Using your CUIMC provided laptop is the best option for working remotely. However, if you don’t have a CUIMC laptop and need to use your personal computer, please follow the necessary steps to prepare. Don’t forget to do a test run to make sure your equipment works as expected!

Remember, even though you’re working remotely, you’re not alone. If you need help, you can contact your local IT help desk or visit https://it.cuimc.columbia.edu.

Considerations to walk through at your remote location:

1. Think about the files and applications you’ll need to access from home.

• It will be extremely important to save all work-related data and files to either the cloud or a security-certified shared drive (not the laptop/desktop/endpoint).
• Zoom video conferencing can be accessed from any web browser.
• Office 365 applications such as email, calendar, OneDrive and SharePoint can also be accessed online at https://www.office.com/
  • When working, always login with your full CUMC email address and password to login to Office and other Microsoft portals.  Do not use a personal Microsoft of Office account.
  • For login issues always use https://mypassword.cumc.columbia.edu. Links on Office/Microsoft portals for Forgot my password will not work with your CUMC account.
• Most other major CUIMC applications are available at https://it.cuimc.columbia.edu
• Talk to your manager if you think you’ll need access to department shared drives (like your O: Drive or P: Drive). The CUIMC IT Service Desk can help you learn about available options.
  • Critical documents can be moved over to Microsoft Teams to ensure they are accessible while working remotely

2. Please ensure that your personal computer is updated and secure.

If you do not have a CUIMC provided laptop, you will need to take extra steps to make sure your information stays secure. We have provided a list of steps that are mandatory for all CUIMC users to follow in order to work on computers in remote locations (including at home).

Computers must also use an operating system that is still receiving security patches from their vendor. Windows 7 is no longer supported, and Macs must be using 10.15 or higher.  For help see What Operating System Does My Computer Use, and steps to find the specific version on Windows or Macintosh.

Microsoft Windows Computers

1. Use Windows Updates to make sure your computer is patched
2. Enable Windows Defender Firewall to prevent unauthorized access to your computer
3. Enable encryption using BitLocker
4. Lock your screen when not in use - press the Windows key and L key on your keyboard simultaneously or press the Ctrl, Alt, Delete keys simultaneously, then choose Lock when the list of options comes up.

Apple Macintosh Computers

1. Use Mac updates to make sure your computer is patched
2. Enable the Firewall to prevent unauthorized access to your computer
3. Enable encryption using FileVault
4. Lock your screen when not in use - go to the Apple menu and choose “Lock Screen” or simultaneously press Command, Control, and Q

3. Gather everything else you’ll need to be productive

• Does your computer have a built-in microphone and speaker?
• Do you need a headset for your phone?
• Don’t forget any important work files or other equipment, like power adapters, that you’ll need to bring home from the office
• Set up a device (such as a mobile phone) that you have access to remotely for two-step verification. You won’t be able to verify your identity if you’re not there.

4.  Bookmark https://it.cuimc.columbia.edu

You can visit our IT website from outside CUIMC and get access to technical information and applications you need.