UC Davis Information & Educational Technology

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Surf Wirelessly, Surf Securely

Posted on May 4, 2005

The arrival of spring sets visions of surfboards dancing in heads all along the California coast. Those of us who don�t live on the beach, though, can surf right here on the quad: wireless networking allows us to surf the Web while basking in the sun. Unfortunately, using wireless is a lot like riding a big wave without a board: you can do it safely if you know how, but if you�re not careful, you could crash. Read on to learn how to connect to campus wireless and have a safe ride.

Riding the Digital Waves of the UC Davis Sea
Before you start surfing, make sure that you�ve got the right gear. You�ll need a wireless network interface card (NIC) that conforms to either standard 802.11b or 802.11g; preferably the latter, which offers greater range and speed. If you�re not sure whether you have a card, it�s not difficult to find out:

  • On Windows XP, open the Control Panel from the Start Menu. Double-click on �System,� then choose the �Hardware� tab. Click the �Device Manager� button and click on the plus sign next to �Network Adapters.� If you have a wireless card, it will appear here.
  • On Mac OS X, open System Preferences and click on the Network icon. Open the drop-down menu next to the �Show� or �Configure.� If you have a wireless card, it will appear here.

If you do not have an NIC and you have a Windows-based PC, you may check one out at Shields library�however, you may only use it in Shields and you must return it before you leave the library. After you�ve got an NIC, it�s smooth sailing. Connecting to the network is easy:

  1. Go to the Computing Accounts Web site (computingaccounts.ucdavis.edu). Select �Ethernet (NIC) card registration� to begin, and provide the requested information.
  2. Follow the link to register for DHCP. Register your computer�s Media Access Control (MAC) address � make sure that you get the address of your wireless card and not your Ethernet (wired) port�s address. See the Xbase articles on registering a Mac or a PC for wireless if you have trouble locating this address.
  3. Authenticate your connection. Visit wireless.ucdavis.edu and follow the directions.

That�s all it takes to surf wirelessly at UC Davis. For a more detailed explanation of the set-up process as well as coverage maps of campus wireless locations, visit wireless.ucdavis.edu.

How to Avoid Internet Sharks
In the wide waters of wireless, most connections�such as the ones in the caf�s around Davis�do not require any login information; unlike UC Davis, you just jump in and start surfing. While this may seem convenient, it creates a more open, and thereby less secure, network, particularly vulnerable to hackers and identity thieves. There are some safety precautions you can take to keep you out of dangerous water. Most should be followed on any Internet connection, but they become all the more urgent on wireless.

  • Don�t shop online without adequate security measures (e.g. SSL) in place. It is very easy for a hacker to look over your shoulder, digitally speaking, while you enter your credit card info or online banking passwords. Make sure that the sites you access allow you to transmit sensitive information securely; usually, this will be indicated by the secure lock icon in your browser status bar.
  • Disable file-sharing programs. This will stop hackers from browsing through your files and taking whatever they want while you check your email or play a game.
  • Delete personal info on your computer. You should never store personal info�like social security and bank account numbers�on your computer. If your laptop is stolen or hacked into, you will be at high risk for identity theft.
  • Don�t set up a wireless network in the dorms. It would be very easy for a hacker to break into a wireless network in the dorms and commit crimes that would then be traced back to you. Don�t take the chance.
  • Keep your computer secure by downloading operating system patches and updates. Periodically, your operating system�s manufacturer will release updates and patches that fix security vulnerabilities. Make sure you download and install all of these.
  • Make sure that you are running a current anti-virus program with up-to-date virus definitions. An anti-virus program like Symantec Antivirus (free to students through the MyUCDavis software site) can protect you from viruses and worms that you may encounter on the Internet, if you keep its virus definitions up-to-date.
  • Install a firewall. A firewall, a program that allows users to selectively block Internet traffic to their computers, offers additional protection. Windows XP and MacOS X have built-in firewalls, and third-party products are also available.

Just follow these simple steps to ensure that you�re secure before you ride the waves with your laptop. You�ll find that surfing safely on campus is a breeze�at least, it is in the digital world! For more info on how to avoid pesky Internet sharks, cruise over to security.ucdavis.edu.

This column is provided to you by the student writers of Information and Educational Technology. For questions and comments, please contact ietpubsjr@ucdavis.edu.

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