Google Calendar has a handy Appointment Slots feature that allows you to set up a block of appointments on your calendar that other people can reserve. For example, you can set aside 2 hours that you’re available to meet with people in 30-minute slots. Appointment slots are a great tool when you don’t know who needs to meet with you, but you want to make yourself available. To learn how to use the Appointment Slots feature, check out the Denison Appointment Slots Quick Reference Guide and Appointment Slots video.

For more information about Google Calendar, please visit the MyDenison Google Calendar page. If you have any questions, please contact the ITS Service Desk at servicedesk@denison.edu or 740-587-6395.

Google has added the following new features to further enhance online meetings:

• Ability to easily share videos with audio in Google Meet when using Google Chrome. To learn how, see the Google Meet Video Sharing Quick Reference Guide or Sharing a Video in Google Meet video.
• See up to 16 Google Meet participants at once with Google’s tiled layout. This feature is only available on computers – not on mobile devices. Google Meet selects a layout for your meeting but you can select a layout yourself if you like. To learn how, see the Google Support article on selecting a layout. If you would like to see more than 16 participants at once, you can use the previously announced Grid View for Google Meet Chrome extension.
• Video conference anywhere with Google Meet low-light mode on mobile. No action is necessary to enable this new feature – it is automatically on. To learn more, see Google’s announcement.

For an overview  of Google Meet and links to Google Meet resources,  please see the MyDenison Google Meet page. If you have further questions, please contact the ITS Service Desk at servicedesk@denison.edu or 740-587-6395.

May edition:

The Power of Updating

(https://www.sans.org/security-awareness-training/resources/power-updating)

OUCH! is the world’s leading, free security awareness newsletter designed for the common computer user. Published every month and in multiple languages, each edition is carefully researched and developed by the SANS Securing The Human team, SANS instructor subject matter experts and team members of the community. Each issue focuses on and explains a specific topic and actionable steps people can take to protect themselves, their family and their organization.

This is a reminder of the sharp increase in phishing attacks occurring. Hackers and cybercriminals are using public apprehension over the coronavirus outbreak to advance their agendas. IBM recently warned consumers that ransomware is being sent through coronavirus-themed payloads that hackers are unleashing. Emails purporting to contain information about the spread of the coronavirus could secretly download the Emotet malware that allows hackers to steal information and deliver malware.

The types of emails you may receive that try to get your attention and get you to click a malicious link or open an attachment include:

1. Fake school or CDC emails could make you think you or your student has been exposed to COVID-19. They could say your family may face quarantine.
2. False claims that there’s a vaccine for sale or some form of remedy available.
3. Misleading ads about masks that may not be effective or other helpful hints to combat the virus.
4. Emails with “latest” updates to keep you informed as criminals are aware that everyone wants to know everything first.

 What can you do? Be careful opening any web links or attachments, even if you know the sender.

1. Look for “Red Flags” in emails you receive. Red Flags include abnormalities in the sender, topic, links, content, etc. Please refer to the following helpful one page document: Social Engineering Red Flags to learn how to detect phishing emails.
2. Please contact the ITS Service Desk at servicesdesk@denison.edu or 740-587-6395 whenever you have any doubts or concerns!  We are here to help!

Google has added the ability to share higher-quality video with audio in a Google Meet. Previously, sharing video with audio in a Google Meet required use of workarounds and the quality was unpredictable. Recognizing the need for high quality video/audio sharing, Google has expanded the options available to allow you to easily share any video you can play within Chrome. To learn how, see the Denison Information Technology Services Google Meet Video Sharing Quick Reference Guide or Sharing a Video in Google Meet video.

If you have any questions or issues, please contact the ITS Service Desk at 740-587-6395 or servicedesk@denison.edu.

As previously announced, Information Technology Services (ITS) has been working with our phone vendor to expand the options for Denison phone service during this remote work-at-home phase. The options include the Jabber “SoftPhone” app which allows you to make and receive calls on your Denison phone line(s) on your Mac or Windows computer. It also allows you to turn on and off forwarding to your cell phone. You can find more details on Jabber and other options in the Phone Options Remote Work Guide along with the request process for each. 

If you believe you would benefit from use of Jabber, please place your request by 4/29/2020. Requests placed by this date will  have the typical $6.43/mo. fee waived by CBTS for the next two months.

If you have any questions, please contact the ITS Service Desk at servicedesk@denison.edu or 740-587-6395.

Sound familiar? Phishing and spear phishing attempts have increased recently, with scammers sending notices of job opportunities and gift card requests. Remember to be be vigilant with emails requesting money, promising money, or which are generally intended to create a sense of urgency.

Check out these links for a refresher on what to watch for:

• Spear Phishing
• Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks
• FTC Guidance on Gift Card Scams
• FTC Guidance on Fake Check Scams