Security Suggestions
- Install and Update Anti-virus software on computer.
- Laptops and desktop computer should be encrypted.
- Activate encryption on your laptop and desktop computer (Mac and Windows both have encryption built-in).
- Check that all security software is up to date on your laptop and desktop computer; Privacy tools, add-ons for browsers and other patches need to be checked regularly.
- Use strong passwords: it is important to ensure that all accounts are protected with strong passwords.
- Ensure your Wi-Fi connection is secure.
- Make sure you are using a secure connection to your work environment. Where possible install a VPN.
- Lock your screen if you work in a shared space.
- Look out for phishing emails and unsecure websites.
- Learn more about Good Email Security Hygiene here.
Communication
- Be available to answer questions or emergency inquiries.
- Have a reliable internet connection.
- Be accessible and be aware of incoming emails.
- Be accessible for telephone calls and provide your current phone number to your manager.
Productivity Environment
- Make sure you have access to a quiet room.
- Limit the distractions in your work area both in terms of reducing any noise as well as discussing boundaries with other occupants of your home.
- We strongly suggest you have a headset to:
- communicate with your colleagues.
- block out noises and distractions.
- Make sure you have a comfortable chair and table.
- Make sure you have access to a computer.
Concentration and Focus
- Focus on your task.
- Set timelines and organize yourself.
- Stay in hourly contact with your colleagues.
- Reach out to colleagues if you need assistance.
Frequently asked questions:
1. How can I work from home or remotely safely and comfortably?
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Tip: Please visit our Tips for Working from Home or Remotely page.
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Many of you may have your SoftMouse.NET login credentials saved on your work computer...but not your home computer!
Tip: You can easily reset your password by clicking the "Forgot Password" link within the SoftMouse.NET login box OR contact our support team for assistance.
3. What’s the best way to handle rotating teams?
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Many labs and animal care departments have adopted the strategy of having rotating teams go to the animal facility to take care of the animals and manage the colonies. Having these kinds of tag teams helps to ensure physical distancing as well as making sure teams don’t burn out.
Tip: You can temporarily allow for relaxed permission settings on your account to ensure the right people have the edit capability they need to make updates to the records.
Have your SoftMouse.NET admin make the necessary changes to the access permissions on the account OR contact our support team for assistance with this.
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Different locations are putting in place different policies for what needs to happen with the research animals in these difficult times. Many are suggesting that breeding pairs should be separated and only essential animals be kept in a maintenance mode. Cryopreservation is also being suggested for certain strains.
Tip: Use the customizable Cage Status as a way of marking Priority Cages so that the rotating teams know which cages are marked to save.
Did you know that you can archive mouselines? If you have chosen to cryopreserve a mouseline, on your mouseline list, you can easily select the lines in question and click the Archive button. This will simply remove the line from the main list making it easy to see what is available. You can have peace of mind that all past information for this line will be in the archive and readily restored when your research requires.
5. In the event that my administrative/financial colleagues are not as responsive as usual, how do I ensure that I have continuous access to my SoftMouse.NET account if my subscription is up for renewal or I want to sign up?
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We understand administrative processes might not be running as usual with the current circumstances and we would like to help as much as we can.
Tip: A simple written confirmation of renewal would allow us to guarantee continuous access to your SoftMouse.NET account while you go through the payment process. Please simply update us as soon as you know more information. All communication regarding your SoftMouse.NET subscription should be directed to: [email protected]
6. With my team now working from home, does SoftMouse.NET provide training for continued learning?
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Absolutely! With everyone having increased working from home hours, why not dedicate some time to learning about the latest and upcoming functionality that SoftMouse.NET offers to streamline your tasks?
- Advanced SoftMouse.NET training/tips
- Doing more with SoftMouse.NET
Tip: Click HERE to see and register for our upcoming online webinars.
We will be hosting 2-3 ~30 minute webinars every week. You can expect to learn about:
7. What measures is SoftMouse.NET taking to protect my data?
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We understand the gravity of these uncertain times and appreciate the concern over the security and protection of your research data.
The security measures and disaster recovery policies that we already have in place allow us to ensure that your data is monitored, backed up, secured and retrievable at all times. Read more HERE.
Tip: If you would like to receive an automated back up of your data by email either weekly or monthly, please contact our support team and we will gladly assist you with setting this up.
