FAQs

Information & Communication Technology

General FAQs

Passwords

Multi-factor Authentication

Data Protection

General FAQs

What does 'reimaging' a laptop mean?

The IT department will frequently reimage a laptop to fix software related problems. This means that your computer will be completely erased and returned to the same state it was in when issued to you. If you have a virus that can’t be cleaned or have downloaded a program or file that continually produces errors, you may also request a reimage. A reimage takes approximately one hour to complete. It is your responsibility to have any files you wish to keep saved to another source first.

Do I need to buy a copy of Microsoft Office?
LMETB provides a license to Office 365 included with your LMETB account. You’ll have access to both the online version of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneNote as well as the desktop versions of those programs. This is true for staff and learners.
Have a look at the training section for more info.
What is the difference between on-line and blended learning?
In this technological era, e-learning is increasing in popularity and one of the approaches used to implement this concept is Blended Learning. Blended Learning is a combination of two approaches to learning: traditional classroom learning and online learning.

So, through Blended Learning, you’ll have the advantage of the best of both worlds, as you combine the flexibility of online learning with the opportunity to interact face-to-face in the classroom.

An on-line programme normally has over 80% of the content delivered fully on-line and there is limited actual ‘class time’ where students meet each other, and their lecturer(s) in person.

Blended learning programmes can have between 20%-80% of the content delivered on-line with the remaining involving either lectures /practical /tutorials delivered in LMETB

Working from Home

Storage, Collaboration and Voice/Video calls, meetings or classes: An overview of using Microsoft Teams is available in Training section of this site. Microsoft Teams can be used for file storage and collaboration, and also used for voice/video calls, as well as online meetings & classes.

Accessing Services: The following services can be accessed without the need for VPN:

  • Email, OneDrive, Teams and all other Office 365 apps
  • Core Portal
  • Moodle

VPN Access: In a limited number of cases, you may require access to the VPN. In the case that you are granted access to the VPN services, please review the following usage guidelines;

  • Information about the VPN service can be accessed through IT Department.
  • FortiClient is the software used and you have a separate username and password for it.

Passwords & Passphrases

Passwords

The debate about building the strongest password has been going on for decades now. Is it better to use gibberish with numbers and symbols, or uncommon words? Should we use transformed words, more than one word, strings of words? How easy is it for hackers to crack each method?

This has eventually boiled down to a few essential rules of codes, cracking them, and human-realistic security:

  1. Longer codes are harder to crack
  2. Whole common words are easy to crack
  3. Randomness is harder to crack
  4. Predictable patterns are easy to crack
  5. Humans are predictable and forget randomisation
Passphrases vs Passwords: The Differences

A password and a passphrase are both pass-codes, a string of characters used to secure your accounts. They both are probably made of words and mixed up with letters and characters. The difference is how they are built. A password is one word, maybe two, that is intended to confuse and misdirect hackers attempting to access your digital resources.

A passphrase is an entire phrase, sentence, or statement made of four to ten words.

A password must focus all of its complexity into exchanging letters for numbers and characters. A passphrase bridges the gap between human-memorability and sufficient complexity to foil hackers.

What is a Strong Passphrase?

A strong Pass Phrase is one that is at least fourteen characters, includes a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols and is easy for you to remember, but difficult for others to guess.

How to create a strong Passphrase?

A strong Pass Phrase is one that is at least fourteen characters, includes a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols and is easy for you to remember, but difficult for others to guess.

Can I tell someone else my password/passphrase?

No, if you tell others your password you have given them your Identity, which leaves your account open to ‘misuse’ and if your account is used in an inappropriate manner you may be held accountable for their actions.

Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)

What is multi-factor authentication (MFA)?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an extra layer of security for your LMETB account. Verifying your identity using an additional factor (something you have and something you know). It prevents others from accessing your account, even if they know your password.

The additional factors used for verification include; codes generated by the Microsoft Authenticator app, security codes sent as SMS to mobile phones, or automatically generated telephone calls to your work desk phone. You may be familiar with some of the practices that are already widely used for online banking.

Why is LMETB introducing MFA?

MFA helps fight against phishing, social engineering and password brute-force attacks. Due to recent security incidents and the increasing number of account compromises LMETB is introducing MFA to protect MU users and data against attackers exploiting weak or stolen credentials.

What services will require me to log in using MFA?

MFA will be required for all applications that currently use Office365 to log on to, including Moodle.

Why do I have to use MFA while in LMETB sites?

You are required to set up MFA initially while in our schools or centres. However, you will not be required to use the second factor while and signing in during you daily work routine.

If you don’t access your email outside LMETB sites then you won’t have to use it, and can continue to access all email and Office 365 services on the LMETB domain.  You will be prompted for MFA when you are access LMETB data outside LMETB networks.

Do I need a smartphone to use MFA?

You don’t need a smart phone to use MFA. You can alternatively set up MFA so that you receive a SMS message or a phone call to a landline when you need to log in. 

More info on the specific verification methods, can be found here.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-gb/azure/active-directory/user-help/multi-factor-authentication-end-user-first-time

 

Does it cost money to authenticate with my phone?

There is no cost associated with authenticating with your phone.

Data Protection

As a staff member how can I follow best practice with regard to Data Protection?

All staff should familiarise themselves with the LMETB Data Protection Policy, Procedures and Breach Management guidelines as well as reading the Guidelines for Staff on being compliant with DP. Staff should also attend any data protection training being offered on a regular basis.

How can I access my personal data?

In most cases, the department holding your personal data will be able to supply you with a copy of the relevant records if you make an informal request directly to them. However, if you are unable to get access to your data in this way you are entitled to make a personal data access request to the ETB.

Who has access to my data?

Only staff who have a legitimate need to access data in the performance of their professional duties will have access to your personal data.

What steps does LMETB take to ensure that my data is secure?

LMETB takes its obligations to keep your data secure very seriously. All members of the ETB community must abide by the ETB’s Data Protection Policy and Procedures and IT Security policies and procedures. There are clear procedures to be followed in the event of a personal data security breach and LMETB provide regular training to staff members to minimise the risk of such breaches taking place.

What data is held by LMETB and why does it hold this data?

LMETB is a data controller of the personal data of circa 30000 staff and student data subjects. LMETB holds a wide range of data in order to perform a variety of operations and where the data is held depends on the purpose it is being held for: For example: Staff records are retained in Human Resources for administrative purposes; recruitment, promotion, training, salary, pensions.

What is the purpose of the Data Protection legislation?

Data Protection aims to protect individuals’ right to privacy in regard to the processing of their personal data by those who control such data. Key rights that you have under Data Protection legislation include the right to access to your data and receive information about the personal details that LMETB holds about you, the right to alter or remove data in certain circumstances and the right to have your details used in line with Data Protection regulations.

For more information

LMETB Logo

Niall Callaghan

Head of IT

Tel: 046 9068200
Email: [email protected]

LMETB Logo

David O'Connor

IT Trainer

Tel: 046 9068200
Email: [email protected]