None of the wifi networks on campus (eduroam, CalVisitor, or airbears2) provide confidentiality or security that is superior to other campus network infrastructure:
- Under applicable campus policies, data transmitted through these mediums must be secured as applicable.
Specifically, these networks each have different considerations and encryption innately associated with them and should be considered public.
Encryption levels and concerns with each Wifi Network:
- airbears2: Identical to eduroam and reaching end of life - please use eduroam only
- eduroam WiFi network provides encryption of data while it is being transmitted wirelessly.
- This improves privacy because it means that a nearby person can not easily see the data that is being transmitted or received by your device.
- Once the data reaches the campus network itself, it is no longer encrypted.
- For this reason any data that may be subject to encryption based on campus policies should be secured by other means.
- Even the best wifi encryption is considered insecure and should not be relied on for sensitive communications.
- CalVisitor WiFi network is an open and unencrypted network provided for short term campus visitors. On this network all traffic is transmitted in the clear over the air and can be monitored by other computers.
- Users should connect to eduroam if possible
For additional assistance, contact CSS IT at 510-664-9000 and follow the prompts to reach a technician from between 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. A ticket may also be submitted through http://sharedservices.berkeley.edu/it/ or by e-mailing itcsshelp@berkeley.edu