By ADAM P. BARR

Staff Writer

The convenience of wireless access convenience throughout campus could create problems with illegal piracy.

"The wireless Internet has a huge problem in that access is easily obtained because your account can be used without you knowing." Dr. Ben Choi, an assistant professor of computer science, said.

"It is a problem with current technology that security devices have been available to keep the public off your connection but some people do not use the software," Choi said.

Ray Salinas, a senior biomedical engineering major, said he can use Tech's wireless Internet service when he is on campus and just off.

"Who else can use it?" Salinas said. "Is anyone policing who is using our wireless connection that we pay for?"

In a drive around campus and in neighborhoods adjacent to the university, Salinas found that Tech's wireless system and other private citizens' wireless internet access is up for grabs to anyone with a wireless connection laptop, Salinas said.

This is a problem because laws are not keeping up with current technology, Choi said.

Choi said the government does have piracy laws that prohibit the public from using your connection without notice, but some things are still in the grey.

This can result in viruses and hacking from those who can find your internet protocol address which is an evident danger because it is the key to your computer's information, Choi said.

Dan Schales, Tech's network administrator, said Tech's wireless system is safe from outsider's reach.

"You need your Tech screen name and password to access the Tech wireless system," Schales said.

The network administrators have been working on Tech's wireless system since a little over a year ago, Schales said.

"We had production deployment at the beginning of fall and should have it complete soon," Schales said.

The wireless internet systems that are in private homes cast a broad signal that can be picked up by a passerby, Schales said.

"If you decide to pick up their signal and use their server, it is theft of services," Schales said, like stealing gas.

Steps to preventing others from using your service are easy, Schales said.

Security services are given to every wireless internet system that can prevent people from stealing your service, all you have to do is "Éturn on your security servicesÉ."