Cumbersome Authentication
Comment - The authentication system requires one to enter a password and type numbers on a secondary device every 8 hours, which is much more frequent than is customary in other systems, where authentication is only needed once a month.
Answer - The Technion is attacked by hackers (some of them from particularly hostile countries), who frequently scan the Technion's networks. We established an information security policy to reduce exposure, which requires a relatively high frequency of identification. The frequency considers the need for information security and sidelines the likelihood of continuous work and the inconvenience caused by repeatedly entering identification.
Two-step verification
Comment - Each system requires a two-step authentication using one's mobile phone .
Comment - Cancel or enable verification without using the mobile phone.
Answer - Due to ongoing cyber attacks, there is an essential need for a two-step verification, which stems from information security requirements and is consistent with the information security policy approved at the Technion.
Managing an Independent Website
Comment - We understand it is a sweeping Technion decision to contract with a provider to manage / design / upgrade our website. The cost is very high (about 10,000 NIS for a medium-sized site), and our department consists of personnel who can do the work as part of their routine at a much lower cost and in a shorter period. This is a basic WordPress site. That is the enormous cost that we, as a Technion, pay.
Answer - Costs can be saved by using the infrastructures that already exist today for self-service website development. For details, please contact the Computing Division website at cis.technion.ac.il or call 073-3785600.
Synching Information between Computing Systems
Comment - Our faculty built several SharePoint environments to handle various administrative issues, such as scholarships, student issues, managing teaching, etc. Most of these systems require information, which is already embedded in other systems, for example: contacts, lists of courses and exams, etc. Currently we cannot import existing information into our systems, therefore we keep our own independent lists, resulting in reduced efficiency.
Answer - The Technion provides an API interface regarding student information. For any further assistance, we recommend contacting your faculty's IT engineer.
Human Response from the IT Support Center
Comment - New candidates and students, who are unfamiliar with the Technion's units and systems, often feel lost because they don't receive adequate assistance. They turn to the candidates' and evaluation department to express their frustration. This situation creates significant delays, especially during the winter registration period. Even when details are left in the support feedback, it sometimes takes several days for a support representative to get in touch with the caller. When candidates are required to meet deadlines for an offer approval, an advance payment, course registration, and more, such delays can be highly problematic.
Comment - The IT support lacks in terms of its phone services and contacting through the digitized IT support takes longer than it reasonable.
Answer - The Computing and Information Systems Division is making significant efforts to improve how the support center operates. The hours of operation of the support center are 7:30 - 19:30. The hotline provides service to the entire Technion House through various contact channels: by phone, WhatsApp, Facebook, or the Technion support website. For the convenience of the Technion House, messages can be left, and the hotline will return as soon as possible to each message. The phone number where you can reach the center is 073-3785600, and the WhatsApp number where you can reach the center is 073-3785600 | Opening a service call: http://5600.technion.ac.il.
