We’ve pulled together information about 2021-22 Term 2 Startup IT Updates to help you get ready for Term 2.
Please reach out to your Engagement Services Coordinator with any questions or concerns.
Have a wonderful holiday break and see you in 2022!
2021 Holiday IT Support Hours
Winter Break Hours
Please note the UBC IT Okanagan Service Desk will be closing early on Thursday December 9 and Friday December 24th. During the winter break, the Service Desk will be closed to walk ups and phone support from December 27th to January 3rd, 2022. From Tuesday January 4th to 7th phone support will be available from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Walk-up support will resume normal operating hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm weekdays on January 10th.
On behalf of everyone in UBC IT Okanagan we wish you a very happy, and safe holiday season.
Update Your Zoom Client by December 14, 2021
Zoom recently posted a security bulletin regarding a vulnerability in their Zoom Client for all platforms (e.g. Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and Linux). As such, we are asking UBC Zoom Licensed users to update their clients to the latest version. The latest available version as of November 28, 2021 is 5.8.6.
Zoom Vulnerability Detected – Update Your Account by December 14
Zoom recently posted a security bulletin regarding a vulnerability in their Zoom Client for all platforms (e.g. Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and Linux). As such, we are asking Zoom account holders to update their account to the latest version. The latest available version as of November 28, 2021 is 5.8.6.
To align with Information Security Standard M5 “Vulnerability Management,” version 5.8.4 will be implemented on all UBC licensed Zoom accounts on December 14, 2021 at 11:59pm.
After December 14, if you are running a version older than 5.8.4, you will be asked to update the next time you log in to Zoom or the next time that you attempt to join a meeting or webinar if you are already logged in. The update must be completed before you can join.
To avoid disruptions, we strongly recommend updating your mobile and desktop accounts to the mandatory minimum version prior to December 14. If you receive a prompt to update prior to December 14, please do so. Note that the mandatory minimum version requirement will not be enforced on Zoom users external to UBC that are joining your meeting or webinar.
To check for updates, open the Zoom application on your computer (type Zoom into the search bar on the bottom left):
Then click on your profile name or image on the Zoom pop-up window that appears, then select “Check for Updates” from the drop down menu:
Here are some more helpful links:
- Instructions on how to update Zoom
- Instructions on how to check your current version
- Learn more about the Zoom security bulletin here under the item “ZSB-21019”
If you require further assistance with updating your client, please submit a ticket via the UBC Self-Service Portal to request AV Support.
Monthly Forced Reboots for UBC Managed Windows Devices
To assist the campus community in staying compliant with UBC’s information security standards, new mandatory forced restarts on UBC supported computers are being implemented as operating system security patches and updates are deployed.
Security patches and updates are usually applied to Windows based computers monthly, but some might need to happen out-of-cycle to address a critical vulnerability or issue. This follows Microsoft’s best practices and aligns with UBC’s information security standards: U7 – Securing Computing and Mobile Storage Devices / Media and M5 – Vulnerability Management.
All UBC Okanagan supported Windows laptop and desktop computers will be required to reboot within a 3-14 day window following these updates. For more details please refer to the article in KnowIT – Windows Forced Reboots for UBC Managed Devices.
UBCO IT Managed macOS Upgrades
To stay compliant with UBC’s information security standards, macOS needs to be updated to at least macOS 10.15 “Catalina”.
Starting November 22, centrally managed Mac desktops and laptops at UBC Okanagan will receive notifications in the lower right-hand corner of their screen when updates are available.
macOS 10.14 “Mojave” and older versions of macOS are no longer supported by Apple and it is recommended that you upgrade to a newer version of macOS.
To find out more, visit: it.ok.ubc.ca/macOS-upgrade
CIO Jennifer Burns responds to changes in BC’s privacy legislation
The NDP government has unveiled Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) amendments it said will help people access services faster while enhancing privacy protections. Among the changes are:
Global IT Equipment Delays & Fiscal Year End for UBCO IT Equipment Purchases
Global supply chain issues in the computer hardware manufacturing industry continue to impact technology purchases around the world. UBC IT has been working with our suppliers to mitigate these issues, however we are still seeing delays of up to 4-5 months on some products, especially custom PC builds, adaptors, docks and monitors.
To avoid issues with planned fiscal year end purchases, we strongly recommend that you contact UBCO IT as soon as possible regarding any computer or technology related equipment purchases required for FY2021-22 in order to discuss options and ensure delivery before March 31, 2022.
Not sure what to buy?
If you have any questions or concerns, our teams can assist you in selecting appropriate equipment that meets your needs, can be supported by UBC IT Okanagan and is compatible with our UBC management and security standards.
UBCIT routinely stocks “standard models” (based on a common set of specifications) to minimize lead times. Standard models may be a viable option as opposed to customized models (where additional memory, drive space, etc is required for specific complex tasks). We encourage you to arrange a consultation with us so we can advise you on the best options based on your specific needs.
Please be aware, that while consumer grade equipment at retail outlets may be cheaper, they are typically not able to meet UBC’s Information Security (Policy SC14 – Acceptable Use and Security of UBC Electronic Information and Systems), or encryption standards.
To request a consultation on recommended equipment, please submit a “Request Desktop Support” ticket via the UBC Self-Service Portal. Detailed instructions on how to do this or how to order directly from Workday can be found on our KnowIT knowledge base.
Need help?
Please do NOT call the IT Service Centre or create new tickets to check the delivery status of any pending orders. You can view your submitted tickets which include updated ETAs in the UBC Self-Service Portal, under My Tickets (view this article for more details).
Once computers arrive at UBC they require software installation and set-up by our technicians which takes 2-4 hrs per device. You will be contacted when items are ready to be picked up or delivered.
Your patience and understanding of the unprecedented volume of equipment orders our technical teams are dealing with and these global delays is greatly appreciated.
Update on Global IT Equipment Delay
Operational delays in the computer hardware manufacturing industry continue to impact UBC and UBC IT’s procurement of computer equipment.
Moving? Use the new IT Equipment Move Request Form
Planning an upcoming office relocation or renovation? Need IT equipment, phones or audio-visual equipment moved?
You can now use the Okanagan – Employee IT Equipment Move Request form in the UBC Self-Service Portal to request the move of a single UBC employee’s IT equipment from one location to another for office moves, renovations or new builds.
Applies to: Contractors / Researchers / Faculty / Staff / Student Employees
Purpose: An all-in-one form to request computer, phone or audio-visual equipment moves for a single employee.
Please submit move requests no later than 5 business days before (earlier during peak times, e.g. start of term).
Moving MORE THAN 5 people? Please submit a General Service Request at least 2-3 weeks in advance, providing as much detail about the move as possible and a project coordinator will follow-up with you.
Note: If you need any keyboard trays, monitor arms, or other equipment which is attached to furniture moved, this will require a Facilities Work Request as well.
Find detailed instructions with screen shots of how to use this form in our UBCO IT Knowledge Base: knowIT.