OIT Quarterly Security Update: August 2026 Edition

Hello Mustangs,

Welcome back! As we begin a new academic year, there’s a lot happening across campus—and plenty to look forward to this fall when it comes to cybersecurity and technology at SMU.

In this issue, we’re giving you an early look at some of what’s ahead. Cybersecurity Awareness Month returns this October with a brand-new theme, Win Big with Cybersecurity, including the return of our Security Awareness Fair. We’re also previewing upcoming changes to password management and password requirements designed to make signing in more secure and easier to manage.

You’ll also find important updates to SMU’s Acceptable Use and Information Security policies, which help define how we all use University technology and protect University information, as well as information about a new approach to managed updates for SMU Macs arriving in October.

And this is just the beginning. We have more security improvements, resources, and events planned throughout the fall, and we’ll continue to keep you informed as they roll out.

Here’s to a great—and secure—start to the semester. Thank you for continuing to do your part to protect your work, your information, and the SMU community.

Staying secure, one Mustang at a time.

Corrina Taylor
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)