The server known as Homedirs (also known as Aires) is being changed to improve the security of the data that it houses.

The Homedirs/Aires server is used for these purposes:

• Your personal home directory
• Storage of your personal and/or class related web pages
• Storage of departmental web pages

Typically, this server is accessed by browsing the network (on campus), or by connecting with an FTP program.  This change will only affect users who access this server with an FTP program.

Homedirs/Aires is being changed so that you may only access it using a secure ftp program (SFTP.)  "Normal" FTP programs will no longer function after this date.  This server has always had this capability, so if you are currently using an SFTP program, nothing will change.

This change was originally scheduled for this past Sunday March 13th, but is actually being done today (March 16th.)  TSS has sent out two warnings prior to this one.

MCC's Technology Support Services has identified some free SFTP programs and written instructions on their use.  You can find this information on this website:
http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/its/tss/file_transfer.html

For those of you who use Dreamweaver to publish your MCC web pages, the CTL has provided instructions on how to enable SFTP within Dreamweaver.  You can find those instructions here:
http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/%7Emkroening/helpdocs/sftp_dreamweaver.html

The Dreamweaver instructions are also available from TSS's website on our HOWTO page:
http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/its/tss/win_update.html

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How will I know if I am affected by this change?
A: If you use an FTP program to access Homedirs/Aires, you are affected.  Some web publishing applications (such as FrontPage, Dreamweaver, or Adobe GoLive) have "built-in" FTP capability.  Some of these programs have the ability to do SFTP (such as Dreamweaver.)  If your web publishing application does not support secure FTP, you must use a separate SFTP program to upload your data (see links above.)  Users who access Homedirs by navigating through the "My Network Places" icon (Windows) or the "Go | Connect to Server" menu item in Mac OS X do not need to worry about this change.  If you are not sure, please give TSS a call for clarification.

Q: Will this affect my access when I am on campus or off campus?
A: For most users, this will only affect you if you are accessing Homedirs/Aires from off campus.  Most on campus users can access this space by browsing "My Network Places" or connecting to the server from the "Go" menu in OS X.

Q: Why is this change being made?
A: "Regular" FTP is not secure - passwords are not encrypted and a resourceful hacker can exploit this fact.  SFTP allows passwords and data to be encrypted.

If you have questions, concerns, or if you have trouble following the provided instructions, please contact Technology Support Services by one of these methods:

Phone: 480-461-7217
Email: tss@mcmail.maricopa.edu