September 23, 2004

Wireless technology boom means users need to think about security

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Most wireless technology users still don't take precautions to encrypt their systems, despite the warnings that strangers can easily access their personal information, says a Purdue University communication expert.

"Although more people seem to be aware of the need for protection, the proportion of those who do not seem to care is still great," says Sorin Adam Matei, an assistant professor in communication. "Only a third of wireless technology users tend to use encryption. People should be aware that as they move their data traffic to over-the-air channels, they must be more cautious and use encryption as a default setting on their systems."

Wireless networks are more pervasive than some people realize, and their use can be extended to new devices and services. For example, these networks can integrate home appliances and services, such as allowing the television to communicate with a personal computer to update its library of movies and songs automatically. People also can create a mini wireless telephone network that uses the Internet to place in-house, local and long distance calls. New wireless technologies also allow some infant monitoring stations to feed video over the Internet.

Encryption prevents non-authorized users from gaining access, he says. Wireless networks are vulnerable to unauthorized use because traditional computer security measures, such as walls and fences, cannot limit the signal. Matei, who has studied wireless technologies used in Lexington, Ky., also says manufacturers of wireless network stations can help by making security systems easier to use and configure, as well as setting default communication settings to "encrypted."

Matei also is a member of Purdue's Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security, known as CERIAS.

CONTACT: Matei, (765) 494-7780 or (317) 416-5805, smatei@purdue.edu

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