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Alertus Desktop is a software program licensed by VIU for delivering emergency notifications to VIU desktop and laptop computer systems. When activated, Alertus will pop up a full-screen alert, taking over the whole screen with a warning that's impossible to miss. The alert can be easily dismissed by simply clicking on the 'Acknowledge' button.
Where is AlertUs installed?
AlertUs is installed on VIU desktops and laptops. It cannot be installed on personal devices.
When/how often will I receive alerts?
Alertus is designed to alert members of the VIU community during an emergency that poses an imminent, ongoing, campus-wide threat or danger to the safety of the VIU community. This could include, but is not limited to, a severe storm forecasted to strike VIU or an active shooter at large on campus.
Alertus will NOT be used for general crime alerts or other situations on campus that do not pose an imminent threat or danger. It will also not be used for non-emergency communications such as campus event announcements, class reminders, news or advertisements.
Tests of the Alertus system are conducted at regular intervals.
Does my computer need to be connected to receive alerts?
Only computers connected to the VIU network will receive alerts, either hard wired or using wireless (viu-secure). The Alertus Desktop client icon will indicate your connection status. Yellow means it is connected to the VIU network and notifications will be displayed. Red means there is no connection, and notifications will not be displayed.
How do I know my privacy is protected?
No personal information is gathered or transmitted from computers running Alertus Desktop.
How do I know that the content of the alert is current?
The alert screen displays the time and date that the alert was issued. VIU can cancel an alert as needed, as well as provide an 'expiry time'. Desktop alert clients that come online after an alert has been cancelled / has expired will NOT display the alert.
What type of security is in place to prevent malicious activations?
The Alertus Desktop client will only contact the server it is configured to look for. Once a connection is made, cryptographic verification is used. The software uses a uniquely identifiable encryption key, and a matching certificate which is securely signed by Alertus. The client requests this certificate from the server, and verifies that it was issued by Alertus. When the server sends a message, it uses the encryption key to digitally sign the message. If the signature is invalid, or the certificate was not issued by Alertus, the message will not be displayed.
Is Alertus available for my smart phone or Linux PC
Not at this time. However, for Android and Apple iOS devices, the VIU Safety app is available for download from the respective app stores.
What computer systems does it work on?
All currently supported versions of Windows and macOS
How much computer/network resources will Alertus Desktop require?
The Alertus Desktop client is designed to be as light-weight as possible. The application requires less than 20 MB of free hard disk space, and uses less than 15 MB of memory while running. Network bandwidth use is less than 1KB per minute during regular (nonemergency) use.
Any other things worth noting?
The Alertus Desktop client is only active when the computer is powered on and logged in. This means that a computer a) in standby b) at the log-in screen c) in screen saver lockout – will not display the alert (until a user logs in).
Further questions?
Please contact IT Service Desk at ithelp@viu.ca for questions regarding installation.
For questions regarding the Alertus software, how it works, and how it will be used, please contact Facilities & Ancillary Services at facility@viu.ca