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May 2023

Berkeley Lab IT Outreach to Local Elementary
Michael Smitasin, Cybersecurity Engineer
Banking Text Scam
New Guidance on Using Generative AI Tools
Windows Remote Desktop Requirements
Install CrowdStrike Antivirus via BigFix
SSO Required for Atlassian Cloud Products on May 30
Update BitBucket SSH Host Keys by June 20
Google Workspace Updates, May 2023
Universal Analytics is Going Away on July 1
IT Training, June 2023
Register to Join UC Tech Virtually
Coming Soon: Hybrid Events Training

A Sylvia Mendez Elementary student works on a Kano computer kit based on Raspberry Pi 3.

A Sylvia Mendez student works on a Raspberry Pi 3 computer kit. (Credit: Thor Swift/Berkeley Lab)

Berkeley Lab IT Outreach to Local Elementary

In May 2023, the IT Division hosted a three-day STEM outreach program for local second and third grade students from Sylvia Mendez Elementary School. This year marked the 12th occurrence of the event since 2009, interrupted only by COVID-19. The initiative was led by Tammy Campbell, Support Services Lead, and coordinated by Erin Scharfstein, IT Administrator. A team of 25 staff volunteers helped deliver an engaging and interactive learning experience to over 100 children. Reading time: 10 minutes

Read about the IT outreach event »

Michael Smitasin answers questions about his cybersecurity career in an IT staff profile.

Michael Smitasin, Cybersecurity Engineer

The Cyber Security group is responsible for developing and implementing an information security management plan for Berkeley Lab and working with divisions to meet security objectives defined by leadership. Michael Smitasin is an IT Cybersecurity Engineer and a 10-year veteran of the Lab. Learn more about his professional background, career trajectory, and recent contributions to current projects. Reading time: 10 minutes

Meet Michael Smitasin »

Real example of a banking SMS text scam sent to a Lab employee. (Credit: Berkeley Lab)

Banking Text Scam

Bank imposter scams using SMS text messages are on the rise. Examine a real example sent to a Lab employee to learn how to spot this common financial phishing tactic.

Learn about text scams »

New guidance for AI tools. Graphic depicting connected data points in the shape of a human brain.

New Guidance on Using Generative AI Tools

As advancements in artificial intelligence continue to shape scientific research, it is imperative to establish clear boundaries and best practices for the responsible deployment of Generative AI tools. New guidance helps staff utilize AI technology while ensuring the security of sensitive data at the Lab.

Windows Remote Desktop Requirements

Due to increased risk, Berkeley Lab will now require VPN for off-site Windows Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) access to a Lab computer starting on June 12, 2023. Computers accepting RDP must also install CrowdStrike antivirus.

Install CrowdStrike Antivirus via BigFix

BigFix has been deployed on over 6,000 computer systems across the Lab to provide critical remote management services. Download BigFix today to get IT security updates, including the Lab’s new antivirus software, CrowdStrike.

SSO is now required for using Atlassian Cloud products with SSO-capable @lbl.gov accounts.

SSO Required for Atlassian Cloud Products on May 30

Starting on May 30, 2023, Single Sign-On (SSO) will be required when signing into Atlassian Cloud products, including Bitbucket, JIRA, Trello and others, with SSO-capable @lbl.gov accounts.

Update Bitbucket SSH Host Keys by June 20

Bitbucket Cloud announced that encrypted copies of SSH host keys were extracted in a data breach of a third-party vendor. All users who have configured SSH host keys to Bitbucket repositories need to rotate to the new keys by June 20, 2023.

Google Workspace Updates, May 2023

Exciting updates for Google Workspace apps have been released or planned for the near future. Check out new collaboration and workflow features for Calendar, Docs, Sheets, Chat, Sites, Drive, and Contacts.

Universal Analytics is Going Away on July 1

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is the next-generation measurement solution for web traffic. Universal Analytics properties will stop processing data on July 1, 2023. We strongly encourage you to make the switch to GA4 as soon as possible. Email help@lbl.gov for support.

IT Training, June 2023

IT offers training to Berkeley Lab employees in partnership with UC Berkeley. Upcoming workshops include data analysis with Microsoft Excel, and Python courses on deep learning, text analysis, and web scraping.

Join UC Tech Virtually

Participate in UC Tech 2023 virtually! All keynotes and sessions will be live-streamed except for the opening reception and awards ceremony. The registration fee for virtual attendance is $75.

Building 50 auditorium Zoom Room at Berkeley Lab. (Credit: Berkeley Lab)

Coming Soon: Hybrid Events Training

The IT Audio Visual Services team (AV) is offering a hybrid events training workshop in June 2023. This training was developed to help Lab staff successfully plan, schedule, manage and execute an efficient hybrid event using Zoom Room technology.. Look for the official announcement and date/time via Elements, the IT website, and zoom.lbl.gov.

ⓘ IT Help Desk

The Help Desk provides technical computer support for the Berkeley Lab community.

Chat with IT, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. PT at go.lbl.gov/itchat.
Email help@lbl.gov to generate a support ticket.

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