Helping to Secure our Wireless Network

As WCTS continues to improve computer security at Whitman, we are taking a look at improving the security of our wireless network. Whitman currently provides wireless network access in many of the key academic buildings like the Library and the Reid Campus Center.

Currently the system is setup so that anyone can use the Whitman wireless network. A wireless network uses radio signals to connect machines together. These radio signals often leak outside of the building and can sometimes be picked up as far away as 1,000 feet from the wireless access point. This can allow someone outside of the Whitman community to use Whitman's wireless network without our knowledge or permission. This could allow someone to launch a "cyber attack" against another site or allow them to hack into Whitman's network or even send out large amounts of spam email messages using Whitman's email server.The problem with wireless networks is so common that is has spawned terms like "drive-by hacking" and "war chalking".

As a first step in improving the security of our wireless network, we are in the planning stages of creating a registration system to give a computer access to the wireless network. This system will be web-based and will work very much like the current Residence Hall computer registration system. To use the wireless network, a computer will have to first be "registered" by filling out a web-based registration form. Once a computer was registered, it could be used anywhere on campus for the remainder of the school year.

You can find out more about wireless security and "war chalking" at the sites shown below:

Welcome to the era of drive-by hacking

Hackers take to the air

Wireless Networks: Open Doors for Bad Guys

'War chalking': New hacking threat to firms?

Kevin Kelly