UAB IT is now providing information security training materials to inform university faculty, staff and students about computer threats.  Each month a newsletter will be released focusing on new and different cyber security threats.  Contact the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more specific training options that can increase the protection of your information systems. 

February 2013

March 2013

April 2013

May 2013

Instructions to download and install remote desktop connection client for Mac OS X

Windows:

Disable Java in your browser

Disable Java completely on Windows

Mac:

Disable Java in your browser

Disable Java completely on Mac

UAB IT Provides Critical Guidance to Campus on Appropriate Versions of Internet Explorer, Mac OS, and Java to Mitigate Risks of Exploitation

A critical security vulnerability was recently identified in the Java software used by many browsers for accessing Internet and internal web sites.  In response the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommended that all web users disable or remove Java to mitigate the risks.  However, as many UAB systems require Java, UAB IT is providing guidance to the UAB Campus that will both protect the university and will provide the ability to continue accessing the required UAB systems.  Part of that guidance includes using separate browsers for accessing UAB vs. non-UAB websites, and using certain browser versions and Java versions. 

Windows Systems:

• On Windows 7 Install IE 9 and Java 1.7.0_21

• On Windows XP install IE 8 and Java 1.7.0_21

UAB IT has updated the minimum recommendations for versions of Internet Explorer and Java as UAB systems have improved functionality to support newer browsers and the currently secure version of Java. Internet Explorer 9 and Java 1.7.0_21 are recommended for installation on Windows 7 and IE 8 with Java 1.7.0_21 on existing XP systems. UAB IT also recommends using a separate browser with JAVA disabled for Internet use.  Use IE for on campus with Java enabled and your choice of Firefox or Chrome for Internet browsing with JAVA disabled (for information on disabling Java click here).

Mac Systems:

• Install OSX 10.8 and Java 1.7.0_21

UAB IT has updated the minimum recommendations for versions of Mac Operating systems and Java as UAB systems have improved functionality that are compatible with the current version of Java. The recommended operating systems for use on Campus are Apple OSX 10.7x and 10.8x. While Apple OSX 10.6x is still supported by Apple, vendors are no longer testing against it for compatibility. Apple operating systems will not run any version lower than Java 1.7.0_21.

UAB IT also recommends using two different browsers — one for surfing the Web and one just for accessing UAB systems. For Internet Web browsing, use one of the following: Firefox Safari, or Chrome, with Java disabled (for information on disabling Java click here). For working with just UAB systems, choose a different browser and enable Java to work in it. If you run into compatibility issues with the local browser and UAB IT systems, use the IT terminal servers to access UAB resources via RDP client (for information on using IT terminal servers on Mac click here).

For more information, contact AskIT (www.uab.edu/askit).

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Microsoft Dreamspark Premium is now available to all UAB STEM programs at no cost. The Dreamspark program supports technical education by providing access to Microsoft software for learning, teaching and research purposes for faculty & students engaged in a STEM program (science, technology, engineering, math). 

For more information and login instructions click here. 

Link to full mobile device webpage

Link to Full UAB Mobile Web Page

On November 28th, the UAB Campus, Hospital and Pediatrics email directories will be synchronized.  This will greatly enhance individual Email address lookup, and sharing of Calendar Free/Busy information.

The directories of the three UAB email systems:

   * UAB Campus (addresses ending with @uab.edu)

   * Hospital (addresses ending with @uabmc.edu)

   * Pediatrics (addresses ending with @peds.uab.edu)

will be exchanging information so that users of any of these systems can more easily email everyone in the UAB community regardless of which system they use.  Additionally, users should be able to see free-busy calendar information for everyone in the UAB community in their calendar program.

Supported systems include Microsoft Outlook (Windows, OS X), smartphones using ActiveSync (including iPhone, iPad, and Android devices), Mail and Calendar programs on OS X, and the Microsoft Outlook Web Access web client hosted by each mail system (the UAB version is at https://mail.ad.uab.edu).

Users having a mailbox in only one of the above systems will not need to make any changes.  Users having mailboxes in multiple systems will be asked to consolidate into one mailbox or work through an exception process.   Consolidation is underway and users needing to consolidate are being contacted.  One exception case is those Hospital or Pediatrics employees who are also students wishing to separate their work and student emails.

Those using the UAB Campus mail system will notice that phone numbers will now show standardized 10-digit telephone numbers making it easier to call campus telephone numbers from off-campus and when using supported smart phones.

UAB IT has become aware of an email solicitation effort by DROPBOX (company) targeted toward UAB faculty, staff and students that appears to indicate UAB is supporting this solicitation. Please be aware that this solicitation is not sanctioned or supported by UAB and that Dropbox is not a contracted vendor of UAB.  Users are reminded that they should never utilize DROPBOX or any other similar type of service (where no contractual agreement exists between UAB and the vendor) to store any UAB confidential information.  If you have questions please contact AskIT at 205-996-7227 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

The 19^th annual UAB Holiday Toy Drive is underway!  From now until December 11^th, members of the UAB community are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys suitable for children between the ages of infant and 12 years. 

Individuals wishing to donate toys should place them in the designated collection boxes or bring them to the UAB Administration Building lobby by noon on December 11^th.  Toy collection boxes are located in buildings throughout campus, including the Administration Building, Campbell Hall, CH19, Cudworth Hall, FAB, Kaul Building, Heritage Hall, Hoehn, Lister Hill Library, School of Nursing, Public Health and the UAB Police Department just to name a few.  Sterne Library is also participating again this year, and library fines not exceeding $25 will be waived when you bring in the overdue books and a new, unwrapped toy (applied to current overdue books and fines only).

For more information about the 19^th annual UAB Holiday Toy Drive, contact Lauren Ritchie at 975-0250 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .