Wireless Safety

Consider these questions as you review the examples below. Try the quiz from the left menu: What Have You Learned? after you’ve spent some time with this section.

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Your wireless network options will allow you to choose which network to connect to. If you are connecting from UBC, review the information on the UBC Wireless FAQ to familiarize yourself with the campus network. Then review the image below to be sure that you know what your wireless network options should look like. Finally, review the Think Before You Ink section and check yourself for new understanding about managing wireless networks.

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Wireless technology allows you to connect to the internet wherever you are, whether it’s on campus, at the library or in a local cafe.  It’s quick and convenient and can allow for easier collaboration and increased productivity.  However, wireless networks can be vulnerable to outsiders who may be able to gain access to your personal information, including emails, passwords and financial information.

• Configure your laptop for the UBC Secure wireless network, which is encrypted and provides better privacy than the other UBC networks.
• When possible, choose to connect to wireless networks that are more secure, such as those that require a network security key or authentication login.
• When you’re not on campus, allowing your computer to automatically connect to open wireless networks, such as at a public library or cafe, might put you at risk. Set up your wireless so that your computer does not connect to available networks on its own.
• Select a strong form of encryption for your home wireless network (WPA2 uses the latest security standards), and enable firewalls on both your computer and wireless router.
• Hackers can still access your computer through wireless networks even when you’re not using the internet. Turn off the wireless connection if you’re going to be off the internet for an extended period of time, such as while you’re on vacation.
• If you have highly sensitive data, you may wish to consider disabling file and printer sharing, making your folders private, encrypting your files, or completely removing and saving your sensitive data elsewhere.