Accounts/Network Access - Technology Support Services

Documentation

When is the NMU User ID created?
The NMU Network User ID is created once the appropriate employment documentation is entered into the Human Resources system, but no more than 30 days prior to the effective date of employment.
 
What happens when the Term, Contingent, or Adjunct contract expires? 
The NMU Network User ID becomes “expired” on the employment end date.  The “expired” status lasts for one year. During this window, the individual can receive/send email; and can access MyNMU (including payroll information), MyUser network account information, and EduCat.
 
The individual cannot register devices on the network and does not have access to network services such as VPN.  Any previously registered devices are automatically de-registered.
 
What happens to an “expired” account after one year?
After one year, an expired account becomes “disabled.”  A disabled account has no network access, cannot receive/send email, and cannot register devices on the network.
 
Does the Network User ID stay active if the person is teaching next semester?
If the individual receives a subsequent teaching assignment, a new contract will be processed.    The new contract takes effect only after the new employment agreement has been approved, signed by Academic Affairs, signed by the prospective employee, and entered into the Human Resources system.  To ensure continuation of network access, the employment agreement must be completed prior to the end date of the person’s current employment agreement.
 
If a term, contingent, or adjunct faculty member employed in Winter semester receives a completely processed employment contract for the following Fall semester prior to the employment end date of the Winter semester, network access will be extended over the summer and to the next employment end date.
 
What happens when a faculty member on a term, contingent or adjunct appointment resigns or is terminated from NMU?
 The NMU Network User ID becomes “expired” on the employment end date unless a determination is made to set the account immediately to “disabled” status.  The “expired” status lasts for thirty (30) days.  During this 30-day window, the individual can receive/send email; and can access MyNMU (including payroll information), MyUser network account information, and EduCat.
 
The individual cannot register devices on the network and does not have access to network services such as VPN.  Any previously registered devices are automatically de-registered.
 
What happens if an account is locked (e.g. password expired, spam activity, password recovery errors, password reset)?
The employee can access account information using MyUser to find out the reason for the lock.  In most circumstances the user can take appropriate action and unlock the account. 
 
What happens if an employee has his/her account disabled?
If an NMU Network User ID and account are disabled due to a violation of the Acceptable Use Policy, the employee must work with the appropriate supervisor(s) and/or Human Resources to resolve the situation.
 
Where can a person get additional help regarding computing resources?
Contact the NMU Computing HelpDesk at 906-227-2468 or visit the HelpDesk in the Learning Resources Center.
 
 
Notes:  Individuals with Personal Services contracts are not considered to be NMU employees.   
             Spouses are not eligible for network User ID and services.

Documentation

Setting up Backup Codes for 2 factor authentication

      1. On a computer or other device, go to https://myuser.nmu.edu/user, click “Account Status/Change my Password” and login with your NMU ID and password.

      3. Click the Security Tab, then“Setup Codes" button under “Backup Codes”.

      4. The 10 backup codes will be displayed. Record or print the 10 backup codes and keep them with you. Each backup code can be used only once. An email message summarizing the 2-factor authentication will be sent to your NMU email account.

Using Backup Codes for 2 factor Authentication

      1. When logging into an NMU service such as MyNMU after entering in your userID and password you will be prompted to enter a code for 2-step verification and a checkbox to “Remember this computer for 30 days” if this is a personal device you feel you trust will stay secure and you don’t want to be prompted for the 2-step authentication each time you access the service.

      2. Enter one of your 10 backup codes and click “Next”.

      3. Cross out the backup code you used since it can’t be used ever again.

      4. Once you have used 8 to 9 backup codes get more backup codes at https://myuser.nmu.edu/user before using the last one.

We recommend you also set up another form of 2-factor authentication such as the Google Authenticator or Authy Authenticator App so you have more than one method of 2-factor authentication.

Documentation

Setting up Google Authenticator for 2 factor authentication

These instructions provide an overview of the process and the process may have changed if the authenticator app was recently updated. If you find you need more assistance than provided here please contact NMU Technology Support Services.

We recommend you set up 2-factor authentication Backup Codes first so you have more than one method of 2-factor authentication to use prior to setting up an Authenticator App.

    1. Get the “Google Authenticator” app for your iOS or Android device from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

    2. Run the “Google Authenticator”  app.

    3. On a computer or another device, go to https://myuser.nmu.edu/user, click “Manage Your User Account” and login with your NMU ID and password.

    4. Click on the “Security” tab and then the “Display options” button under “2-Step Verification”.

    5. Click the “Setup App” button under “Authenticator App”. A QR Code will be displayed. If the “Setup App” button isn't available but a "Remove" button is then an authenticator app has already been configured for your account. If you want to delete the current one and set up the Google Authenticator click the "Remove" button and the “Setup App” button will become available.

    6. On your iOS or Android device click the "+" (plus sign) in the upper right of the screen and then the "Scan barcode" option at the bottom.

    7. Google Authenticator may prompt for you to allow access to the Camera. Click “OK”.

    8. Scan the QR Code displayed on the computer or other device.

    9. Google Authenticator will display NMU, your NMU email address as your account name and your current 6 digit token number. The 6 digit token number renews every 30 seconds.

    12. Enter the current 6 digit token number into https://myuser.nmu.edu/user on your computer or another device and click the “Verify” button.

    13. The screen will indicate if the app was successfully added and then revert to the previous screen showing the time and date the app was authorized. An email message summarizing the 2-factor authentication will be sent to your NMU email account.

    14. Log out of https://myuser.nmu.edu/user.

Using Google Authenticator for 2 factor authentication

    1. When logging into an NMU service such as MyNMU after entering in your userID and password you will be prompted to enter a code for 2-step verification and a checkbox to “Remember for 30 days” if this is a personal device you trust will stay secure and you don’t want to be prompted for the 2-step authentication each time you access the service.

    2. Open your Google Authenticator app on your iOS or Android device and enter the current token displayed and click “Next”.

Documentation

Setting up a Security Key for 2 factor authentication

A FIDO U2F Security Key is typically a USB or other device you can connect to your computer to be used as a second step in 2 factor authentication. Security keys are currently only compatible with the Chrome web browser.

We recommend you set up 2-factor authentication Backup Codes first so you have more than one method of 2-factor authentication to use prior to setting up a Security Key.

1. Have a FIDO U2F Security Key available prior to starting this process.
   
2. Use the Chrome web browser for setting up and using a FIDO security key. If you do not already have the Chrome web browser installed you can download it from https://chrome.com.
3. Using the Chrome web browser, go to https://myuser.nmu.edu/user, click “Account Status/Change My Password” and login with your NMU ID and password.
   
4. Click on the “Security” tab and then the “Add Security Key” button.
   
   

5. The following instructions will be displayed to add the security key. Follow the instructions:
   

    

6. Once you tap the button or gold disc on the security key you will briefly see the message: "Your security key has been registered." Then the web page will go back to the “2-Step Verification" screen and you will receive a confirmation via email. You can now remove the FIDO security key.
7. Log out of https://myuser.nmu.edu/user.

Using a Security Key for 2 factor authentication

1. The Chrome web browser is required for using a FIDO security key. If you want to use the Firefox web browser it will have to be configured to allow using the USB security key.
2. When logging into an NMU service such as MyNMU after entering in your userID and password you will be prompted to insert your security key. You can also check the “Remember this computer for 30 days” check box if you want to trust this computer.
3. Insert the FIDO security key.
4. Press the gold disk or button on the key and the 2 factor authentication will be accepted and you will be logged in.
5. You can remove the FIDO Key and store it in a safe place.

Documentation

Occasionally the Windows software on NMU issued machines may state that it is not activated or genuine (especially if you haven't connected to an on-campus network recently). You may see prompts stating "The activation period has expired," "You may be a victim of software counterfeiting," or "Windows is not genuine." Follow these intstructions to verify and/or troubleshoot Windows activation. 

 

Activate Windows

1. You will need to be connected to an NMU network (Wifi, Ethernet, or LTE) to activate. If you are off campus, you can also connect using the VPN client.

2. Once connected to an NMU network, you must first ensure that your date and time are correctly synchronized. It is possible for AM/PM to be incorrect, the date to be wrong, or even for the clock to be off by minutes or seconds.  Ensure your time is correct and change it if it isn't by following the instructions at our "Windows Date and Time Zone Settings" page. 

To check activation status in Windows 11, select the Start button, and then select Settings > System and then select Activation .  Your activation status will be listed next to Activation.

Check  activation status in Settings

You'll see one of these activation status messages on the Activation page:

Documentation

Your username is your Network User ID, an abbreviated form of your name. There are different types of NMU network accounts, depending on your affiliation with the university. To see what kind of user account you have and to view details of your account, visit MyUser and log in. For more information on the details and implications of the account types, choose a type of affiliation below to view the NMU network UserID and access facts.

Students
Term, Contingent, and Adjunct Faculty 
Tenure Earning/Probationary and Tenured/Continuing Faculty and Staff
Temporary Labor

For a general overview of the NMU UserID and its uses, visit the NMU ID Information page. 

Before you can use any services or use your account, however, you must activate your account at the MyUser new account activation page. 

Documentation

Due to the number of people with similar names you do not have the option to change the name listed for your NMU G Suite account. The NMU G Suite account name listed is based on your legal name and preferred name which can be updated using instructions available in the "Student Services" and "Employee Services" tabs in https://mynmu.nmu.edu.

However, you can change how your name appears in email sent from your NMU G Suite account. To do this:
 

1. Log into gmail with your NMU G Suite account.
2. Click the "Gear" icon in the top right corner of the page.

    
3. Click the "Accounts and Import" tab and then the "edit info" link in the "Send Mail As:" section of the page.

    

4. Click the radio button to use a different name, type in the name you would like to use, and then click the "Save Changes" button. Mail sent from your account will now display the new name.

Documentation

Please read the information below on how to be safer on the Internet. If you have any questions please contact the Computing HelpDesk, 906-227-2468, HelpDesk@nmu.edu.

General Safety Tips
Phishing Attempts
Password Safety

General Safety Tips

• NMU will never ask for your password.
• If you ever have a question about the status of your NMU account, log into http://myuser.nmu.edu/user to view the account status.
• Typically NMU, your bank, your credit cards, Facebook, PayPal, eBay, the IRS, federal and state governments will not ask for any of your personal information via email. When in doubt log into a known good web address for the service to see if the same request is referenced there. for NMU that would be http://myuser.nmu.edu/user and http://mynmu.nmu.edu.
• If you receive an email message that claims to be distributing a Microsoft security update, it is a hoax that may contain malware or pointers to malicious websites. Microsoft does not distribute security updates via email.
• Lock your computer when you leave.
• Destroy or shred documents with personal information when you're finished with them.
• Don't visit or download from sites you do not trust.
• If you have any questions or problems please contact the Computing HelpDesk, 906-227-2468, HelpDesk@nmu.edu.

Phishing Attempts

Beware of phishy email appearing to be about your NMU account. A phishing attempt is an attempt via email to get personal information from you such as your User ID and password or even bank or credit card details. The email message may also contain a link to a website requesting the same information. Phishy email messages can appear to come from helpdesk@nmu.edu or similar email addresses and referencing upgrading your mailbox or account. These are not actually from helpdesk@nmu.edu or any NMU account but from accounts on the internet and spoofed to appear to come from NMU. Click here to find out more about identifying and deflecting phishing attempts. 
 

Password Safety

Having strong passwords is important for keeping your accounts and personal information secure. Here are some hints for creating a safe password.

• Use a longer password
• Change your password often
• Ensure that you can remember your password
• Don't use easily identifiable personal information like children's names or birthdays
• Some systems won't accept spaces, special characters, or only allow passwords of certian lengths, though the more complex the password, the safer your information will be
• Don't keep you password in a place where it can be found or seen
• Don't share your password with people, businesses, or even the HelpDesk
• Have different passwords for each account
• For more information on choosing passwords, visit http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST04-002.html

NMU password requirements ensure that your password is safe and difficult to guess. The requirements are as follows:

• Must be 8 to 16 characters in length
• First character must be a letter of the alphabet (a-z)
• Must contain at least one numeric (0-9) character
• Must contain at least one of these special characters: ~!%^*_+-{}|[]\:?./
• Spaces are not allowed
• Passwords are case sensitive
• Passwords may not be reused for two years

Documentation

This page provides key IT related information for NMU graduates and former students.

Notebook computer returns and purchase options

• The immediate return of the NMU notebook is required when any of the following occurs:

  • Complete withdrawal from NMU or graduation from NMU

  • Non-payment of required fees

  • Notification by NMU for the notebook computer's return

• We prefer you return the notebook to the Micro Repair office in LRC 114 when it is open. NMU Public Safety will accept notebook computer returns 24/7. Make sure the following components are returned with the notebook computer: AC power adapter and cord, LTE MyFi hotspot (if issued), and USB DVD Player (if issued). See the Notebook Computer Return Procedure for details.

• Graduating students are sent an email message about the option of purchasing a NMU notebook computer. See the NMU Laptop purchase information for details.

What happens to my NMU account after leaving NMU?

• Access to MyNMU account will continue for 1 year after leaving NMU if you are an undergraduate or 3 years if you are a graduate student regardless of whether you did or didn't graduate. After the 1 or 3 years has passed, your account will be disabled and no longer receive or send new messages.

• Shortly after leaving NMU your NMU network access, including access to NMU LTE, will be disabled. If you would like to continue NMU LTE access you might consider switching to NMU EAN. See www.nmu.edu/ean for details. NMU EAN doesn’t require an alumni email account but offers discounts to NMU Alumni with "Free E-mail for Life" (G Suite) accounts. See the NMU Alumni Association for details. 

We highly recommend:

• Saving or printing an unofficial copy of your transcript available in the "Student Services" tab on MyNMU before your account is disabled.

• Updating your email address and recovery accounts saved on Facebook, airline reservation systems, and similar services. This is especially true for those systems using your NMU email account for resetting an account password such as Facebook or Snapchat. You should update any references to your NMU email account to another accounts you have. The settings are usually available in your ‘My Account’ or ‘Profile’  options for the service.

• Archiving your messages if you do not plan to use your NMU email account after graduating or leaving NMU. We highly recommend saving any of the messages you want to keep to an email account you will be using and delete them from your NMU email account. Otherwise the stored messages could become an unmonitored repository of data for hackers and identity thieves. If you are on the older NMU email system it might be easiest to forward the messages you want to keep to another account and delete them and the rest of your messaages from your NMU email account. If you are on the new NMU G Suite gmail system the Backing Up NMU G Suite instructions cover how to make a copy of your NMU G Suite content into files you can take with you or restore to another account at a later time. You may want to  apply for a "Free E-mail for Life" (NMU Alumni G Suite) account to use from the NMU Alumni office before you leave NMU. See the NMU Alumni Association for details. Once you have an NMU Alumni account, G Suite makes it easy to transfer all your NMU G Suite content to your NMU Alumni G Suite account. See Backing Up NMU G Suite for instructions.

Documentation

At the HelpDesk, and throughout campus, there has been an influx of phishing attempts on NMU accounts. In response to this we would like to get the word out to the NMU community about ways to tell if you are looking at a possible phishing attempt. Our friends over at James Madison University (jmu.edu) came up with a great rule of thumb when faced with a possible attempt to gather personal information. They suggest, “counting the periods.” What this means is that you will want to look at the link, count back two from the first slash after “http://” and note those two sections. What you are looking at is what’s called the domain of the site or e-mail address. 

We hope that you are able to take this information and use it beyond your time here at NMU to continue to keep your personal information safe. Remember that Northern Michigan University, your bank, your financial advisors, and any other person or organization that deals with personal information will typically NOT ask for your information via e-mail including but not limited to: your password or your unique identifier (NMUIN, Member Number, Social Security Number, etc.).  If you ever receive a message asking for personal information it is safe practice to contact the support group for that organization. It’s always better to be safe and ask.

Knowing Trusted Domains
Identifying Untrustworthy Domains
 

Knowing Trusted Domains

http://www.nmu.edu/ - Here we count back two periods from that first slash after "http://" and we see "nmu.edu" which is the standard domain for an NMU site. 

https://mynmu.nmu.edu/ - Again, if we count back two periods from the slash we see "nmu.edu."

http://educat.nmu.edu - This one doesn't have a slash, so now what? Count your two periods back from the end of the address as if there was a slash and note the doman, in this case, "nmu.edu."

myuser.nmu.edu - This one doesn't have an 'http' or a slash! Follow the same guideline as the last example and you'll see the "nmu.edu" domain. 

Identifying Untrustworthy Domains

We recently recieved a phishing attempt on campus from http://mailnmuedu.webs/com, which is NOT a trusted NMU site and should NOT be followed or clicked. 

• Counting the periods here shows us that this is not an nmu.edu site. 
• If a link just says "Click Here" or you can't see the URL or domain, just hover over without clicking the link and a link description will appear. You can count the periods here.
• If an email ends in anything other than @nmu.edu or @mes.nmu.edu, chances are it's NOT from a trusted Northern Michigan University account, though we do use a few third party systems in some departments
• If you aren't sure, feel free to ask a coworker or contact the HelpDesk.

We hope that you are able to take this information and use it beyond your time here at NMU to continue to keep your personal information safe. Remember that Northern Michigan University, your bank, your financial advisors, and any other person or organization that deals with personal information will typically NOT ask for your information via e-mail including but not limited to: your password or your unique identifier (NMUIN, Member Number, Social Security Number, etc.).  If you ever receive a message asking for personal information it is safe practice to contact the support group for that organization. It’s always better to be safe and ask.