Effective Aug. 1, Kelly Foster will transition to the role of business & insurance manager, Kelly will be the key campus contact for all risk and insurance-related matters, including insurance claims and coverage, contracts, proof of insurance, foreign and domestic travel, experiential programs and coverage or claim questions. Kelly will continue to perform some project support for Facilities, Planning & Management and Administration. Please welcome Kelly to her new role and visit the Risk and Insurance Services website.

–Venessa Macro, Finance & Administration

What if there were a way to know every time someone attempted to access your account? Even better, wouldn’t it be terrific if stolen passwords were completely useless to attackers? Many phishing scams would be completely ineffective. That’s the power and control that multi-factor authentication (MFA)—sometimes known as two-step verification—can provide. 

As faculty and staff, you’re probably already using MFA to access your Drake email or Banner, and these benefits are part of the reason why ITS implemented Duo MFA last year. Attackers know that accounts only protected by passwords are easily compromised and stealing or modifying information undetected can be done quickly and easily. 

If you aren’t already using MFA on your personal accounts, why not start now? Here are some key accounts where you should consider adding MFA:  

• Email accounts: “Forgot password” reset requests from websites send instructions and links via email, so protecting your email ensures you are in control of resetting account passwords. 

• • Financial accounts: Protect your finances and credit. 

• • Social media and website management: Protect your online presence and personal brand. 

• Online shopping: Protect your credit cards. 

MFA is becoming more widely available and easier to use. Typically, you’ll install a mobile app or use text/phone call functionality. Most MFA mobile apps also generate codes to use while traveling or when cell service is unavailable. 

Depending on the type of website and/or data you’re protecting, you may want to adjust the frequency of the prompts. For example, you may want extra verification every time you sign into your retirement accounts but may only need that extra step occasionally or if you’re using a new device when signing into your personal email. 

The phishing attacks that we see at Drake often attempt to bypass account security, even those that are MFA-enabled. ITS will continue to provide phishing education in August using simulations of common attack methods. 

—Peter Lundstedt, ITS 

Jeremy Gudauskas and Whitney Roberts of North Central College in Napeville, Ill., will present the keynote address at the Faculty and Staff Learning Symposium, Friday, Aug. 16. This year’s symposium begins at 9 a.m., in the Olmsted Center.

The keynote presentation is entitled Navigating the Seas(ons) of Change: Lessons Learned From Those Still Swimming, and it will be presented just before lunch, beginning at 10:45 a.m.

Please visit the Learning Symposium webpage to learn more. You will also find a complete list of breakout sessions and a link to registration on Eventbrite.

Schedule of Events

–Drinda Williams, Office of the Provost

The Provost’s Drake Social will be Friday, Aug. 16, beginning at 4 p.m. in the Reading Room, Cowles Library. Please join colleagues for a little relaxation, conversation, and reconnecting. There will be light snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Those who have childcare responsibilities right after work may bring their children to the event. Soft drinks will be provided.

–Drinda Williams, Office of the Provost

Drake University is committed to fair and ethical principles, practices, and conduct in all business and academic relationships. To facilitate and protect this commitment, the University has contracted with EthicsPoint to manage a confidential hotline which provides a way to report situations that may represent financial misconduct or violations of local, state, or federal law or University policies.

Reports may be anonymous at the election of the reporter. Reports may be made via telephone by calling 877-295-7940 or via electronic submission. For additional information and access to the electronic reporting tool, click here.

–Venessa Macro, Finance and Administration