To protect Macquarie’s systems and information, IT is implementing additional security measures on the University’s workstations and laptops. 

The Fortify program will implement cybersecurity controls on staff laptops and workstations in three waves over the coming months:

Wave one: Software update automation
Wave two: Secure Microsoft Office macro use
Wave three: Centralised software installation and mgmt.

Our goal is to implement these updates with minimal disruption; however, some staff might observe slight modifications to their systems. We appreciate your support and understanding as we work together to bolster our cybersecurity defences, ensuring the continued safety and integrity of our digital environment.

Upcoming change: Software update automation will enable automatic updates for operating systems and crucial desktop applications such as Office suite, web browsers, email clients and PDF viewers on University-managed laptops and workstations running Windows.

Timeline: Starting June 2023

Impacts for staff:

• Patch updates will be performed automatically and seamlessly in the background, requiring no user intervention.
• System restart alerts may be received occasionally.
• You will occasionally receive prompts to re-login to your Windows account and office apps using your staff email, password and MFA code from your phone’s authenticator app.

More detailed communications will be sent to those directly impacted, outlining specific changes and providing clear instructions as needed. We welcome and encourage questions during this process: If you have any questions, concerns or feedback, you can reach the project team through the dedicated OneHelp form .

We appreciate your support and understanding as we work together to bolster our cybersecurity defences, ensuring the continued safety and integrity of our digital campus.