TechAnnounce

Microsoft deploys improved security for Office 365 services effective 10/31/18

In order to increase security and better protect information resources, Microsoft will end Office 365 support for TLS encryption protocol versions earlier than 1.2 on October 31, 2018. After this date, all client-server/browser-server combinations must use TLS 1.2 or later to connect to Office 365 services. Transport Layer Security (TLS) is a protocol used to establish secure communications over a network. TLS 1.2 has been available since 2008 and is widely supported by most applications. While Microsoft's analysis indicates TLS 1.0 and 1.1 usage is low, please read the known impacts below to determine whether you need to act to prepare for this change. For any questions or additional information, please contact IT Help Central at (806) 742-4357 (HELP) or via email at ithelpcentral@ttu.edu

Known impacts (detailed information for each follows the list):

  • Operating systems and browsers without native TLS 1.2 support
  • Exchange mailbox integration in Skype for Business and Lync clients
  • Exchange mailbox integration on Polycom CX500, CX600, & CX3000 IP phones

Operating systems and browsers without native TLS 1.2 support 

Customers who have the most recent operating system and browser versions should not experience any service interruptions following the October 31st deadline. The minimum software requirements are as follows:

Minimum Operating System Requirements

Windows 7 with KB3140245 installed

Windows Server 2008 (R2) with KB3140245 installed

OS X Mountain Lion with 10.8.5 update

iOS 5

Android 5


Minimum Web Browser Requirements

Internet Explorer 11

Microsoft Edge (any version)

Chrome 30

Firefox 27

Safari 7

Previous operating system and browser software may be unable to use the improved security. Please update your software to ensure uninterrupted access to the service. 

Exchange mailbox integration in Skype for Business and Lync clients 

Customers running updated Microsoft Office 2016 with Skype for Business for PC or Skype for Business 2016 on Mac software should not experience any service interruptions following the October 31st deadline.

While basic chat, voice, and video features will be unaffected, mailbox features such as calendar, Outlook contacts, and voicemail will be inaccessible within the following Skype for Business and legacy Lync clients:

  • Skype for Business 2016 for Windows without update KB4018323
  • Skype for Business 2015/Lync 2013 for Windows without update KB4018334
  • Lync for Mac 2011 and Lync 2010 Attendant

Upgrade (recommended) to Skype for Business on PC or Mac or apply updates to avoid a loss of functionality and to take advantage of the latest features. 

Exchange mailbox integration on Polycom CX500, CX600, & CX3000 IP phones 

USB devices, such as headsets and Polycom CX300 [R2] handsets, are not affected. Nor are Polycom CX5000, CX5500, Trio, or VVX phones. 

While basic phone calling will be unaffected on Polycom CX500, CX600, & CX3000 IP phones and mailbox features such as calendar, Outlook contacts, and voicemail can still be accessed on your computer, users will see the following notification indicating Microsoft Exchange integration is unavailable when attempting to access these functions directly on affected IP phones. 

To avoid a loss of functionality, please consider replacing any phones in your area on which these advanced features are required with a supported device. You can view pictures of the affected phones in askIT.

Posted:
10/12/2018

Originator:
IT Help Central

Email:
ithelpcentral@ttu.edu

Department:
ITHC


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