UCB Wireless Network - Security

Wireless network security is a serious issue. Wireless is not only a shared medium, but also a medium that is broadcast via radio waves which means that anyone with a wireless card could monitor your network traffic, including your passwords, account numbers, etc. Thus the data is inherently insecure.

In order to protect data sent over the wireless network, please ensure it is encrypted using SSL, SSH, or VPN.

For more information, visit the Office of Information Security website and OIT's Virtual Private Network (VPN) information.

What you need to know about security with the wireless network:

  1. Use CU Boulder's VPN
    Use CU Boulder's VPN (Virtual Private Network) to make a secure connection to any system that requires a login and password if you are not using SSH or SSL. The CU Wireless network is open, which means it does not use encryption. VPN only encrypts data between your laptop and the VPN concentrator on campus. Use other security practices for protecting off-campus connections (such as personal firewalls and antivirus software). For more information, read about CU Boulder's VPN.
  2. Additional Security Recommendations
    The Office of Information Security website contains a host of information about security awareness and tools.