Safe wireless use

Wireless networks, often referred to as ‘Wi-Fi' (or the more technical 802.11) networks are great, allowing you to connect to the internet whilst you're out and about, via your smart phone, tablet or laptop. It's important that you protect yourself when using these types of network as the characteristics that make them accessible and easy to use, also make them vulnerable!

Wireless networks use radio frequencies to create connections between devices and as the signals are all around us, if they're not protected anyone within range of those signals can see and use the same signal. Think about the FM radio frequency: it's not protected so anyone with an FM radio can tune into it!

The downside is that without suitable protection others can:

• listen in or see what we're doing (watching us transmit private information which could be useful to anyone looking to steal our identity)
• use our broadband connection for free (a problem if you're with a provider with set download limits which incur heavy charges if you go over them)
• hack onto our devices (accessing our personal details and/or infecting our devices with malicious viruses or spyware)

Obviously we all want to enjoy the advantages brought by mobile access so we can work (and play) wherever we are.  Wi-Fi access is available in locations across the University as well as in coffee-shops, pubs and other public places.

Whilst you're in the University, when you search for available networks you should use the one described as ‘Durham University' rather than the web authentication version as this is more secure.

If you want to use publicly available Wi-Fi networks, you need to do so with care and take steps to protect yourself. These networks are often provided by companies who aren't in the IT business, so making sure these networks are protected by adequate security measures is not something that they will have the time or inclination to do.

See the 'How to help yourself' section for advice on using these types of networks.