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MIS students help neighbors secure wi-fi networks
5 p.m., Oct. 24, 2006--Four UD students and their professor recently visited several homes in the Newark area to help secure wireless and desktop computing systems as part of a management information systems (MIS) course project. The Unidel Foundation-funded community-service project is part of BUEC 367, an MIS elective that focuses on the uses of mobile technology and also emphasizes the importance of properly securing computing networks in residential settings. As part of the project, 21 students in a class taught by Mark Serva, assistant professor of accounting and MIS, formed into five groups to help secure home-computing networks at no cost to residents. “Residents benefit because unsecured wireless networks can result in significant consequences, including identity theft and compromised financial information,” Serva said. “Students benefit because the best way to apply classroom concepts is by actually solving problems.” The project also coincides with National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, during which UD's Office of Information Technologies (IT) asks members of the UD community to examine their computing practices and to take steps to protect their computers and their information. “Anybody with a laptop can drive through a neighborhood and pick up somebody's unsecured network,” Serva said. “Most wireless routers are unsecured, allowing people unauthorized access to financial records and other important personal information.” Serva said the project helped inform residents about home-computing security issues, while affording students a real world experience in problem-solving. The students used personal digital assistants (palm pilots) or laptop computers with wireless (WiFI) capability detect unsecured computer networks, Serva said. The first Newark area residence visited by Serva and a team of four students was the home of Scott Selheimer, sports information associate in UD intercollegiate athletics. “I think it's great that they are having students do something like this,” Selheimer said. “It's great that they are doing something to make people aware of what can happen if your home computing system is not secured.” Dennis Vargo, a senior MIS major, said that working on the project complemented the technology aspects of the major. “Experience in technology is something that I need,” Vargo said. “This class and others that I'm taking are going to give me a lot of experience.” Ryan Prevost, a junior MIS major, said working in the field to help secure home-computer networks complements the technology-related aspects of the MIS major. “In class, it is easy to see how things work, but it is a lot different to follow up on this in the field,” Prevost said. “My dad is a computer engineer, and I like working with computers and technology.” Glen Dymond, a junior MIS major with a minor in accounting, said that the project is a nice combination of accounting and IT-related issues. Dan Calamai, a junior management major with a MIS minor, said he has always liked working with computers and other technology. “This project gives me a chance to mix management and technology,” Calamai said. “I like the community service part of the course. It's also nice to explain to people what we are doing.” Selheimer said that he really appreciated the level of preparedness displayed by the students and the relatively minimal amount of time it took to complete the task. “These kids are well-taught and knew how do get the job done,” Selheimer said. “The way they did this makes you want to tell others that securing home computing networks is a great thing to do.” Article by Jerry Rhodes |
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