Important Update: Enhanced Security Measures for MS Teams Meetings

 

Dear Howard University Community, 

Starting February 22, 2025, we are rolling out an important update as part of our continued commitment to enhancing the security of our online meetings and protecting sensitive data. 

What’s Changing?
Starting February 22, 2025, all unverified and anonymous users will be required to complete a CAPTCHA, and third-party note-taking applications will no longer be permitted to join MS Teams meetings.

What’s the Impact? 

• Increased Security - This update will help protect the integrity of our online discussions and sensitive data by ensuring only legitimate participants are able to join.
• Limitations on Third-Party Apps - As part of this enhancement, third-party note-taking applications can no longer join our meetings. This change is critical for preventing unauthorized access to and sharing of meeting content, as we cannot control how these applications handle the data they extract. 

What You Need to Do 

• Be Prepared for CAPTCHA - Starting February 22, 2025, if you’re an unverified or anonymous user, expect to complete a simple CAPTCHA verification when joining meetings.  CAPTCHA is a security feature designed to differentiate human users from automated bots, ensuring that only authorized participants can access our meetings.
• Contact Us - If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact us at 202-806-2020 or via the ESC Portal. 

We understand that this change may require some adjustment, and we appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a secure and efficient online environment.  

Thank you for your attention to this important update. Your participation is essential in maintaining a safe and productive virtual workspace.

In Truth and Service, 

Enterprise Technology Services