Improved Detection of Security Threats that use Encryption

Posted June 25, 2019 by Academic and Institutional Technology
Tags: Department News

Improved Detection of Security Threats that use Encryption

Over the summer, AIT is piloting a service to decrypt network traffic between campus and the internet in order to detect malicious activities.  Criminals are increasingly using encryption to bypass traditional detection mechanisms.  Decrypting the traffic improves our ability to detect and block security attacks.  This is a fully automated process, that happens in a fraction of a second, without human intervention, so decrypted content is neither viewed nor stored.  Furthermore, banking and health-related sites are excluded from decryption to protect privacy. 

Key Benefits

  • Reduce risk posed by attacks from the internet
  • Improved ability to detect compromised devices on campus
  • Improved ability to detect attempts to steal Wheaton College data
  • Clearer explanation of why a site is blocked

Impact on Campus Community

There will be no difference in your day-to-day experience with the Wheaton College network. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Academic and Institutional Technology at 630.752.4357 (HELP) or by email at ait.service.desk@wheaton.edu.