OIT Technology News:
March 2026 Edition

Upcoming MFA Feature Further Protects Your SMU Account

SMU is now making an additional improvements to Multi‑Factor Authentication (MFA) using a risk‑based approach. When something about the login looks unusual or higher‑risk, you may see an extra MFA prompt.
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OpenClaw: Security Risks and Institutional Position

OpenClaw, the agentic “personal AI assistant” that uses autonomous AI agents, is not approved for use on university-owned or managed devices at this time due to security concerns.
New AI ChatApp Adds Features to M3

Ever wanted to use a chatbot to help analyze research documents but felt uneasy about uploading sensitive data to a cloud service? Our Research Technology team has something worth knowing about.
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SMU Moves to Microsoft MFA: Enable Passwordless Sign-In Today

Today, users can enable the security and convenience of passwordless sign-in. With passwordless sign-in, you’ll use Face ID, Touch ID, or a secure device PIN instead of typing your password.
New AI Techniques Speed Up Data Collection for Libraries

Libraries are embracing the future, and at the heart of this transformation is a collaborative project between library cataloging experts and data scientists.
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Canvas Introduces New Course Accessibility Checker

We are excited to share that Canvas has launched a new Course Accessibility Checker that aligns with WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
Canvas Plus: March 2026 Edition

March brings a new accessibility tool to help make your course content more inclusive for every student, plus an update to Respondus Monitor that adds extra flexibility for exam monitoring. Also new this edition: Faculty Focus, a feature where real SMU faculty share how they're using Canvas tools in their courses! Alejandro D'Brot, a Lecturer in Biological Sciences, shares how he's using PlayPosit to transform pre-lab preparation for his students
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