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Smartsheet is reporting that Smartsheet application, mobile app, and API are offline.  For more information please see: https://status.smartsheet.com/.


During the renewal process, Adobe made a provisioning error, which impacted the Lab’s Adobe DC Pro licenses. Adobe has acknowledged that this was their mistake and apologizes for the inconvenience.

To correct this error, and reactivate your Acrobat Pro DC license, follow the instructions below:

 Did you receive a message similar to those below?:

1)  Launch Acrobat Pro DC by clicking the Acrobat icon or selecting it from your product list.

2)  If Acrobat access is successful, Sign Out of Acrobat by clicking the (1) Help menu and (2) “Sign Out” (see image below):

3)   Otherwise, you should see the “Sign In Required” dialog box like the one below.  Click the blue “Sign In Now” button in the lower-right (see image below):


4)    You should see the login dialog box below.  If you know the Adobe ID that is associated with your Acrobat Pro DC license, enter the email address (typically your LBL email address) and your password.  If you don’t know your password, click on the “Forgot password?” link in the lower-right of the dialog box (see image below):

5)    If you clicked on “Forgot password?” you will see the forgot password box below.  Just enter the Adobe ID email address associated with your Acrobat Pro DC license (your LBL email address) and click the blue “Next” button and follow the instructions.

IF FOR SOME REASON THE STEPS ABOVE DON’T WORK OR DO NOT COVER WHAT YOU ARE SEEING, TRY THE WORKAROUND BELOW:

1)    Click on https://www.adobe.com/ or type it into your browser.

2)    Click the (1) Icon in the upper-right corner and then (2) click “Sign Out” (see image below):

3)    Then click “Sign In” and enter the Adobe ID that is associated with your Acrobat Pro DC license (typically your LBL email address) and your password.  If you don’t know your password, click on the “Forgot password?” link (see images below):

If you are still experiencing difficulties after completing these steps, please Request Help.   

Berkeley Lab Cyber Security has discovered bad guys exploiting Apple’s Remote Management service to conduct reflected denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. 

What to do?

In order to protect Berkeley Lab computers from participating in this hostile activity, we require all users to disable Apple Remote Management Service.  To disable this service:

  1. In Apple Menu, select System Preferences
     
  2. Select Sharing
     
  3. Uncheck Remote Management
     

This change will not have any adverse effects for most users and in fact is the Apple default.  You can still use Apple Remote desktop and VNC to connect if you enable "Screen Sharing". If you believe disabling Remote Management will create an adverse situation for you, please contact [email protected]

IT will use BigFix to prompt users to automatically disable the Apple Remote Management Service on all systems running in Active Management Mode. For systems in Passive Management Mode, a BigFix Offer will be provided for users to disable it manually.

              

BigFix can be downloaded from https://go.lbl.gov/DownloadBigFix. For any further inquiries Request Help.

Technical Details



LabTech Everyday Event Coming To You

You asked, we listened! We’re bringing LabTech to you!


Monday, July 22, 2019 @ 10AM
Outside patio between Bldg. 62 and Bldg. 66


Come see us to learn how IT can help you with all your computing needs. We will be offering no-cost consulting on:

  • Scaleable, cost efficient centralized IT services

  • High Performance Computing

  • Virtualization

  • Storage Solutions

  • Software Training

  • Desktop/Laptop/Mobile support

  • Backup and Multi Factor Authentication guidance

For more information, see scienceit.lbl.gov.


Zoom has identified a zero-day vulnerability in its Zoom Meeting Client for Mac.  Zoom released an emergency patch today to address this security issue.  IT requests you upgrade your Mac client as soon as possible to version Version: 4.4.6.  The vulnerability allows any website to open a video-enabled call on a Mac with the Zoom app installed. Information has been posted on several sites:


What you should do:

  • Download the latest version from Zoom download page  OR

  • Launch Zoom and under “zoom.us” menu select Check for Updates and install

Apple recently announced a recall for a small number of MacBook Airs, but unfortunately Apple has not published a website to easily determine if your MacBook Air could be affected. Users can contact Apple directly with their computer serial number to see if they are affected, but if you wish support please feel free to contact the IT Workstation Support Group through a help ticket

There is no cost for the repair, but standard rates apply for IT labor.


Article ID:SN5274

Last Modified: 28 Jun 2019

Published Date: Fri Jun 28 21:22:16 GMT 2019


Apple has identified an issue with the main logic board in a very small number of MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018) systems. Apple will replace the main logic board in affected systems, free of charge. Apple will also send an email to customers, who registered their device with Apple, to let them know that their device is eligible for a main logic board replacement.

To learn more about providing this service, read MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018) Main Logic Board Service Policy (see below, OP2173).


Article ID:OP2173

Last Modified: 02 Jul 2019


Apple has identified an issue with the main logic board in a very small number of MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018) systems. Apple will replace the main logic board in affected systems, free of charge. 

1. Eligibility

A. Affected Product - MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018) with specific serial numbers.

B. System Message - When the serial number of an affected MacBook Air is entered into the repair system a message will direct the Technician to replace the main logic board.

C. Coverage - Apple will authorize coverage within four (4) years from original purchase date.

If the customer’s computer has accidental damage they do not want repaired, proceed with the service at no cost as long as the damage does not prevent a Technician from completing the repair. If the damage prevents the repair, the customer must pay for the accidental damage to be repaired, in order to get the main logic board replaced at no cost.

D. Apple will send an email to customers, who registered their device with Apple, to let them know that their device is eligible for a main logic board replacement.

 

2. Create Carry-In Repair

Encourage all customers to backup their data before any repair. Apple assumes no responsibility for customer data.

A. Carry-In Repair is the service strategy for this program.

B. Classifying the repair - Use the serial number of the MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018) to create the repair. For the main logic board to be eligible for replacement at no charge, the repair must be properly classified.

  • Symptom - Power
  • Issue - 2018 MacBook Air MLB REP
  • CompTIA - ZA3 2018 MacBook Air MLB REP

C. Parts - Select the service part for the main logic board.

D. Repair Notes - Describe the work to be performed.

E. Perform the repair - Refer to MacBook Air: Logic Board (RP1458) for details about replacing the main logic board. 

F. Ready for Pick up - Once the repair is complete, contact the customer to pick up their computer.

 

3. Mail-In Repair (Japan and U.S. only)

Carry-In service is the preferred strategy for the MLB service policy.

When the MacBook Air requires additional repair, the customer is responsible for any charges related to that additional service.

A. Classify the repair properly.

1. Main logic board replacement under this program:
  • Symptom - Power
  • Issue - 2018 MacBook Air MLB REP
  • CompTIA - ZA3 2018 MacBook Air MLB REP
  • Part - Flat Rate 2 Repair Charge
2. Main logic board replacement and addition repair service:
  • Symptom - Power
  • Issue - 2018 MacBook Air MLB REP (multi-issue)
  • CompTIA - ZA4 2018 MacBook Air MLB REP (multi-issue)
  • Part - Select the appropriate repair rate for the additional issue, as described in Choosing Flat and Tier Rate for Mail-In Repair (OP18).

B. Follow the standard process to complete the repair. 

Apple recently announced a safety recall for a limited number of older generation 15-inch MacBook Pro units. The battery may overheat and pose a fire safety risk. Affected units were sold primarily between September 2015 and February 2017 and product eligibility is determined by the product serial number.

To confirm your computer qualifies for the recall:

If your MacBook Pro qualifies for the recall, you can contact Apple to initiate the repair. Berkeley Lab IT can also facilitate repair through our Apple repair vendor, and can:

  • Advise and/or perform backup of data prior to repair

  • Detag, hold and re-tag DOE numbers for off-site computer repairs (property management requirement)

  • Coordinate repair with Apple certified repair vendor 

  • Provide a loaner computer while repair is being performed

There is no cost for the repair, but standard rates apply for IT labor.

Lastly, always remember to backup your data prior to any repairs. Berkeley Lab IT offers Druva inSync as a cloud-based subscription service for unlimited cloud-based backups for workstations.

Submit Help Ticket

On January 14, 2020, Microsoft will stop releasing updates and critical security patches for Windows 7, leaving them unable to be secured and putting your personal data and the Lab at risk.  Due to this, Windows 7 computer must be updated to Windows 10.

What should I do?

In most cases, upgrading your system to Windows 10 is straightforward, and may not even require you to buy a new Windows license.  Options and instructions for upgrading your system are available at Windows 7 End of Life.

Can IT help me with my upgrade?

Yes, IT can upgrade your system for you. The cost to perform a Windows 10 upgrade is $250 (additional license costs may apply). To get started, email [email protected].

What if my system is too old to run Windows 10?

IT can help you get a new or used computer. Visit go.lbl.gov/get-a-computer to browse our standard models, and to submit an order. The cost to deploy a workstation is $250.

What if I need my system to keep running Windows 7?

Many computers run equipment or software that is not compatible with Windows 10, and which cannot be replaced or upgraded. Please report such systems to IT by submitting a Windows 7 Exception Request.

What will happen if I don’t upgrade my system?

If and when a critical vulnerability is exposed in Windows 7, LBL IT will block all Windows 7 systems from the network. The most recent vulnerability of this type was discovered in May 2019; fortunately Microsoft had not yet ended support for Windows 7.

Area code 341 is being added to the 510 area code region. As a result, a new calling procedure will be required.

Beginning June 22nd, all calls made to the 510 and 341 area codes must include 1 + area code + 7-digit telephone number.


What will you need to do to prepare?

Update any pre-programmed 7-digit phone numbers on your desk phone (call forwarding, auto dials, abbreviated dials), fax machines, modems, alarm monitoring or security systems as well as your mobile device contacts to include the area code.  Also, remember to update any text or email alert services.


Calls to 911 will be unaffected.

Contact Telephone Services at [email protected] or x7997 with questions.

More about the 341 overlay is available at Wikipedia or the Mercury News

Google is experiencing issues with Google Calendar.  Users receive message Not Found Error 404 when trying to open Google Calendar.  

For more information and for status updates, visit:

GSuite: https://www.google.com/appsstatus

Google is experiencing issues with Google Suite (Gmail, Calendar, etc.) and Google’s Cloud Services. 

For more information and for status updates, visit:

GSuite: https://www.google.com/appsstatus

GCP: https://status.cloud.google.com/




Commons experienced an outage on May 27 at 1:19 AM.  The issue has been resolved.  If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Microsoft released on May 14, 2019 the warning to immediately update and reboot your system due to a Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vulnerability, see Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (CVE-2019-0708). Users are advised this is an extremely dangerous vulnerability and should be addressed right away.

This affects the following operating systems:

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems SP1

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems SP1

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems SP2

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems SP2

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems SP2

  • Microsoft Windows 7 for x64-based Systems SP1

  • Microsoft Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems SP1

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP2 x86

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition SP2

  • Microsoft Windows XP SP3 x86

  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition SP2

  • Microsoft Windows XP Embedded SP3 x86

Users should know that if their systems are not patched appropriately and an attack is launched against this vulnerability, LBNL will temporarily block access to RDP (3389/tcp) from outside the Laboratory. If this occurs, users must use VPN to access Remote Desktop Services hosted Lab systems.

Users can refer to Cyber Security’s announcement, Critical Remote Desktop Vulnerability. Any questions or concerns can be directed to [email protected].

Advice: Always keep your system and all software up to date and REBOOT at least once a month.

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Inbound and Outbound email from lbl.gov was out of service from approximately 2pm to 5.30pm.    Email delivery was restored at approximately 5:15pm and the backlog of message received and sent during the outage is expected to be processed and delivered by 8pm.  

All emails sent from LBL during the outage have been delivered.  Inbound emails may be delayed depending on how other sites attempt to redeliver mail.    If you are experiencing missing or delayed messages as of 8AM on April 26th, please contact the IT Help Desk at help.lbl.gov

Technical Details:

Email flowing to and from Google transits the LBL network for cyber security and mail processing under normal mail flows.  A datacenter switch in Building 50 experienced issues at 2:09PM.   It was restored at 2:25pm.   

At this point, the two mail handling and hygiene appliances that form the first step in LBL email handling did not return to service normally.   Troubleshooting these devices began immediately.   After rebooting the appliances they did not return to service as expected.   At this point, the Email Team concluded that the queue needed to be rebuilt (to restore the state of these devices).   

It took approximately 3 hours for the queue to be rebuilt, at which time mail began to flow.  During the outage, a substantial backlog email built up (over 15,000 messages).  IT anticipates that this queue will be delivered by 9pm at which point inbound and outbound mail should behave normally.

While most mail was queued during this period, there may have been a small number of lost messages.  IT will be investigating and to the extent possible, will notify people about messages lost during this period.


Google is currently experiencing an issue which prevents users from login into Gmail, Calendar, Drive, etc.  When users attempt to login, they are presented with a page asking them to clear cache/cookies.  For progress on this issue, check this page or visit the Google Status Dashboard.