Your Student Technology

WHAT'S A NET-ID?

CREATE YOUR NET-ID NOW

Your Network Identification, or Net-ID, is the group of characters before the "@" sign of your Iowa State email address. It is different than your University ID, which is the nine-digit number listed on the front of your ISUCard.  Your Net-ID is important because it serves as your unique identifier during your adventure at Iowa State. In fact, many Iowa State accounts to which students have free access automatically recognize Iowa State Net-IDs as login credentials. You may have already created your Net-ID through your Iowa State admissions account, but if not you can set it up now.

Go to netid.iastate.edu.   Enter the required information and click Next. You can keep the suggested Net-ID or change it here if you'd prefer. Set your password. Be sure to follow the password standards described on the page. Click Accept and then click Register. NOTE: the Net-ID registration may take a few minutes to process. For help, contact the IT Solution Center.

Iowa State uses a cybersecurity tool called multifactor authentication (MFA) to protect your login information. With MFA, you are required to complete a second login step after inputting your Net-ID (username) and password - like typing in a code received via text message. You will be automatically prompted to enable MFA when first signing into your Iowa State accounts.

CHOOSE THE MFA METHOD RIGHT FOR YOU

There are five different verification options available for MFA: the Microsoft Authenticator app, the Google Authenticator app, SMS text message, voice call and Yubikeys (a USB-type physical device). The Microsoft Authenticator app is recommended for ease of use. You can learn more about the verification options in the ISU Service Portal. Most verification options will require a cell phone. If you don't have a cell phone and can't acquire a Yubikey, please contact the IT Solution Center before attempting to activate MFA.

ARE YOU OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES?

We recommend you set up an alternate form of MFA other than SMS text messages or voice calls

Your Iowa State Sign On Dashboard   is the easiest way to log into your most-used and favorite applications.

Your Sign On Dashboard is a “single sign-on, or SSO” solution. Once you log in, you can access Iowa State applications (like your email or online coursework) with just one click - like using a master key. Logging into accounts this way is quick and secure. Plus, you only have to remember one password rather than typing in your login credentials for each website. 

• Overview   of your Sign On Dashboard
• Learn how to add more applications   and  customize your dashboard  .

Iowa State’s email platform is Microsoft Outlook. Your Outlook account was automatically created after you received your Net-ID, and your Iowa State email address is: [Your Net-ID]@iastate.edu. Your Outlook account can be accessed through your Sign On Dashboard   at login.iastate.edu. It can also be added as an app to your phone, tablet or computer.

As a student Cyclone, all communication from Iowa State offices will go to your Iowa State Outlook (not a previously-used email account). This can include correspondence from Admissions, Financial Aid, the Registrar’s Office, your academic advisor, your instructors and others. In other words, you are responsible for the information that is sent to you. Learn more about using Outlook  .

Microsoft Outlook also offers a calendar. It's great for keeping track of classes, marking exams and scheduling study time or other events. Since faculty and staff also use Outlook, it's possible to request appointments through Outlook. However, be sure to confirm Outlook is the preferred scheduling method, either by referring to your syllabus or reaching out to the individual you're meeting with. Many offices use their own scheduling software, particularly academic advisors, in order to ensure a high-quality experience for everyone.

Your ISUCard is your physical, permanent university identification card, which includes your picture and 9-digit university identification number. You will use your card for most campus services, including door access, meals on campus, testing centers, recreation center, riding CyRide, the library and many more. To request your ISUCard, be sure to carefully read through the guidelines on taking an ID photo and how to submit your photo  .

ASSISTANCE FROM THE IT SOLUTION CENTER The IT Solution Center, located on the first floor of Parks Library, is your on-campus resource for technology assistance with a technician. It is open seven days a week, except for university holidays, see hours of operation. You can easily request help from the IT Solution Center though the Get Help option in the ISU Service Portal.  You can also contact the IT Solution Center by calling 515-294-4000 or emailing solution@iastate.edu, even if you experience issues before you arrive on campus.

SYSTEM STATUS ITS offers a central StatusHub with information about various campus technologies, like the internet networks and email. You can subscribe to email notifications when there are outages or planned maintenance so you're always in the loop. Learn how to subscribe to notifications. You can access the StatusHub from the ITS website menu and by going directly to status.it.iastate.edu  .

SELF SERVICE THROUGH THE ISU SERVICE PORTAL In the ISU Service Portal, you can browse a database of how-to technology articles. Easily search the issue you are having to find possible solutions. For example, you can find instructions for how add apps to your Sign On Dashboard, print to a campus printer and more. Access the ISU Service Portal by visiting it.iastate.edu/Portal or by clicking the ISU Service Portal tile on the login.iastate.edu webpage.

PHYSICAL REPAIRS THROUGH TECHCYTE TechCyte in the ISU Book Store has licensed and trained technicians that can service both Dell and Apple computers in their Service Center in the Memorial Union. View their contact information, service rates and schedule an appointment here  .

Secure your Devices

Follow these steps to ensure private data is secure on your personal device:

• Install software updates
• Set a screen lock
• Create a good login password
• Enable full disk encryption
• Lock your computer when away
• Physically secure your laptop
• Keep your personal firewall enabled
• Keep your antivirus, antispyware and anti-malware software enabled
• Connect to Wi-Fi networks with care
• Delete ISU private data you don’t need

Install software updates 

• Your operating system and app store will tell you when you need to install updates.
• If you disabled updates, turn them back.
• Install them quickly.
• Some apps may also use native MacOS and Windows notifications to inform you about updates.
  • Windows 

        

     

  • MacOS
    
• Manually Check for Updates.
  • Windows devices: Check for updates manually.
  • For macOS: Check for updates manually.
  • For a mobile phone or tablet:
    • iPhone / iPad instructions to check for updates manually.
    • Android instructions to check for updates manually.

 

Set a screen lock

• For macOS devices

1. Select the menu icon (Apple icon in upper left hand corner of your screen).
2. Select System Preferences.
3. Click the Security & Privacy application.
4. In the General tab ensure the check box next to "Require password after sleep or screen saver begins" is checked
   

• For Windows devices

1. Go to Settings menu.
2. Select Personalization, then Lock Screen.
3. In Screen Saver Settings, select a screen saver other than "none."
4. Ensure the box next to On resume, display logon screen is checked
   

• For a mobile phone or tablet
  • Set a passcode. Use the default length that the device supports.
  • Set up fingerprint or FaceID if supported.
  • Set a time interval to auto lock.
  • iPhone / iPad instructions.
  • Android instructions.

 

Create a good login password

• At least 8 characters and complex OR a phrase that’s at least 20 characters long.
• Don’t write it down.
• Don’t use the same password on more than one site.
• Use a password manager to help you remember all your passwords. LastPass, 1Password, Dashlane, Bitwarden, KeyPass, Apple iCloud keychain, and Google Password Manager are all good apps to consider for this.
   

Enable full disk encryption

• For macOS devices

1. Select the menu icon (Apple icon in upper left hand corner of your screen)
2. Select System Preferences
3. Click the Security & Privacy application
4. In the FileVault tab, select Turn On FileVault
   

• For Windows devices:

1. In system settings, select System and Security.
2. Then select Bitlocker Drive Encryption.
3. Click Turn on Bitlocker.
   

• For a mobile phone or tablet:

• Storage encryption is automatic if you enable a screen lock.

 

Lock your computer when away

• For MacOS devices:
• Press Control + shift + eject on your keyboard. For newer Macs, select the lock icon in the touch bar. If your device does not have the screen lock option in the touch bar, follow the instructions below.
  

1. Select Customize Touch Bar.
   
2. Select Screen Lock.
   

• For Windows devices:

1. Press and hold the Windows key on your keyboard and press "L".
   

 

Physically secure your laptop and keep it safe

• Carry it with you.
• Do not leave it unattended in public locations, like the library or coffee shop.
• If you must leave it in your car, keep it in the trunk, out of sight.
  

Keep your personal firewall enabled

• For MacOS devices

1. Select the menu icon (Apple icon in upper left-hand corner of your screen).
2. Select System Preferences.
3. Click the Security & Privacy application.
4. In the Firewall tab, select Turn On Firewall.
   

• For Windows devices

1. In the Cortana search box, enter Firewall.
2. Click Windows Firewall in the search results.
3. In the Windows Firewall window that appears, make sure that Windows Firewall is On.
4. If it is not on, click the Turn Windows Firewall On or Off link in the left pane of the window.

• For a mobile phone or tablet: 
  • There is nothing you need to do on a mobile phone or tablet.

Keep your antivirus, antispyware and anti-malware software enabled

• Ensure antivirus updates and scans of your computer are occurring regularly.
• For Windows devices: 
  • Defender automatically checks files for viruses and performs updates by default.

• For macOS: 
  • XProtect provides macOS users with virus and malware protection.
    As an extra precaution, you are encouraged to configure macOS Gatekeeper to only allow you to download apps from the App Store or those created by identified developers.

1. Select the menu icon (apple icon in upper left-hand corner of your screen).
2. Select System Preferences.
3. Click the Security & Privacy application.
4. In the General tab under Allow apps downloaded from:, select the Mac App Store or Mac App Store and identified developers radio button. 

• For a mobile phone or tablet: 
  • We don't recommend installing any antivirus software on your mobile device.

 

Connect to Wi-Fi networks with care

• Modern apps and websites use encryption so your privacy is still protected, even if you use an open Wi-Fi network that doesn't have a password.
  
  
• Make sure the sites you are visiting use HTTPS and show the padlock icon.
  
• If you see a privacy error like the one below, someone on the same wireless network might be trying to invade your privacy. Do not click through it; instead, disconnect from that wireless network and connect to your phone or a hotspot instead.
  

Delete ISU private data you don't need 

• If you need to download university data, delete it as soon as you are done.
• Try to use Cybox and Microsoft OneDrive to keep documents in the cloud and off your personal device.