LBCC students will have to make updates to their school technology in the upcoming weeks as the college makes changes to web security.
In an email sent to students on Nov. 6, Chief Information Officer Craig Huseby wrote that Linn-Benton will be swapping out its current free campus Wi-Fi for a new, more secure network titled “Public-LBCC.” The password to this new network was emailed to students, with Huseby noting that the old network will be phased out later this school year.
In the same email, students were also told to activate two-step verification for all school Google accounts (Gmail accounts with a “linnbenton.edu”) to increase security. When logged into their school Google accounts, students can access this link to start the process. Two-step authentication can be achieved through means such as pairing a passkey such as a fingerprint or face ID, an authenticator app, or phone number to the Google account. Multiple options can be added so users have multiple ways to sign in.
Students have until Nov. 22 to activate two-step verification. After that, Huseby states they might lose access to their school Google account. Students are urged to contact the student help desk with any questions.
The news marks the latest in a stream of technological updates for the school. LBCC is in the process of updating its website, with a preview link available on the header of the current version. The new website is expected in mid-December.
