Tag: Security

Outlook for iOS (iPhone and iPad devices)

Apple will shortly release iOS 17. This is expected to happen by the end of September 2023.

At this point Microsoft will cease issuing updates for Outlook running on iOS 15 systems.  Outlook will continue to run on iOS 15 devices but will not receive any feature or security updates.

In order to remain secure and compliant, ICT recommends that you update your device to the newest available iOS release for your system.

If you continue to run iOS 15 on your device after the release of iOS 17, but then update your system to iOS 16 or 17, your version of Outlook will be updated to the latest release to include any new security or feature updates.  Once using iOS 16 or 17 your Outlook for iOS will continue to receive new feature and security updates.

Microsoft supports Outlook for iOS for the current and one previous major version of the operating system. In order to maintain security and feature availability in Outlook and other Microsoft apps for iOS you should keep your device up to date with iOS updates.

Updating your Device(s)

ICT actively encourages users to regularly update devices for a number of reasons …

 

    1. Security patches and updates
    2. Device health
    3. Compatibility with applications and services
    4. Latest features and functionality

 

All of the reasons are important, but in a world where we now work on the basis of “zero trust”, security is of paramount importance.

 

Suppliers and software application work on a similar basis of “trust no-one” and “keep the device up to date”.

 

Many applications will only work on a limited subset of previous versions.  Most of the major software companies, including Microsoft, work on the basis of supporting apps to run on the current and one or two previous versions.

 

On 1st March 2023, Microsoft Teams will only work on iOS 15 and higher.  This ensures security and functionality stay “in step” and provides the best experience to you.

 

If you use Microsoft Teams on any iOS device that has a version of 14 or lower then you should be updating the operating system to the latest version possible for your device so that you can continue to work.  This will also ensure that you have the latest security patches and updates and are not putting yourself or others at undue risk.

 

Updating your device is simple and easy.  Head to the device settings and under General look for Software Update.  Ideally you should turn on automatic updates.  Update your device or upgrade to the latest iOS 16.

Multi Factor Authentication

What is Multi Factor Authentication?

Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an additional authentication step when authorising access to College resources.  Your college username and password provide a level of protection for access, but adding an additional factor that you control adds greater security.  By using MFA you have an additional control in securing your login.

Why is Imperial using MFA?

MFA is now enabled for all Imperial accounts (staff and students) to provide additional security and reduce the potential for account compromise.

How to do “easy” MFA

The best tool to enable easy MFA is the Microsoft Authenticator app available for Android and iOS (Apple) devices.

ICT encourage all users to use the Authenticator app.  Download to a personal or college device and use to authenticate your sign-in.  Provide a code from the app or choose to respond to “push” notifications (allow or deny the request).

If you have a suitable watch (Apple watch, Samsung watch or other connected device) you can respond directly to push requests from the watch interface.

ICT recommends using the app rather than a phone call or text message.  There are documented cases of “SIM cloning” to intercept phone calls and text messages.

Additional Support

There is more information and instructions on how to set up the authenticator app on the Microsoft support pages.

If you need additional help contact the ICT Service Desk using the Self-Service pages.