Hacking threat forces institutes to postpone Wi-Fi plans

The reports of hacking into Wi-Fi networks of Mumbai to send terror mails in the recent serial blasts cases have exposed the vulnerability of the network.

The reports of hacking into Wi-Fi networks of Mumbai to send terror mails in the recent serial blasts cases have exposed the vulnerability of the network.

The IT institutions across the state are now hastening to shelve their plans to go in for Wi-Fi connections. Those who already have a network have decided to restrict its services in certain areas.

A Wi-Fi system works without wire and all communications in a given area are connected with a centralised hub. The system enables anyone who enters the campus to link their computer with the Wi-Fi system. Which, however, lays the system open to hackers who can find their way into the institute8217;s database and use its server for any purpose.

Premier institutes like Indian Institute of Information Technology IIIT-A, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology MNNIT, IIT-Kanpur, Banaras Hindu University, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow and IIT-Roorkee have been using Wi-Fi network in their campuses.

The IIIT-A has now decided to shelf its project to connect the entire campus with Wi-Fi. The institute8217;s director Dr M D Tiwari said: 8220;Following the threat of hacking, we have decided to rely on USB wireless system. It will make it impossible for any miscreant to hack our network because the USB system is being allotted to individuals who have been made accountable for their gadgets.8221; He further added that the project could be re-launched once a hacking-proof technology is developed.

MNNIT director Prof A B Samaddar said: 8220;Earlier, we had an ambitious plan to connect our entire campus with a Wi-Fi network but we are now forced us to reconsider our plans.8221;

The MNNIT has already made half of its campus including the director8217;s office, seminar hall, executive development centre and computer centre Wi-Fi enabled.

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8220;We will not extend the facility to the remaining areas of our campus as it will lead to unmanageable flow of networking links,8221; said a professor.

8220;We have also asked experts to develop a spherical air-link jammer for preventing any hacking. So far the country does not have any system to check air-links hacking,8221; he added.