The U’s Information Technology office plans to make UConnect, the wifi connection on campus, more secure.
They are currently opening beta testing for a new connection called EAP-TLS. The network is part of an effort to protect students’ passwords and keep them from connecting to fraudulent UConnect sites.
To use the EAP-TLS login, open up a UGuest connection, search onboard.utah.edu and follow the instructions on the screen. If you need help, call U IT at 801.581.4000. Those who do so before May 22 can enter for a chance to win an iPad mini.
Curtis Larsen, a U network engineer, said before this new connection, the U used an authentication process that did not fully validate the server. The old connection is still available, so not everyone has to participate in the beta testing for the EAP-TLS option, which ensures both the server and client are valid. This means an attacker can’t pose as the U’s wifi.
“We are unaware of any specific incidents [of online theft] on campus,” Larsen said. “But we are taking proactive steps to prevent [hacking] since it is a known industry-wide issue.”
The planning for the new network began four months ago.
“Technology and security are constantly changing,” he said. “U IT is always trying to improve its services, and we will watch the beta closely.”
Glen Singleton, a sophomore in Middle Eastern studies, said he hadn’t noticed the change, but he’s glad the U is working on securing their connection.
“I’ve worked with other systems,” he said, “and I don’t think the U takes care of keeping information safe.”
Larsen said the new portal also allows university guests to have a secure connection.
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