Tag: UF Wi-Fi

Encouraging Students to Enroll Devices in Eduroam

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This month, UF Information Technology (UFIT) is launching a proactive educational and communication initiative aimed at enhancing student awareness and utilization of eduroam.

This initiative was conceived in response to student feedback regarding the quality and accessibility of Wi-Fi in the university’s public areas, particularly in the UF libraries.  After thorough testing conducted by UFIT staff, it was determined that the Wi-Fi infrastructure in the libraries is operating as intended. Further analysis indicated that students can significantly enhance their Wi-Fi experience by making two simple adjustments: enrolling their devices in the eduroam service and deactivating their smartphone’s hot spot. Thus the three messaging “drumbeats” are the focus of the campaign:

  1. You’re a Gator—not a [UF] Guest! Enroll in eduroam.
  2. Get on eduroam for up to 10X’s faster internet!
  3. DYK? Your phone’s Wi-Fi hotspot interferes with the Wi-Fi campus signal.

Another benefit students will see upon enrolling in eduroam is they won’t have to re-register every 24 hours to use the UF Guest Wi-Fi. Device registration eliminates the need to do that, while also providing the most secure connection available.

Outreach support for the You’re a Gator–not a [UF] Guest! campaign includes monitor images, multiple videos, a social media campaign, signage in strategic, student gathering locations, and tabling events. Campaign materials (e.g., monitor images, videos, and stickers) will be made available to UF’s colleges and divisions, to help spread the word. Anyone with questions about the campaign is welcome to contact UFIT Communications.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi

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Traveling this summer? Avoid public
Wi-Fi networks as much as possible.

Using public Wi-Fi is easy because they don’t require a password. However, free unsecured access can allow hackers to watch every keystroke–as you log into bank accounts, GatorMail, make purchases, and access other files. In just seconds, all your personal and financial information can be stolen. According to Forbes, four in 10 people have had their information compromised while using public Wi-Fi.

Restaurants, hotels, and airports are among the most popular places people use unsecured Wi-Fi. Airports offer the perfect cybercrime environment. As people use public, unsecured Wi-Fi to read their emails or check the weather at their destination, someone might be tracking every click. How? One way is that hackers create free public Wi-Fi access networks with names that sound like the official airport Wi-Fi network. For instance, which would you log into: ‘CLT Free WiFi’ or ‘Charlotte Airport WiFi’? If you selected the wrong one from the list of available networks that pop up on your phone, then with just one click you are gifting all your personal information to a hacker. We are all addicted to connecting with friends, work, and family. But remember, you should only use encrypted or password-secured networks. Also, use UF’s VPN connection, so what you do send and receive is encrypted.

Visit https://news.it.ufl.edu/security/safe-travel-is-smart-travel-cyber-vigilance/ for more tips on information security and travelling safely.

Quick Tutorials for UF Email, Wi-Fi

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UFIT’s YouTube channel is robust with information and how-to tips on a variety of topics. Since two of the most popular reasons for contacting the UF Computing Help Desk are UF email (GatorMail) and Wi-Fi (eduroam), we’ve curated some of the videos and online documentation available on these topics. So, while you are preparing to teach a class, taking a study break, or waiting for an RTS bus, watch a video or review a how-to doc. And remember, if you ever need assistance with GatorMail or connecting to UF’s eduroam network, just call, visit, or email the IT Help Desk. The Help Desk is available seven days a week!

Getting UF Email (GatorMail) on Your Phone:
https://www.mail.ufl.edu/managing-email/connecting-to-email/

Eduroam — UF’s Campus Wireless Network:
https://youtu.be/94qJtDkxZ1I

Adding a Device to Your Multi-Factor Authentication Profile:
https://youtu.be/1S1y4FzWUZo

Why You Shouldn’t Use GatorMail for External-to-UF (3rd Party) Accounts:
https://youtu.be/iOpwDHpIwGI

Using UF’s GatorMail Phish Alert Button:
https://youtu.be/m5kBbS4_tH8

Setting Up Wi-Fi on your iPhone:
https://youtu.be/kiAlsvQrVFo

Maximize Wi-Fi Experience On Campus

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Eduroam is the campus Wi-Fi network option for students, faculty, and staff with active GatorLink credentials.

Instead of connecting to ufguest — an unencrypted, basic option for visitors — members of the UF community should connect to eduroam for the fastest and most secure experience. Ufguest users have a slower internet speed, can’t use Gatorlink VPN, and are unable to connect to UF’s private IP network. Follow these steps to make eduroam your default Wi-Fi when in range:

1) Open your Wi-Fi settings and connect to the “ufgetonline” network
2) Open a new browser window and visit getonline.ufl.edu to register your device
3) Select your device type from the dropdown
4) Follow instructions until you’re able to connect
     a. Note that you must use your “gatorlink@ufl.edu” as the username
5) Once connected, open your network settings again and forget the “ufgetonline” network

When you change your GatorLink password, you will need to follow steps 1-5 again on each device you have previously connected to eduroam. Call the UFIT Help Desk (352-392-HELP/4357) or visit the Help Desk (132 Hub) during business hours for assistance connecting to eduroam.