What Security Options does UT Offer for the Wireless Network?

Because the 802.11 wireless specification uses the 2.4Ghz frequency range, anyone with basic networking knowledge and a cheap wireless receiver can eavesdrop on your network usage. This means that someone can potentially see your user name and password and whatever else you may be working on. Thus if you are currently using the wireless network, ut-open, to access UT's computer network, it is important that you consider securing your wireless communications. OIT has developed the following webpage to provide you with basic security information as well as some tips to help you secure your wireless connection.

Why isn't my connection secure?

Because wireless network access uses radio frequency to broadcast and retrieve data, the data can be viewed by anyone within the signal range of your computer. While the 802.11 wireless specification did originally feature built in security, it was found to be too weak to offer real security.

Since the 802.11 wireless network is not secure, it is crucial that you take the proper precautions and secure your communications over the network.

What security options do you have available?

Ut-wpa2
Ut-wpa2 is an encrypted version of the wireless network. It uses the WPA2 protocol and requires additional configuration of your computer or device to access. To configure your device to access the ut-wpa2 network, see either Configuring Windows XP for use with ut-wpa2 (802.1x) or Configuring OSX for use with ut-wpa2 (802.1x).

SSL
If you choose to not use the WPA2, it is important that you use programs that offer built in encryption. Both Firefox and Internet Explorer offer SSL encryption, but pages are only encrypted if the server that you are connected to supports SSL. Most university related sites that require password verification use SSL, but it is important that you check and make sure that the site does offer encryption. You can tell if a site is encrypted by checking to see if there is a padlock present in the bottom right corner of the browser or beside the address bar.

SSH
It is also important that you use encryption if you access university resources through remote terminal services. A protocol that offers built in encryption was developed to replace telnet and can be used to connect to all OIT resources. This protocol, called secure shell or SSH requires an SSH compliant client, but allows you to access university resources with ease and security. If you wish to use SSH, click here for download information.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact the helpdesk.