audits in Degree Works

Go to http://degreeworks.goucher.edu and log in with your Goucher username and password.

You’ll then see a student search page.  If you know the student’s ID number, you can enter it here.  If you want to search by name, click Advanced search.

Clicking Advanced search will open the following screen.  Enter the student’s name.  Both names don’t need to be entered.  After entering the name, click the Search button.

A list of students that match your search will be displayed. All students that match are checked by default.  You can uncheck all the names by clicking the check box next to the “Id” column and then re-select just the student you want to review.

Clicking the Select button at the bottom left will take you back to the Worksheets page.

To start reviewing audits, click on the Select Student box and choose from the list of students.

If you have any questions or experience any issues, please contact the helpdesk at x6322 or at helpdesk@goucher.edu.

PDFelement FAQs

PDFelement is an alternative application to Adobe Acrobat. It allows you to create, edit, sign, convert, and OCR documents. We are currently testing this application with a limited number of licenses. Here are some common questions that will help current users.

What is the difference between PDFelement and Acrobat?

The main difference is that Acrobat is a product of Adobe and PDFelement is provided through a company called Wondershare. Wondershare has created PDFelement as a low-cost alternative to Acrobat while providing all of the same features that Acrobat provides. Anything that you’ve been able to do in Acrobat, you will be able to do with PDFelement.

I need to add my signature to documents. Can I get a PDFelement license?

Not necessarily. Since we have limited licenses, we can only provide it to faculty and staff who do a lot of editing of PDFs. You do not need PDFelement to add signatures to a document. Adobe Reader provides that functionality as well as commenting and some editing features. If you’re not sure if Adobe Reader will do everything you need, please contact the Help Desk for guidance.

I get a message about a watermark when I try to save a document? How do I fix this?

You could be getting this message because PDFelement is unable to verify the license. Please check the upper right corner to make sure that your username is listed. If it states “Log in” then your license isn’t applied. Click the Log In button and enter your Wondershare ID and password. Note: This is different from your Goucher username and password.

My Goucher username and password aren’t working to login. Do I need to reset my password?

Your Goucher username and password will not work with PDFelement. When the license was first assigned to you, you should have received an email with your Wondershare ID and your initial password. Your Wondershare ID will always be your Goucher email address in the format firstname.lastname@goucher.edu. You should always change your initial password to prevent anyone else from logging in as you. If you can’t remember your Wondershare password, click Log In to access the Account window. Then click the Forgot Password? link and follow the steps to reset your password.

I get an error when I try to add a signature after combining PDFs? What am I doing wrong?

You are doing the steps correctly. There is a known bug that is causing the error. Here is a workaround until the bug is fixed:

  1. Open the first document in PDFelement.
  2. Click the thumbnail view.
  3. Right-click the document and choose Insert pages and select From PDF and select the second document.
  4. Click OK to complete the insert process.
  5. Follow steps 2-4 again for any additional documents that need to be inserted.
  6. Select the document in thumbnail view go through the steps of applying the signature.

How can I find out how to use PDFelement?

Wondershare has an extensive video library on their YouTube channel. You can access it by going to Wondershare PDFelement.

Can I install PDFelement on more than one computer?

You can install PDFelement on as many computers as you like. However, Wondershare only allows you to be logged in on two computers at a time. So, if you want to use a different computer then you’ll need to log off one or the license will be revoked as soon as you sign in on another computer.

PDFelement takes a while to load on my computer. Why is that?

We’ve noticed that this happens mainly on Windows computers for some reason. Although Wondershare stated that they improved the performance, it still opens slower than expected. One reason why it could take longer is because once PDFelement launches, it has to check in with the Wondershare licensing server to make sure that a) your license is valid and b) your license is not active on more than two devices. Once it does that, any subsequent documents that you open or save tend to process much quicker.

I’m getting errors for things I’ve done before. What could be causing this?

Make sure you’re running the latest version of PDFelement. Wondershare will usually prompt if there’s an update. You can select “Later” but then you’re also be delaying a fix that you need. Take the time to run the updates as they come quite regularly. If after installing the latest updates and you still get an error, please open a ticket with our Help Desk so we can reach out to Wondershare support for a possible fix.

 

 

 

Work at Home Guide

This guide was created to prepare you for working at home if needed and to provide some troubleshooting tips if you’ve started to encounter some technical problems.

Click the FAQ title to access the information for that section.

How to Upgrade to Office 365 for Macs

Every Mac user will need to have Office 365 installed by October 13, 2020. That is when Microsoft will no longer support Office 2010 and Office 2016 for Macs. If you’re not sure which version you have installed on your computer, perform the following:

  1. Launch Word.
  2. Click the Word menu in the top left.
  3. Select About Microsoft Word.

If the version shows 2010 or 2016 then you need to upgrade. Here are two options on how to upgrade to Office 365:

Upgrade Option 1: Self Service

  1. First, connect to the VPN.
  2. Launch Self Service from the dock or do a search. The Self Service icon is the Goucher Gopher icon with a black background.
  3. Click the Applications option from the left side menu.
  4. Then click Install for the Microsoft Office 365 (AY21) application. It will perform a silent install which will take about 10-30 minutes depending on your connection.
  5. When it’s done, the button will change to “reinstall.” Make sure that the Office applications are installed on your computer.
  6. After installation, launch one of the applications. You should then be prompted to enter your Office login.
  7. Enter your [username]@goucher.edu in the username field and your Goucher password.
  8. Then accept the license agreement to continue.

Upgrade Option 2: Office.goucher.edu

  1. Go to office.goucher.edu and enter your Office login: [username]@goucher.edu and Goucher password.
  2. Once logged in, click the Install Office menu located on the top right side. Then select Office 365 apps to begin the download.

    The install window instructions will appear and the Office install package will start to download on your computer.

  3. Depending on your browser, launch the Microsoft Office 16 installer package either from the bottom of the browser, Download folder, or the down arrow link at the top right corner.
  4. Select Yes to install then follow the prompts to complete. The install should take between 5-10 minutes.
  5. After installation, launch one of the applications. You should then be prompted to enter your Office login.
  6. Enter your [username]@goucher.edu in the username field and your Goucher password.
  7. Then accept the license agreement to continue.

If you run into a problem with one of the upgrade options, then try the other option. If neither works, please contact the Help Desk for further assistance.

How to Connect to a Remote Mac Lab Computer

Need to access an application that you don’t have installed on your own computer? Here’s a way you can still access the software you need off-campus.

Step 1: Download and Connect to Cisco AnyConnect VPN

You must first connect to the Cisco AnyConnect VPN network so you can connect to the Goucher network. Click the link below if you do not already have the VPN client installed on your personal computer.

Setting Up a VPN Connection

Step 2: Download and Install Teamviewer

In order to connect to a specific computer in a Mac lab, you will need to:

  1. Download and install a free remote client named Teamviewer.
  2. During installation, make sure default installation is selected and then select Personal/Non-commercial use in the How do you want to use Teamviewer? section.
  3. Then select Accept/Finish to complete the install. Windows users, select Yes if you have User Access Control enabled.

Note: you do not need to create an account to use this application.

Step 3: Connect to Mac

A special teamviewer ID is needed to connect to a specific computer. For a list of available Macs with their associated teamviewer ID click the link below:

Teamviewer IDs for DAC

Once you have selected the computer that you would like to connect to, copy the ID and enter it into the Partner ID field in the Control Remote Computer section of the Teamviewer client.

teamviewer window

Make sure that Remote control is selected, then click Connect. A window will appear requesting a password. Enter GoucherRemote2020 in the password field and click Log On to connect.

Enter Password

During Remote Session

Please keep the following items in mind while in your remote session:

  1. There is no sound available. This is not a limitation to Teamviewer. This is just how Macs handle remote sessions.
  2. Do not close the teamviewer client running on the Mac. If you close the client, then it will automatically end your session and no one else will be able to remote until we can re-launch it.
  3. Log in to Creative Cloud with your Adobe ID. If you need to use an Adobe product, you will need to log in to Creative Cloud first. If you do not have an Adobe ID, follow the link to create one.
  4. Deny others from logging in. Teamviewer allows more than one person to log on to the same computer. There is no way for us to prevent this. However, if you are logged in to a Mac and you receive a message that someone wants to connect, simply deny the request so you can continue your session.
  5. Log out of the Mac when done. You must log out of the Mac by going to the Apple menu at the top left of the screen and select Log Out from the menu. DO NOT select any other option. If you do not log out, then this prevents others from logging in after you. Then you can end the Teamviewer remote session.

If you experience any problems during setup or use of the Mac, please send an email to helpdesk@goucher.edu for assistance.

How to Connect to a Remote Windows Lab Computer

Step 1. Download and Connect to Cisco AnyConnect VPN

You must first connect to the Cisco AnyConnect VPN network before you will be able to remote into a lab computer. Click the link below if you do not already have the VPN client installed on your personal computer.

Setting Up a VPN Connection

Step 2. Install Microsoft Remote Desktop

Windows Users
The Remote Desktop Connection application is already installed on your computer. No other software is required.

MacOS users
Download and install Microsoft Remote Desktop client from the App Store. Then restart your computer.

Step 3. Connect to Lab Computer

Please note: We currently only have Windows computers available. Connection to the MacOS computers should be available soon. Go to Public Lab Software Inventory to see a list of available software.

    1. Go to the Remote Labs Page to select an available computer.
    2. Click the Connect button to the left of any available computer.
    3. A connect window will pop-up. Click the Download button.
    4. Open the file that was downloaded. You will be prompted with a security warning.
    5. When prompted to enter credentials, type gcadmin\ followed by your Goucher username in the User name field (For example, gcadmin\jadoe001). Mac users can just type their username. Then type in your Goucher password in the next field and then click Connect.
    6. You may be prompted with a security one like the ones below:
      Certificate Warning on MacOS
      Certificate Warning on WindowsClick Continue or Yes depending on which certificate warning your receive. Dismissing this message, in this case, is safe. So, you can connect to the computer.
    7. Once connected, the remote window will appear. Please be patient as it will take some time for you to log onto the computer and for the contents to load.
    8. Once you’re done with your remote session, Go to the Start menu and log out of the computer so it can become available for the next user. DO NOT select any other option.

     

    Tip for Mac Users: Once you are on the desktop of the lab computer, you may find that the screen is too large and you have to scroll around. Go to the menu at the top of the screen and go to Window –> Scaling to change that setting.

    If you experience any problems during connection, please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@goucher.edu for assistance.