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Arizona State University Main Office Location: |
ASU English > English Computing > Tutorials > Wireless Security 08/15/2005 Wireless Security, an Oxymoron? We all love the convenience of wireless networks, but we seldom consider the potential consequences of checking our email or purchasing items while sipping coffee at our favorite wireless hotspot. This year’s (2005) BlackHat and Defcon security conferences demonstrate the consumer’s need to think carefully about the security hazards that wireless networks pose. At these conferences, security specialists and hackers come together to expose the weaknesses in our technological network. This year’s conference makes clear that using an unsecured wireless network can be like shouting your id and password out in a crowded room. The wall of sheep (shown below) displays the log in, password and domain of anyone foolish enough to send that information over an unsecured network.
At ASU, we are fairly well protected since EMMA is an HTTPS (the s=secure) server and we have the VPN for use with the Outlook Client. Just remember that if the site you are putting your credit card number in is not secure then an unscrupulous hacker could record it. This also includes working from your home wireless network (if you have one). If you do use a home wireless router or access point, then be sure to enable WPA or WEP security measures (see your manual). In addition, you might consult the web for “best practices” for wireless security. Here is a decent link to get you started: http://www.practicallynetworked.com/support/wireless_secure.htm
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