Dynamic Working - Applying updates

Managed staff device

Many of us have been working off campus with our devices for some time now, and to keep them up to date and secure they require regular restarts and connection to the University Network via the VPN service (Virtual Private Network).

Connect to the University Network

We recommend that this is done at least once a week to complete any updates that are required:

Connect your device to the VPN and continue to work while connected for at least an hour
If presented with restart prompts as part of any updates – pick a convenient time and follow the instructions
For major updates, we will notify you about this beforehand. These can take longer to complete and it’s important that you leave them to finish without powering-off or closing the lid of your laptop.

Regular restarts

It is important to restart your laptop on a regular basis to install and complete updates, including ones fixing security issues. Completing these tasks will also help to reduce issues when you do return to campus, as your device will still be registered on the network and will require fewer updates ensuring a smoother transition to on campus working.

We advise that this is done at the earliest convenience, especially if you have not completed either of these actions within the last two weeks.

Personal device

If you’re using your own equipment, don’t be an easy target for hackers. Out-of-date software, apps, and operating systems contain weaknesses. This makes them easier to hack.

Keep your security software up to date to make it more difficult for them to get in.

Turn on automatic updates for your devices and software that offer it. This will mean you do not have to remember each time.

Some devices and software need to be updated manually. You may get reminders on your phone or computer. Do not ignore these reminders. Updating will help to keep you safe online.

If you are using a University owned device to work from home, this will be already done through the desktop managed service.