“They’re outstanding computer users, but with the exception of a few, they don’t know what’s going on behind the curtain,” said Capt. Steven Simon, director of the Naval Academy’s Center for Cyber Security Studies.
This is the first incoming class of academy freshmen to receive cyber security training during all four years at the academy.
“I can’t make all 1,300 who graduate each year computer gurus,” Simon said.
Really, it’s not the point, he said.
In a classroom at the academy yesterday, midshipmen set up simple wireless networks similar to ones in coffee shops.
As the midshipmen chatted with one another on their laptop computers, an instructor stopped the exercise to display on a screen for the midshipmen all the conversations he was able to read.
“Wireless transmission (from a computer) is no different than someone shouting in a room,” Simon said.
Midshipman 4th Class Corbin Steele had set up a password to keep conversations private. Steele said he’s always had a strong interest in computers and may join other midshipmen in becoming computer experts.
“It constantly amazes me how information travels around the academy on this network,” Steele said.
Midshipman 4th Class Gavyn Gonzales said he never had much interest in computers. And his knowledge of the cyber world, security risks and the ability to access networks was minimal.
“I always thought it was some genius kid in the basement or some sophisticated hacker who could do this,” he said. “But what we’ve learned so far is it’s actually pretty easy.”
Simon had shown the midshipmen how vulnerable computers are when he showed them how easily he accessed Web cams left with no Web security. He said the midshipmen seemed shocked by the access he was able to gain.
Then there is the question of ethics.
Simon reminded midshipmen not to run back to their rooms in Bancroft Hall to try out everything they’ve learned on the closed networks.
“We have an honor code at the Naval Academy,” Simon said. “You are not to go out and hack sites.”