Campus wireless Internet “lsuwireless” will switch service to its new wireless platform, “lsusecure” on Monday. After the switch, users will need to configure their computer’s wireless settings to use the system. Directions for configuration are available at www.grok.lsu.edu. According to Campus Information Technology, “lsusecure” will offer a more secure campus wireless environment through data encryption. This feature is used to offset the theft of user information.   After configuring the computer, the switch offers valuable security to students without any cost or noticeable difference. “The network itself isn’t changing; just the ways in which it is accessed,” said Sheri Thompson, Information Technology Communications and Planning Officer. To sign on to “lsusecure,” users must run a computer file each time their PAWS password changes to reauthenticate their identity. The switch comes after a legislative audit proved the campus wireless system leaves sensitive information used for campus operations exposed to unwelcome users. “Before, it was impossible to safeguard all information and leave the network open to transfer other information,” Thompson said. “With new advances in technology, accessibility and security are finally possible.” The switch will not require the purchase of additional hardware or software. “Users should not have to buy anything in order to access the new system, just follow the directions on GROK,” Thompson said. GROK is a University IT Web site that provides 24-hour problem assistance to the campus community using a database of articles. With the new secure system, some users are concerned that phones with wireless capability will not be compatible. “Most smart phones should work fine with the new secure server,” Thompson said. “The iPhone, in particular, doesn’t work well with new secure infrastructures like we have now on campus. Ironically, the iPhone uses relatively old wireless technology for various reasons that isn’t compatible with lsusecure.” The recent addition of three AT&T towers on campus will enhance reception and allow iPhone users to connect to the Internet using the “Edge” service included with AT&T contracts. “The iPhone is designed for individuals,” Thompson said. “I’d imagine Apple will address this problem in the next [edition] of the iPhone.” Although there are no functional problems with the “lsuwireless” platform, it did not offer much security to users. “Prior to this, we simply did not have a mechanism for providing the security of our wireless to a degree we would like,” Thompson said. “Previous and existing security solutions have been short of providing strong encryption and have lacked integration with existing network security measures.” Some students feel the University is doing more than its share when it comes to wireless security. “I feel it’s mostly up to the students to protect themselves when it comes to personal information,” said Blake Couch, biology junior. “The University can only do so much to protect us.” Although the IT department is running notices online through PAWS news, not many students are aware of the pending switch. “This is the first I’ve ever heard about it,” said Jessica Roberts, landscape architecture sophomore. “At first I was concerned about my information security, but after nothing happened, I began to trust the system.”
—Contact Wallace Levy at wlevy@lsureveille