If you’ve ever used the agency’s Wi-Fi, you might have noticed it’s finicky. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t and sometimes it’s slow. More importantly, the measures that protect sensitive information from Wi-Fi-connected devices are a bit outdated. (Ahem, is that password really from 2010?)

For the past few months, our IT team has been working behind the scenes to improve Wi-Fi connectivity and to make sure our networks are safe and secure. And things have been running so smoothly, that most of the changes have already happened without affecting any of our work! Now, there’s one little tweak to the Wi-Fi password that we’ll all need to know…

Starting Thursday, April 12, when logging into Wi-Fi on a personal or mobile device, you will see a new wireless network available. In the Wi-Fi settings, select HCHStaffGuest. You’ll be prompted to use your Health Care for the Homeless user name and password—just like when logging into a Health Care for the Homeless device.

To get us all in the swing of things, user credentials may be used to access the HCHStaffGuest Wi-Fi starting Thursday, April 12—but it won’t be required until April 26. On April 26, we will be turning off the old Wi-Fi (and finally retiring that Wi-Fi password from the stone age). Wi-Fi access points will then be active from 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Saturday. 

By requiring users to access Wi-Fi with login credentials, our networks will be better protected from outside devices and users. And they'll run a lot fatser! Because the new process requires Health Care for the Homeless user credentials, clients will not be able to use the Wi-Fi under this new system. Within the next few months, IT will be developing a new system to allow clients and guests to use our Wi-Fi. We’ll have more details on the front soon.

During all these upgrades, important to remember that keeping our clients information safe and secure requires keeping cyber criminals out. To do that, computers and networks may be monitored and recorded as outlined in the Acceptable Use Policy. In a few weeks, a banner will pop up when logging into a computer reminding you that your computer activity is subject to auditing.

Questions? Email Kevin Kearney.