Wi-Fi spoofing
Wi-Fi spoofing
#FixPCTechTips
Are you sure that’s genuine Wi-Fi?
It is so convenient to be able to connect to free Wi-Fi in public places. But here’s the thing, not all of these networks are official. When you connect to a free Wi-Fi spot, you could be falling for what might seem like a safe network, when in actual fact is a hidden in plain view cyberattack. These attacks are called Wi-Fi spoofing.
These attacks are cyber-criminal tactic used to gain access to your data. But how does it work?
Cyber criminals create fake Wi-Fi access points that look really close to the real thing, and once a user is connected, criminals sit in the middle gaining a copy of all the data you’re sending from your device. Passwords, card details, personal information, the lot. These attacks are incredibly dangerous and are happening all the time, up to a quarter of all public hotspots are actually spoofs.
But it’s not all bad news, today we have some good news. There are ways to prevent your data being stolen from these spoofed Wi-Fi spots, here’s what we recommend you should do to ensure the network is secure:
- Avoid password-free Wi-Fi. Most hotels and public places put passwords in place to protect customers and to ensure their Wi-Fi isn’t being misused, if the only Wi-Fi available is a free option with the business name ask a member of staff to ensure the password is safe to use.
- In order to ensure a secure connection, encryption is key. When directed to a website to enter the Wi-Fi, always look for ”https” in the address bar.
- Ensure your device’s Wi-Fi settings don’t automatically connect to any close available network.
- Always triple check that the network you’re joining is legit, and if ensure avoid at all costs. It’s better to be without than to fall victim to a cyberattack.
For more information and other methods of keeping your data safe, please get in touch with us today.
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