Preparing Technology for the Holiday Break

Your IT Guide for a Secure and Stress-Free Season

As we approach the holiday season, most of us will be away from campus for the Winter Break. To help you prepare, we’ve compiled essential tips to keep your technology secure and ready for the new year.

Planning to Travel Outside the US?

Before your trip, make sure your multi-factor authentication methods are up to date. If you use SMS for verification, confirm that your phone can receive those messages while abroad since some carriers block texts in certain regions or require an international plan. If you would rather not rely on texting, you can switch to an app based method like OneLogin Protect, which generates codes that work wherever your phone is operational, even without a data connection.

Before You Go: Tech Prep Checklist and Tips

Secure Your Accounts

• Update your passwords and ensure your MFA is up to date

• Log out of shared devices

Back Up Important Files

• Save to OneDrive or your approved storage

Lock & Protect Devices

• Lock your computer (Windows + L or Ctrl + Alt + Delete → Lock)

*Do NOT shut down, leave powered on for updates

• Secure your workspace, external device and lock equipment in a safe spot.   

Update Voicemail & Out-of-Office Messages

• Change voicemail PIN and record a greeting

• Set email and Teams auto-replies with return date and emergency contact info

Cybersecurity Awareness

• Watch out for holiday phishing scams

• Use secure networks when traveling

*Planned Maintenance: Be mindful that there may be scheduled maintenance during the break which could interfere with normal functionality.

Need Help?

Reach out to the Technical Service Desk at 904-632-3151 option 2 or visit help.fscj.edu, log in, and click IT Technical Service Desk to submit a ticket. Please be mindful that the Technical Service Desk will be operating on limited hours during the Winter Break.

Season’s Greetings from IT!