IT service issues

If you use Notepad ++ please read this important security incident update

Digital Technology Services has been made aware of a security incident affecting the update mechanism for Notepad++, a third-party text editor that is different from the standard Windows Notepad.

A compromise at Notepad++’s hosting provider (not the software itself) meant that some malicious updates were selectively delivered to targeted users between June 2025 and December 2025. The issue was resolved with the release of version 8.8.9 in December 2025.

Although this was a highly selective and targeted attack, there is still a risk to users who updated Notepad++ during this period.

Who may be affected
You may be affected if:
· You use Notepad++ (not Windows Notepad), and
· You downloaded or updated it between June 2025 and December 2025, and
· The update was installed and run on your device

The standard Windows Notepad is not affected.

What the University has done
If you downloaded this from AppsAnywhere, the University has deployed the latest secure version of Notepad++ to AppsAnywhere. This version includes the fix released in December 2025.

What you need to do:
· Download the latest version of Notepad++ which is available in AppsAnywhere (or if you're using your own device from the Notepad ++ site)
· Turn off any automatic update (auto-update) settings within Notepad++
If you downloaded or updated Notepad++ on your own device between June 2025 and December 2025, we recommend that you:
· Check that your antivirus software is enabled and up to date and then run a full antivirus or anti-malware sca

Need more help?
If you have any concerns or questions, or notice unusual behaviour on your device, please contact the DTS Service Desk.

Early Morning Disruptive Network Maintenance at Arundel

On Monday 9th of March 2026 between 7:00 and 9:50, IT users should plan for significant disruption to services in the Arundel Building.

The DTS Networks Team will upgrade the software and configuration on all the Campus Network equipment that underpins the wired and wireless networks in the building.
On the day, the team will work to complete this maintenance before 9:50.

Following the maintenance window, the team will work with Estates and other key stakeholders to resolve issues with the very small number of network devices that will not recover automatically once the maintenance is complete. 

To minimise an impact on timetabled activity, the building will be booked out in the timetabling system for this maintenance.
For non-timetabled activity, DTS will use the following channels to communicate the planned restrictions to staff and students:

• “We Are Hallam”
• Digital signage
• The Building Disruption Channel
• Physical signage
• “IT planned maintenance” staff page
• “IT service issues" student page

Early Morning Disruptive Network Maintenance at EIS

On a morning of Thursday 5th March between 8:00  am and 1:00 pm, IT users should plan for significant disruption to SHU’s wireless and wired network services at EIS (English Institute of Sport)
The DTS Networks Team plan to replace the network hardware that underpins the wired and wireless networks in the building.
On the day, the team will work to complete this maintenance before 1:00 pm and will have a presence on site to manage unexpected issues.

To minimise an impact on timetabled activity, the building will be booked out in the timetabling system for this maintenance.
For non-timetabled activity, DTS will use the following channels to communicate the planned restrictions to staff and students:

• “We Are Hallam”
• Digital signage
• Emails to key stakeholders
• “IT planned maintenance” staff page
• “IT service issues” student page

Comms will advise staff and students to use the EIS guest wireless service.

Blackboard - Students are Unable to Download Overall Feedback Attachment from Gradebook View Button in Group Assignments in Ultra

We've identified an issue where Students are unable to download Overall Feedback Attachment from Gradebook View Button in Group Assignments in Ultra

This issue occurs when the student goes directly to the Gradebook and clicks View under Results. When the student attempts to download the feedback file from the Attempt Feedback section, an error appears.

However, if the student accesses the assignment through the Content Area, opens the submission first, and then downloads the feedback file, it downloads successfully without any issue.

This behaviour has been replicated by Anthology in their internal instances as well and they have confirmed this is a known software defect.

Workaround:
The student can access the assignment through the Content Area, opens the submission first, and then downloads the feedback file, it will download successfully without any issue.

Advice for students with IT software issues

If you experience problems with Sheffield Hallam software, please contact the IT Service Desk at the time of the issue (wherever possible).

The best route to use is chat as this will allow a member of the Service Desk to remote control to the PC in use and:

1. Attempt to resolve the issue
2. If this isn’t possible, capture important information to allow DTS to investigate further

Investigating the issue is much more difficult when reported later on.

Any urgent queries can be directed to the Service Desk by phone on 0114 225 3333 or online chat at go.shu.ac.uk/chat. For anything else, please visit our portal at itservicedesk.shu.ac.uk.  If reporting software issues via the portal please include the following information:

• date & time
• building & room
• workstation name (available from the PC icon at the top left of the desktop) or if it issue was on a personal device
• name of software
• description of the fault or issue