Remote Work Reminders

​See below for a complete listing of all the reminders for making working from home easier.

October 22 , 2020

Phishing attempts are on the rise and one simple click can put the entire organization at risk. Please think twice before you click and remember that phishing attempts can be reported directly to DoIT.Security@illinois.gov or via the Phish Alert tool in Outlook. If you have been contacted by DoIT to add Multi-Factor Authentication, please take action to protect your account. More information is posted on the this page.

Users working from home using Citrix should perform regular resets of work PCs. We recommend a reboot or restart at least twice a week to help with connectivity and to remain current on all recommended system updates. Remember not to shut down your PC at the office. This needs to be a reboot/restart from remote and not a "shut down". Follow the procedures here. We also recommend clearing your cache/history periodically. Visit the DoIT Remote Work page and Remote Work FAQs for additional suggestions.

August 11, 2020
Please remember when using Citrix Remote Access to use a browser and the RA.illinois.gov address, instead of the Citrix Workspace App. If you are using the Citrix Workspace App, you run the risk of not connecting. More information is posted on the DoIT Remote Work page.

July 30, 2020
If while working from home and using Citrix Remote Access you are presented with a Citrix Workspace upgrade message, please install the upgrade. More information is posted on the DoIT Remote Work page.

July 17, 2020

Given recent events in the news, please remain vigilant and adhere to cyber hygiene best practices, found on this site. We ask that employees be aware of crafty methods to "phish" for information and if an email sender doesn't look familiar, don't open the email.

June 17, 2020

Please keep the following in mind:
- For weekend and evening support for ALL DoIT services:  217-524-DoIT (3648), Option 1 for all IT issues and Option 4 for Telecom Repair.
- Someone is available 24/7 to take your call and forward the issue to the appropriate staff/team as quickly as possible.
- Staff will escalate to management as required.

June 5, 2020

Remain on Cyber Alert! 2020 has already seen record numbers of phishing attempts, malware hacks and other social engineering schemes. Verify senders of texts, email and phone calls. Never provide personally identifiable information (pii).

Note:  Moving forward, we’ll be sending Remote Reminders as needed when there is remote work news or information to share.

June 4, 2020

All employees have access to free, confidential behavioral health resources through the Employee Assistance Program or Personal Support Program to speak to a professional if you need to talk.

Take care of your mind and body.

June 3, 2020

If your PC seems to be running a little slow, first make sure you do not have too many windows open at once. A good tip is to clean up your screen as you go. Remember to visit the Remote Work FAQs page prior to calling the DoIT Service Desk for some self-help suggestions that may easily resolve your issue.

June 2, 2020

For easy remote access to your Outlook email from any device, try office.com.

June 1, 2020

Best Practice for joining audio for a Webex Meeting:
Have the meeting call you, via the “Call Me” button or connect via your computer, by clicking “Call Using Computer”.  This will prevent unidentified telephone connections (i.e. ‘call in user 1’) from joining the meeting.

As always, don’t forget to mute your connection upon entry to the meeting!

May 29, 2020

For DoIT Employees:
Please note that the memo sent to DoIT employees on 3-16-20 with the subject of “Reporting Instructions During COVID-19 Crisis” remains in effect until further notice.

May 28, 2020

Remember to get some exercise each day. There are many FREE Apps and online/virtual options available at this time. Yoga is a great choice for most everyone and has the added benefits of reducing stress and anxiety, while increasing flexibility, muscle strength and body tone. Make the choice to maintain your health today to better enjoy tomorrow. Link to DoIT Health and Wellness. As always please consult with your doctor before starting any exercise.

Benefit Choice is open thru the end of May 2020. 

May 27, 2020

Please remember to practice good cyber security during this time of heightened public health alerts.  Review "tips and best practices" such as, protecting passwords, not opening attachments or clicking on links unless you are confident in the content and sender.  These practices apply to text messages, as well. If you receive an email or text requesting that you verify personal information, it is best to go directly to the site instead of clicking on links. Report all suspicious activity to DoIT.Security@illinois.gov.

May 26, 2020

For instructions on how reset your password while working remotely visit: remote work FAQs.

May 22, 2020
When you log on from home, please log into your PC with the ID that you would use when you are logging on at the office.

May 21, 2020
It’s important to take care of your health and wellness during this time. Make sure you are getting up from your desk/table for breaks to move around during the work day. Take a walk around the block or walk the stairs in your house. For more information visit the Remote Work Health and Wellness page.

May 20, 2020
Webex is your “go to” for all Remote Work meeting events. For guidance and tips regarding Webex meeting tools and more, visit the Reference Materials section of Remote Work site.

May 19, 2020

If you are experiencing speed and connection issues when working remotely, check out the FAQs on the Remote Work page for tips on how to decrease the bandwidth demand in your home.

May 18, 2020

Increased phishing alert!  Be wary of emails and texts, even from your favorites like Apple, Amazon and Target. If they are asking for information from you, be safe and exit the email or text. Go to your account on the trusted website to see if your account needs any attention or additional information.

May 15, 2020
The Remote Work site is always available for assistance for your Work from Home (WFH) needs. All past Reminders of the Day are posted out here, as well.

Remember to mute your microphone when on a Webex call and you are not speaking.

May 14, 2020

If you previously had remote access, but are now unable to connect, please try the following before contacting the help desk:
• Restart Your Home Computer
• Clear the history in your browser or cache
• If possible, use Chrome rather than Microsoft Edge
 

May 13, 2020
If you receive the following message when logging on from home: “Resources are unavailable at this time, try again later”, it is advised to wait a few minutes and try again. You may have to clear cache/history or reboot the device  a few times. Be sure to follow proper disconnection procedures when using Citrix Remote Access, so as not to shut down your in-office computer connection.

May 12, 2020

If you are having issues connecting via Citrix today, please first clear your browser history/cache and restart your HOME PC. When connecting, make sure you are using the following URL: ra.illinois.gov; using your login ID ONLY and choosing the proper Domain from the Domain drop down.  If you previously opened a ticket with the Service Desk for this issue there is no need to open an additional ticket. In the meantime, please keep trying to connect via Citrix. 

Thank you for your patience.

May 11, 2020

Please be aware that there are known issues this morning with the Citrix login page.  The team is working to identify and resolve the issue as quickly as possible, so there is no need to open a ticket with the Service Desk. Please keep trying to connect via Citrix, as some users can get through. 
Thank you for your patience.

May 8, 2020

If you have a student in your life who is performing online learning, be sure to check out ISBE’s website to learn more about the free resources available to assist districts, teachers, and parents. Check out the Wi-Fi hotspot map to find a connection near you.
Happy Friday!

May 7, 2020

Webex is your “go to” for all your Remote Work meeting events. For guidance and tips regarding Webex meeting tools and more, visit the Remote Work page. 

Remember rule #1 = mute your phone (microphone) when you are not speaking.

May 6, 2020 

If you are suddenly having issues connecting from home and suspect that your device at the office needs to be “awakened”, please call the DoIT Service Desk at 217-524-3648 or 312-814-3648. This issue is most likely due to settings that can be fixed remotely, preventing this from becoming a reoccurring problem.

May 5, 2020

If you are having issues connecting to the state network or suddenly lose your connection, please first try rebooting your home PC. If you are still experiencing issues after confirming internal connections are working, please contact the Service Desk via telephone to 217-524-3648 or 312-814-3648 or via email to Report Problems.

May 4, 2020

Many of you are approaching the time to reset your user password. For instructions on how to do that while working remotely, visit: remote work FAQs.

May 1, 2020

COVID-19’s impact on package deliveries creates golden opportunity for scammers:
Beware of fake sites and e-mails impersonating shipping and delivery companies. Given the current state of the world during a pandemic, many of these “scams” have the opportunity to be successful.

Watch for communications written in broken English. Stop before you open an attachment from these bad actors, as you could be introducing an infection to your device. Avoid opening attachments or clicking links from “delivery services”. Instead, log in to your own personal accounts on the delivery service’s website or enter the web address of the service into your browser to check tracking numbers.

April 30, 2020

If you receive the following message when logging on from home: “Resources are unavailable at this time, try again later”, it is advised to wait a few minutes and try again. A user may have to repeat this a few times, clear cache/history or reboot the device (remember do not shut down or reboot the pc at the office that you are remoting into).

April 29, 2020

Remember to visit the Remote Work FAQs page prior to calling the DoIT Service Desk for some self-help suggestions that may resolve your issue.

April 28, 2020

If you have opened a support ticket and the issue is not yet resolved, please know that we are working through the tickets and will get back with you soon. Making another contact via the help desk or report a problem could further delay the process. For additional self-help tips, please visit the Remote Work page. 

April 27, 2020

Increased phishing alert!  Be wary of emails and texts, even from your favorites like Apple, Amazon and Target. If they are asking for information from you, be safe and exit the email or text. Instead go to your account on the trusted website to see if your account needs any attention or additional information.

April 24, 2020

Many of you are approaching the time to reset your user password. For instructions on how to do that while working remotely, visit remote work FAQs.

April 23, 2020

Best Practice for joining audio for a Webex Meeting…
Have the meeting call you, “Call Me” or connect via your computer “Call Using Computer”.  This will prevent unidentified telephone connections (i.e. call in user 1) from joining the meeting.

Don’t forget to mute your connection upon entry to the meeting.

April 22, 2020

Please be aware of proper disconnection procedures when using Citrix Remote Access, so as not to shut down your in-office computer connection.

April 21, 2020

If you previously had remote access, but are now unable to connect, please try the following before contacting the help desk:
• Restart You Home Computer
• Clear your browser (clear the history in your browser or cache)
• If possible, use Chrome rather than Microsoft Edge

April 20, 2020

If you are experiencing speed and connection issues when working remotely, check out the FAQs on the Remote Work page for tips on how to lessen the bandwidth demand in your home.

April 17, 2020

Many of you may be receiving a prompt to upgrade Citrix Workspace and are unsure what to do while working remotely. Please reference the Citrix Workspace Upgrade instructions located in the Reference Material section of the Remote Work site for guidance.

April 16, 2020

Many of you are approaching the time to reset your user password. For instructions on how to do that while working remotely, visit: remote work FAQs.

April 15, 2020

Now that we are into the routine of working remotely, many of our meetings and daily responsibilities are virtual. Webex may be a new experience for some and there are resources available to help users. Please  visit the Remote Work page / Reference Materials to find useful information and materials to help you along the way.

The top tip when on a web conference is to mute your phone when not speaking.

April 14, 2020

If you have opened a support ticket and the issue is not yet resolved, please know that we are working through the tickets and will get back with you soon. Making another contact via the help desk or report a problem could further delay the process. For additional self-help tips, please visit the Remote Work page. 

April 13, 2020

We must all do our part to strengthen cybersecurity. This is especially true in our current remote work environment combined with heightened public health alerts.  Please be sure to review "tips and best practices" such as, protecting passwords, not opening attachments or clicking on links unless you are confident in the content and sender. Report all suspicious activity to DoIT.Security@illinois.gov.
Together, we can build a strong cyber defense for the State of Illinois.

April 10, 2020

As you transition to remote work, Webex and videoconferencing skills will become more valuable. You will feel like a pro participating in virtual meetings, if you follow a few fundamental rules.  
#1 Rule = Mute your phone (microphone) when you are not speaking.
For general work from home guidance and tips visit the Remote Work page. 

April 9, 2020

Many of you are approaching the time to reset your user password. For instructions on how to do from remote visit: remote work FAQs.

April 8, 2020

BEWARE of Scammers attempting to capitalize on pandemic fears via telephone, text and email. The Federal Trade Commission has issued recommendations for how you can take action right now. Click here for some simple defensive tactics and additional information and resources from our Federal Government.

April 7, 2020

For security purposes, the ability to copy from office to home, save from office to home or print from office to home has been disabled.

April 6, 2020

Many of you are approaching the time to reset your user password. For instructions on how to do from remote visit: remote work FAQs.

April 3, 2020

For those of you using Citrix and missing your dual monitor setup in the office, you can use available monitors at home by following these instructions. 

April 2, 2020

If you have opened a support ticket and the issue is not resolved, please do not  followup with a new call to the Service Desk or submit a new request via Report a Problem. We are working through all the requests for assistance and will get to you as quickly as we can. For additional self-help tips and FAQs, please visit the Remote Work FAQs page.

We appreciate your patience.

April 1, 2020

At this time, we ask that agencies focus only on submitting incident tickets for working remote problems. Work orders will be processed after the remote work capabilities are established for End User Computing (EUC) related tickets. If your agency has a need for new employee setup, please submit those via Amy O’Connell. For agencies needing PC’s for a call center, please work with your agency CIO/GCIO.

March 31, 2020

If you have a State of Illinois issued laptop to work from home you should be using NetMotion or AnyConnect. If you are using a personal device to work from home you should be using Citrix Remote PC Access. For additional remote access details visit the Remote Work FAQs.

March 30, 2020

Browser Tip: When selecting which browser to use with the State of Illinois remote connections, it is suggested that employees use Chrome and avoid Edge and Internet Explorer.

March 27, 2020
Please be aware of proper disconnection procedures when using Citrix Remote Access, so as not to shut down your in-office computer connection.

March 26, 2020
If you previously had remote access, but are now unable to connect please try the following before contacting the help desk:

• Restart your computer
• Clear your browser
• If possible, use Chrome rather than Microsoft Edge