Texas State Wi-Fi

Texas State University

TXST-Bobcats (secure)

Texas State provides a robust array of information resources and services, including two wireless networks: a private, encrypted network named TXST-Bobcats and a public, unencrypted network named TXST-Visitor. You must login using your Texas State NetID and password to connect to TXST-Bobcats. In doing so, you establish a kind of protective wrapper around the information you send and receive during your wireless session, shielding that information from others on the network, including eavesdroppers using Firesheep or similar tools. It takes only seconds to login, so choose TXST-Bobcats for your on-campus wireless access.

TXST-Visitor (unsecure)

The public network TXST-Visitor is just like any Wi-Fi hotspot network. A login is not required, making it ideal for use by visiting officials, summer camp attendees, and other campus visitors who have no need for a Texas State NetID. When you choose to use that network, you ac cept certain risks, not unlike the risks you accept if you leave your apartment or vehicle unlocked. Highest among those risks is the possibility that your information will be seen by others. Public Wi-Fi networks pass traffic in clear text that is readable by other computers on th at wireless network. This is not new - public Wi-Fi hotspots have always operated this way, whether located in a hotel, a coffee shop, an airport, or on a campus. Users are generally unaware of this risk or accept it in return for quick and convenient Internet access.

Off Campus Wireless Security

Home:

Change the router’s default administrative password (the exact steps differ by router model)
Use the strongest available encryption (WPA/WPA2)
Use anti-virus, anti-spyware, and a firewall
Enable MAC Address filtering on your router (the exact steps will differ by router model)

Public Hotspots:

Make sure the safety features of your laptop are turned on
Check that the firewall of your system is running and the file sharing service is disabled
Never transmit confidential or sensitive data through a public Wi-Fi network (such as a café, bookstore, etc.)
Never use a public hotspot or kiosk computer to remotely access your work computer
Turn off your wireless network when you are not using it

Hotel:

Check with the hotel regarding the availability of a secure connection
Avoid transmitting or accessing sensitive or confidential information over an unsecured connection

Airport:

Free Wi-Fi connections available at airports are generally not secure
Do not use access or transmit sensitive or confidential information if a secure connection is not available at the airport
Avoid accessing and transmitting sensitive or confidential information in a public area where it can be viewed by others around you (shoulder surfing)