staffnewslett_201309

Potential Dangers of USB Devices from unknown sources

Do be careful when using USB devices from unknown sources. As USB devices such as portable battery chargers, electronic picture frames and thumb drives, have the capacity to store files, some attackers make use of these unsusceptible devices to store malicious codes. When users connect these infected products to their computing equipment, the malware could automatically install themselves onto the connected devices or computers.

Jail-breaking or rooting your mobile devices will render them more vulnerable to malicious attacks as the security defences would have been removed.

Always protect your devices and computers with reputable anti-virus software and avoid installing software/devices from unknown sources.

Security of Portable Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Staff who were issued with Portable HDD, must create encrypted containers in the Portable HDD for storing sensitive information such as Marks, Personal data, Tender evaluations, Proposal papers, Evaluations, etc.

Staff should not store sensitive data in an unencrypted form on their computers, network attached storage or portable storage media. Doing so will enable unauthorised persons such as repair/maintenance/disposal personnel to view and manipulate the data.

The public sector IT Security Policy requires that staff store all corporate information and sensitive data in corporate-issued computers or portable storage devices. Staff shall not use their personal computers or storage devices to store corporate information, especially sensitive information. IA & CC will be conducting random checks of staff computers and portable devices over the next few months.

Beware of Phishing sites

A number of phishing sites mimic genuine internet sites. Fraudsters will send out emails and invite readers to update their details including User ID, Pin/Password and mobile number via a link.

If you see a link in a suspicious email message, don't click on it. Hover your mouse over the link and you may find that the URL leads to an unfamiliar site.

To avoid your account from being compromised:

• NEVER provide confidential information such as your User ID, Password/Pin to anyone. NP staff will NEVER ask you to reveal such information over the phone or email.

• Notify the IT Support at ext 8111 or email Support@np.edu.sg if you notice any suspicious activities on your account or alerts for unknown transactions.

Change of Email address for Nanyang Polytechnic

Please note that Nanyang Polytechnic has just migrated out of the government email service into their own email system. While User Name remains unchanged, there is a change to the email domain from "@nyp.GOV.sg" to "@nyp.EDU.sg".

Thus, {staffname}@nyp.GOV.sg
should now be {staffname}@nyp.EDU.sg

Kindly update any email addresses stored in your personal address books.

Sending email with sensitive information

Important facts:

• It is NOT possible to recall an email after you have sent it from your NP email account.
• Encrypted email in Lotus Notes will be delivered in plain text to any non-NP email service. Please check the email address before you send.

When you wish to send out an email containing sensitive information, you are required to first encrypt the attachment using RMS (Microsoft Rights Management Services) or save it in a Truecrypt folder.

Guides to encrypting your files >>

Time saving tip for NPal2 Learning Management

You can search for a course by entering keywords in the Search Catalog field.

If you copy and paste text into the search field, you may encounter an error message as the copied text may contain embedded control characters. It is advisable to type the keywords instead of pasting text into the search field.

System Maintenance Schedule for Sep 2013

Sat, 7 Sep 2013, 9am to 1pm

NP website, Staff portal and Student portal Maintenance
During the maintenance,

• Users may experience momentarily slowness when accessing the following URLs:
  - www.np.edu.sg
  - staffhome.np.edu.sg
  - portal.np.edu.sg
  - npweb.np.edu.sg
  
• Portal and Web Site owners will not be able to edit or delete content in the systems.

 

Sat, 7 Sep 2013, 9am to 6pm

The following services will not be accessible between 9am and 6pm while new system equipment are being installed:

• MeL
• Staff eMail
• Lotus Notes applications

Network Maintenance
There should not be any impact to network services during maintenance. If you encounter interruption during this period, please try again.

 

Sun, 15 Sep 2013, 1pm to 4pm

NPal & NPal2 Maintenance
All NPal and NPal2 services for staff and students will be unavailable during maintenance on Sun, 15 Sep 2013 from 1pm to 4pm for the application of security patches.

 

Fri, 27 Sep 2013, 6pm to Tue, 8 Oct 2013, 9am

Upgrade of NPal Student Admin System
There will be no access to NPal Student Admin System between 27 Sep, 6pm and 8 Oct, 9am during the migration period.

 

Fri, 27 Sep 2013, 11pm to Sat, 28 Sep 2013, 6am

Network Maintenance
Access to internet via campus network may be slow during the maintenance period.

Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Please email to Support@np.edu.sg should you require further information or clarification.