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Supported Devices

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technicalsupport@gulfcoast.edu
850.913.3303

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Supported Devices, Operating Systems, and Browsers

Overview

To help protect Gulf Coast State College (GCSC) systems and your information, any device or software you use to reach college resources must stay current, remain supported by its manufacturer, and receive available security updates. This applies to both college-owned and personally owned devices.

Cyber threats change constantly, and keeping devices and software up to date is a basic part of protecting against malware, account compromise, identity theft, and financial fraud. The growing use of AI is also making many of these attacks harder to spot, which is one more reason to apply updates promptly.

Effective Date

Beginning January 1, 2027, devices, operating systems, browsers, and other software that are no longer supported by the manufacturer, or no longer receiving security updates, may be restricted from accessing college resources. This includes devices used with DUO Mobile for multi-factor authentication (MFA).

A device you use to access college resources must:

  • Run an operating system currently supported by the manufacturer.
  • Receive current security and software updates.
  • Have available security updates applied promptly.
  • Meet any additional security requirements set by GCSC.
Devices running an operating system that has reached end of life (EOL) may be blocked from accessing college resources.

The web browser you use must also stay current and supported. You are expected to:

  • Keep your browser updated.
  • Install browser security updates when they become available.
  • Run a browser version still supported by its manufacturer.
A browser that is significantly out of date or no longer supported may be blocked from reaching college resources, even when the underlying device and operating system are still supported.

DUO can identify the operating system, device, and software versions in use during authentication. Beginning January 1, 2027, a device that is no longer supported or receiving security updates may no longer be permitted to authenticate through DUO Mobile.

If your device is affected, you may need to update it, replace it, or use a newer supported device to continue using MFA.

You may use a personally owned device to access college resources where permitted, but personal devices are held to the same basic security requirements as college-owned devices whenever they are used for college access. A personal device that is EOL, no longer receiving security updates, or running significantly outdated software may be restricted.

You are responsible for keeping any personally owned device and software you use for college access current and secure.

Check for and apply available updates regularly to your:

  • Operating systems
  • Web browsers
  • Mobile devices
  • Applications
  • Security software
Apply updates as they become available, especially when they include security fixes. Do not intentionally delay or disable security updates on any device used to access college resources.

GCSC may restrict or block access when a device, operating system, browser, or other software presents an unacceptable security risk. Access can be restored once the device or software is brought back into compliance by:

  1. Installing the required updates.
  2. Updating to a supported version.
  3. Replacing the device with a supported one.
  4. Using another supported device for college access.
Keeping your devices and software current protects more than your college account. An outdated device also puts your personal email, banking and financial information, saved passwords, photos, and other personal accounts at greater risk. Applying security updates and staying on supported devices is a simple, effective way to lower that risk.
Gulf Coast State College does not discriminate against any person in its programs, activities, policies or procedures on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, marital status, religion, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. All questions or inquiries regarding compliance with laws relating to non-discrimination and all complaints regarding sexual misconduct or discrimination, may be directed to Amanda Reed, Executive Director, Human Resources/Title II/504/Title IX Coordinator and Civil Rights Compliance Officer, Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. US Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401.