Due to the increased security risks to Woodward email accounts and in adherence with our latest cybersecurity audits and insurance renewals, the school will discontinue the use of email applications (Outlook, iOS Mail, Windows Mail, OSX Mail, etc.) that do not fully support Google's security protocols.
Woodward emails for all employees and students will only be accessible through the Gmail website or the Gmail app. If you already use the Gmail website or app for all WA email communications, you do not need to take any further action.
What changes are occurring?
The following applications will no longer allow email communications:
-Apple Mail clients, including iOS Mail and OSX Mail
-Android Mail clients, including Samsung Mail
-Windows Mail clients, including Outlook and Thunderbird
-Any other mail client that only uses the IMAP or POP email protocols
The only mail clients you will be able to use for your Woodward email account are the Gmail app available on mobile devices and the Gmail website available in web browsers.
Mobile Devices
Many of you are already using the Gmail app on your mobile devices and will be unaffected by this change. We encourage all other users to begin using the Gmail app as soon as possible to avoid service disruptions.
Windows and Apple OSX Devices
Users who currently only access their Woodward email account through web browsers at the Gmail site will be unaffected. If you use any other email program such as Apple Mail or Outlook, you must start using the Gmail site. The unsecured applications will no longer function at the end of the current school year.
Calendars & Contacts
Calendars and contacts are unaffected by this change, and you can continue using your application of choice. However, this may change in the future, and we recommend that you migrate to using only the Google Calendar app to avoid access issues going forward.
Who does this impact?
This change impacts all users with a woodward.edu email address, including students. Separate communications will go to students, and we will configure school-provided devices to utilize the Google email applications for the upcoming school year.
Why is this change occurring?
The legacy email protocols POP and IMAP are insecure technologies vulnerable to attacks that bypass email security settings, increasing the risks of phishing, name spoofing, and other cyber-related attacks. Renewal rates for our cybersecurity insurance will continue to grow without taking the recommended actions to address these security concerns. The Gmail applications enforce all required security protocols, including phish detection and dynamic end-user alerts.
How can I get assistance?
If you need assistance with downloading and setting up the Gmail application on your mobile device or have issues accessing the Gmail website on a computer, please submit a helpdesk ticket at helpdesk.woodward.edu. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we increase our security efforts throughout our school systems.