News from the ITS Help Desk - August 2024

Welcome Back to the Fall Semester!

Welcome to the Fall 2024 semester! As we embark on another academic year, we are reminded of the collective effort it takes to support our students, faculty, and staff. This time of year brings a peak in requests across campus—from Admissions and Records to ITS, HR, and beyond. We encourage everyone to approach this busy period with patience and understanding, as each department works diligently to provide the best possible support. By working together, we can ensure a smooth start to the semester for all.

Help Desk Hours and Location

Just a quick reminder that the ITS Help Desk is here to support you. We are located in the Library on the Santa Maria campus and offer in-person support from Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and Fridays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Whether you're facing technical difficulties or just need some guidance, don't hesitate to stop by.

Important Resources for the Start of the Term

1. ithelp.hancockcollege.edu

   • Use the “Something Broke” option for any issue.
   • Select “I Can’t Sign In” for students and public requestors who need help with account access.

2. ithelp@hancockcollege.edu

   • Submit a generic ticket by emailing this address. Make sure the subject line clearly describes the issue, and include the who/what/when/where/why in the body for a quicker resolution.

3. Library - L-313

   • Students can check out laptops, Chromebooks, and iPads on a first-come, first-served basis.

4. Basic Needs - G-101

   • Provides similar resources as the Library but based on student needs.

5. Admissions and Records - Building A

   • Handles student personal information updates, including password reset emails that ITS cannot process. If students have issues with registration but can access the MyHancock Portal, this is the place to go. Those who cannot sign in at all should complete an “I Can’t Sign In” request here.

6. ITS Help Desk - Library - L-313

   • In-person support is available for students, staff, and faculty.

7. Canvas Support

   • Remember, Canvas is not supported by ITS. Students should contact their professors for Canvas-related issues. Faculty members can reach out to Distance Education for additional support. For more information, check out Distance Education - Faculty Resources and Canvas Instructions.

Essential Articles and Ticket Requests for the Start of the Term

Make sure to check out these key resources to help you navigate the start of the term:

• Setting Up Hancock College Email on Computers and Phones
• Updating Personal Information for Password Resets
• Resolving "Configuration Issue" at Portal Login
• AHC Computer Standards
• How to Report Phishing Emails

Updates to ithelp.hancockcollege.edu

We're continuously improving the portal based on your feedback. As the term progresses and workloads lighten, expect to see more enhancements rolled out.

NIST's New Post-Quantum Encryption Standards: What They Mean for You

In a rapidly evolving digital world, staying ahead of technological advancements is crucial, especially when it comes to protecting sensitive information. This August, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced the finalization of new encryption standards designed to withstand the potential threats posed by quantum computers. But what does this mean for you, and why should you care?

Understanding Encryption: The Basics

First, let's break down what encryption is. Encryption is a method used to protect data by converting it into a code, making it unreadable to anyone who doesn't have the correct decryption key. This ensures that sensitive information—like your personal emails, financial transactions, and even student records—remains secure from unauthorized access.
Currently, the encryption methods we use are based on complex mathematical problems that are extremely difficult for today's computers to solve. However, with the advent of quantum computing, this could change. Quantum computers have the potential to solve these problems much faster, which means they could break current encryption methods, exposing data that was once secure.

The Quantum Threat

So, what exactly is a quantum computer? Unlike traditional computers, which use bits (0s and 1s) to process information, quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits. Qubits can represent both 0 and 1 simultaneously, allowing quantum computers to perform many calculations at once. This capability gives quantum computers the potential to crack current encryption systems in a fraction of the time it would take even the most powerful classical supercomputers.

As quantum computing technology advances, the possibility of these machines breaking existing encryption becomes more likely, posing a significant risk to data security worldwide.

NIST's Response: Post-Quantum Encryption Standards

To counter this threat, NIST has spent the last eight years developing new encryption algorithms that are resistant to quantum computing attacks. These algorithms, known as post-quantum encryption standards, have now been finalized and are ready for implementation.

The significance of these new standards cannot be overstated. They are designed to protect everything from confidential emails and financial transactions to critical infrastructure data, ensuring that our digital world remains secure even in the face of quantum advancements.

Why It Matters to You

You might be wondering, "How does this affect me?" The answer is simple: the security of your personal and professional information depends on it. While quantum computers are not yet widespread, it's only a matter of time before they become a reality. By considering these new standards now, institutions like Allan Hancock College can ensure that your data—whether it's personal information, academic records, or financial transactions—remains secure in the future.

For college employees, this means the IT systems you rely on daily will be equipped to handle the challenges of tomorrow. The transition to post-quantum encryption is an essential step in safeguarding not only your data but also the integrity of the college’s digital infrastructure.

What’s Next?

NIST is encouraging organizations to start integrating these new encryption standards into their systems as soon as possible, as full implementation will take time. Here at AHC, the ITS department is already exploring ways to incorporate these standards to ensure our network remains secure for years to come.
In conclusion, while the concept of quantum computing might seem far off, its implications are very real and could affect everyone. By staying informed and proactive, AHC is committed to protecting your data against the threats of tomorrow.
 

Referenced
Post-Quantum Cryptography | CSRC (nist.gov).

Updates from Technology Council and Committees

• Web Services Committee
  • Schedule: Meetings are held bi-monthly, usually on the 1st Thursday, from 9:30-11:00 am.
  • Update: No updates from July.
• Educational Technology Advisory Committee (EdTAC)
  • Schedule: Meetings are held bi-monthly, usually on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday, from 2:30-4:00 pm.
  • Update: No updates from July.
• Banner Committee
  • Schedule: Meetings are held monthly, usually on the 2nd Monday, from 9:00 - 10:30 am.
  • Update: No updates from July.
• Technology Council
  • Schedule: Meetings are held bi-monthly, usually on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday, from 2:30-4:00 pm.
  • Update: No updates from July.

July 2024 Ticket Summary

Here’s a brief overview of the Help Desk activity for July:

Total Tickets (Whole Department)

• May: 454
• June: 453
• July: 523

Location-less Tickets:

• Total Count: 283

Top Ticket Forms Without a Location:

• Computer Help: 55 tickets
• I Can't Sign In: 50 tickets
• New Banner User or Banner Security Update: 36 tickets
• Request Computers and Equipment: 28 tickets
• Problem Form: 27 tickets

Lompoc Valley Campus (LVC) Tickets:

Total Tickets for LVC: 14

Top 5 LVC Buildings:

• LVC 3: 4 tickets
• LVC 1: 4 tickets
• LVC 2: 3 tickets
• LVC 5: 3 tickets

Top 5 LVC Ticket Forms:

• Something Broke: 8 tickets
• Install Something: 3 tickets
• Problem Form: 1 ticket
• VOIP Telephone Request: 1 ticket
• Service Request: 1 ticket

Santa Maria Valley Campus (SM) Tickets:

Total Tickets for SM: 183

Top 5 SM Locations:

• Building A: 48 tickets
• Building B: 18 tickets
• Building L: 16 tickets
• Building S: 15 tickets
• Building M: 14 tickets

Top 5 SM Ticket Forms:

• Something Broke: 90 tickets
• Install Something: 26 tickets
• VOIP Telephone Request: 22 tickets
• Audio/Visual Event Request (New): 14 tickets
• Service Request: 9 tickets

As always, we're here to help you succeed this semester. Let’s work together to make Fall 2024 a great one!

Best regards,
Information Technology Services
Allan Hancock College