Getting started

You must activate your HMS account to access HMS IT services, including email, wireless networks, collaboration platforms, and research clusters.

Follow the instructions to activate your HMS account.

HMS offers email accounts to its faculty, staff, students, and select guests, facilitating communication and access to essential services, including email, calendaring, contacts, and mailing lists. These accounts are allocated based on your affiliation with HMS.

Upon activation of your HMS account and claiming your HarvardKey, you can access your email through the following methods:

• Web – Outlook on the web
• Mobile devices – Android, iOS, and iPadOS
• Desktop apps – Apple Mail, Outlook for Mac, Outlook for Windows

HarvardKey is the official online credential for Harvard University, essential for accessing a wide range of University applications and services. HarvardKey is distinct from your HMS account credentials.

To activate your HarvardKey:

1. Visit the main KarvardKey page.
2. Select Claim Your HarvardKey.
3. Follow the prompts.

After you've claimed your HarvardKey, you must set up two-factor authentication:

1. Visit the main KarvardKey page.
2. Select Set Up & Manage Your Two-Step Verification.
3. Follow the prompts.

Choose from these wireless options to connect to the internet:

• Harvard Secure – This is the recommended wireless network for optimal security and connectivity within Harvard.
• eduroam – A reliable choice for maintaining internet access at various educational institutions worldwide.
• HMS Guest – Designed for visitors, providing easy internet access.

Set up your device to connect to these networks. You don't need to be on campus for this setup. For detailed instructions on setting up these networks on your device, follow these instructions:

• iPhones and iPads
• macOS
• Windows

For a stable and secure connection, use a wired connection at HMS locations, including Longwood, 401 Park, and Quad areas. Simply connect using an HMS network data jack and restart your device to ensure uninterrupted service.

The HMS VPN provides a secure virtual connection for staff and Quad-based faculty, enabling secure access to campus resources.

To get set up, follow the documentation on how to install the VPN client and access resources (sign-in with HMS account required).

If you are responsible for a computer that belongs to HMS or is funded by grants, you must ensure the computer meets these HMS IT security requirements:

1. Install systems management software (SMS) to allow HMS IT to deploy security patches and virus definitions automatically. Installation of SMS will automatically add CrowdStrike for threat monitoring and hardware inventory software.
2. Install CrowdStrike for advanced antivirus protection and to enhance Harvard's response to security threats such as malware and credential theft. Those not eligible for SMS can install Avast for macOS or use the built-in Microsoft Defender Antivirus for Windows computers.
3. Run supported operating systems and apply critical updates immediately and other updates within 30 days of release.

Learn more about information security at HMS to help protect the integrity of our education and research missions.

To identify and avoid phishing attempts:

• Always verify the sender's identity by checking email addresses and URLs closely for slight alterations that mimic legitimate addresses but are misspelled or use misleading domain names.
• Be cautious with emails or messages that demand urgent action, such as providing personal information or visiting links. Instead of visiting links in unsolicited emails, navigate directly to the website by typing the address into your browser.
• Review this introduction to phishing by the Harvard Information Security and Data Privacy office.

In addition to the required software (SMS, CrowdStrike or antivirus software, and a supported operating system), we recommend that you also use the following software:

• 1Password – With a password manager, you can use one strong password to protect the passwords of all your other accounts.
• CrashPlan – CrashPlan helps HMS and HSDM Quad-based faculty and staff safeguard essential data against potential loss.
• VPN – HMS Quad-based faculty or staff must use a VPN to connect to campus resources from remote locations.

You are also required to review the data classification levels at Harvard and use the appropriate tools from Harvard and HMS based on the sensitivity of the data being shared in that tool.

The HMS IT Service Portal at harvardmed.service-now.com offers a quick and easy way to find answers, connect with support, request services, and track confirmations.

• Browse knowledge – Find how-to guides and answers to frequently asked questions.
• Submit a ticket – Get tech assistance.
• Request something – Explore and request IT services.
• My approvals – View and approve tickets requiring your confirmation to proceed

If you can't find the information you need or if you need personalized support with a technical issue, reach out to the Service Desk:

• Email – itservicedesk@hms.harvard.edu.
• Phone – 617-432-2000 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
  • For after-hours support, call the Service Desk and dial extension 7 when prompted.
• Local support – View our list of IT support representatives by location.

HSDM students can contact HSDM Information Technology by email at support@hsdm.harvard.edu.

HMS and Harvard provide a wide range of software and services to assist your work. Browse all software and services from HMS IT, or use these prefiltered categories:

• Administrative systems
• Communication and productivity
• Creative tools
• Research and data science
• Teaching and learning

You can also see all of the tools and services available from Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT).