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Wireless Security

More and more Internet users are using Wi-Fi to connect to the Internet. Connecting to the Internet wirelessly presents a whole new set of security concerns. If you're setting up or using a wireless "Wi-Fi" network, you're going to need to take some extra security precautions to keep your computer safe and secure.

  • Is Wireless Safe?
  • What You Can Do To Protect Yourself
  • Safe Internet Browsing and Email Access While Using Open Wireless Access
  • UA Presentations, Resources and Information for Wireless Security
  • Other Helpful Wireless Security Resources

    • Is Wireless Safe?

    A wireless network sends signals through the air instead of over a wire. Because of this, others can easily intercept the information you are sending when using a “unsecured” public or "open access" wireless connection, such as “UAPublic”.

    Imagine that you have a phone extension at home sitting in the front yard.  Anyone can wander by, pick up the receiver, and listen to your entire conversation or make long distance calls without your knowledge. Wireless access can have the same issue. If your wireless router or access point is not secure, anybody within its range can use it.  Anyone within range of your wireless device can easily monitor everything you do over your wireless connection!

    What You Can Do To Protect Yourself

    When possible, you should use a secure wireless connection such as “UAWiFi” which is configured to use WPA2 (a secure connection) to secure your internet traffic, and PEAP, which encrypts your username and password during the authentication process. There are times when you may find yourself in a situation where you have a need to use open public access wireless. Be aware of what information you are transmitting. We strongly recommend that you limit what you do to simple browsing and checking webmail. Additionally, if you have a wireless router at home or apartment, you should to configure it to use encryption and MAC filtering. SSID broadcasting should also be disabled and the administrative password changed from the default.

    Safe Internet Browsing and Email Access While Using Open Wireless Access

    Always assume that (almost) ANYTHING that you type or any information that appears on your screen while you're using an “open” wireless connection can be seen by others nearby. If you are accessing a page that requires a login and password, or if you are entering ANY personal data (credit card, Social Security Number, etc.) make sure that you are on a secure site.

    How do I know the site's secure? 

    That's easy enough -- just check that the web address begins with https instead of the usual http -- and your information will be safely encrypted before transmission. As long as you're on a page with an address that begins with https, the data you send and receive is protected from sniffers and snoopers.

    UA Presentations, Resources and Information for Wireless Security

    Other Helpful Wireless Security Resources