Secure wireless increases privacy

Posted on 03. Mar, 2010 by juanantonio in Biz/Tech

SANGEETA PATEL
BIZ/TECH REPORTER

The implementation of Humber’s new Secure wireless network this semester will give people at North and Lakeshore campus access to better wireless security, Manager of IT Services Ryan Burton said.
Prior to January, the only available wireless network was Humber Public, which allowed students to access the Internet with a valid HCNet ID, but which sent out data in an unencrypted format.

Secure network is now online. (Sangeeta Patel)

Staff and students had requested the secure service, and IT is pleased to be able to offer it, Burton said
The new network is better suited for people who want to use the Internet for more personal tasks like online banking, he said.
Staff and students must head to the Information Technology Services desk at either campus for help setting up their devices to access it.
Burton said that information on how to set it up on your own should be available on the ITS website soon.
The still unencrypted Humber Public network will remain active for those who wish to use it for simple things like checking e-mail and surfing the web, said Burton. But he advised that it should be used to handle data that students wouldn’t mind being seen by a third party.
He also recommended students obtain anti-virus software for their personal computers.
Humber offers a one-year licence of PC-cillin at the bookstore for only $10.
A firewall can also be used in conjunction with anti-virus software to boost security, Burton said.
John Alferis of the IT Services department explained the difference between the two: A firewall prevents unauthorized web access to your computer and programs.
Anti-virus software scans your computer for files and programs with malicious intent.
“I didn’t know we had that option,” said Veronica McNamee, a first year student in the law clerk program. “But I think it’s a great idea because I know a lot of students use their computers for personal stuff like banking.”