Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Have a USPS phone or tablet? Follow the rules to keep it working
If you download bad apps or don’t update the operating system, it will be quarantined
The Postal Service is warning employees and contractors to avoid certain actions that will cause the organization to quarantine their USPS-issued mobile devices.
This includes both iOS (iPhones and iPads) and Android devices.
“There are more than 30,000 active devices on the USPS network. Any one of these devices can be the weak link in a strong network if the operating system is out of date or a malicious app is downloaded and makes its way into our network,” said Erica Wiley, endpoint systems manager.
Wiley said the Postal Service is quarantining USPS-issued smartphones and tablets that have out-of-date operating systems or operating systems that cannot be updated, and devices that contain apps that pose a risk to the USPS network.
Once a smartphone or tablet is quarantined, it loses access to email and in-house apps. In addition, devices in quarantine will also lose access to the camera and biometric authentication. Devices that run on iOS will lose access to FaceTime, as well.
Quarantined devices will also display a red screen, which will remain until it is no longer in quarantine.
Mobile phones and tablets with disallowed apps will have to be wiped before they are removed from quarantine.
“By keeping your device up to date and free of risky apps, it will run more smoothly and will have new features that enhance your device and increase your productivity,” Wiley said.
More information about device quarantine is available on the ACE Endpoint Resources SharePoint page.
Milestones
Appointments, awards and more
Here’s a look at recent USPS announcements
• Grand Rapids, MI, Postmaster William J. Rowe was named the Minneapolis Post Office’s officer in charge.
• Corey D. Richards, South Carolina District manager, was named Florida 1 District’s acting manager.
• Flushing, NY, Postmaster Dermot G. Tuohy was named Massachusetts-Rhode Island District’s acting manager. Jamaica, NY, Postmaster Kahlil D. Wilson was named the Flushing, NY, Post Office’s officer in charge.
Got news to share? Email Link.
October 23, 2024
Datebook
‘Medicare Advantage’
Postal Service employees may participate in an upcoming webinar to learn more about Medicare, including how Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans work with Medicare parts A and B.
The session, “Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug Plan for Retirees,” will be held Thursday, Oct. 23, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern.
Representatives from the American Postal Workers Union health plan will lead the discussion.
The plan is open to all eligible postal employees, and the discussion is not restricted to bargaining unit employees.
Participants must register before the event on the webinar website.
Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must be off the clock or on authorized breaks.
Employees who have questions can email the USPS Benefits and Wellness team.
Postcard highlights USPS Ground Advantage success, Election Mail readiness
The latest Delivering for America postcard was recently mailed to employees’ homes.
The card highlights the success of USPS Ground Advantage, which grew substantially in the first year following its July 2023 launch and was projected to contribute significantly to $2.1 billion in new shipping revenue forecast by the Postal Service for fiscal year 2024.
An additional message focuses on the organization’s readiness to deliver ballots on time and encourages voters to mail early if they choose to vote by mail.
In addition to being sent to employees’ homes, Delivering for America postcards can be downloaded from LiteBlue.
Each card addresses a different topic and features information that employees can reference when discussing the plan with co-workers and customers.