Hacking Over Wireless Network Spots

Wireless networks are a relatively recent development in the world of networking technologies.

Wireless capabilities provide a whole host of benefits and have single-handedly removed obstacles to enable people to work in any type of remote area or situation. Furthermore, wireless networks are much easier and cheaper to set up than traditional hardwired networks.

They also allow internet users to connect instantly using any type of computer or device just by having a wireless router in their home or office. This means that we no longer need to wait our turn to be able to use the internet since a single wireless network can be used by multiple devices at the same time.

Finally, the most important advantage to using a wireless network is that we no longer need to worry about being tangled up in dozens of wires, because wireless networks are exactly that: wireless.

The following article is going to look at some of the risks associated with using wireless networks, as well as a few ways that you can help keep yourself safe. Let’s start out by explaining a little bit about how wireless networks work.

How Wireless Networks Work

Just like television, cell phones, and radios, wireless networks use radio waves to communicate information data across large distances. In fact, the communication within a wireless network is quite similar to the way that two-way radios work.

Essentially, a computer’s wireless adapter first transforms the data into a radio signal, which is then transmitted into the air via an antenna. At this point, a wireless router is used to receive the signal and decode it. The router then sends the data through its wired Ethernet connection out into the world wide web.

It should be mentioned that the process also works backwards. In order for you to receive information to your computer, the router receives data from the internet, decodes it, and then sends it to your computer.

But, because your information is being transmitted wirelessly through the airwaves, it’s important to understand how to protect your information, especially for safe shopping online.

The Risks of Wireless Networks

People who visit hotels, cafes, or other public places often connect to the location’s free Wi-Fi hotspot.

These wireless access points are extremely convenient; however, studies have shown that most people usually connect to these networks based solely on the network’s name and don’t do anything further to check the network’s authenticity.

Needless to say, there are many risks associated with using the internet. Below, we’ll look at a few of the most common risks associated with accessing the internet via a wireless network.

Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

Hackers and cybercriminals can easily create fake wireless access points, and often, they’ll use the name of a popular establishment to disguise their own network.

For example, they might name their fake network “Free Starbucks WIFI”, in an attempt to trick people into thinking they’re accessing a nearby Starbucks’ Wi-Fi.

The customer will still have access to the internet, but what they don’t know is that they’ve actually connected to a criminal’s private network by accident. This is known as a man-in-the-middle attack.

When an unsuspecting victim connects to the fake network, the criminal will be able to monitor their online activity. Therefore, any type of valuable information, such as account numbers or passwords, can easily be stolen, without the victim even knowing how it happened.

Unencrypted Networks

A 2016 study, published by Kaspersky Lab, showed that more than a quarter of free, public Wi-Fi hotspots found in malls were unsecured and lacked most basic security measures to protect its users. Furthermore, another quarter of these networks didn’t even encrypt any of its traffic whatsoever.

In another study, conducted by Skycure, the results showed that five out of the ten busiest shopping malls in the United States had untrustworthy Wi-Fi networks.

Unsecured networks make it extremely easy for hackers and cybercriminals to access any unprotected devices that connect to it. In other words, using these networks leaves your personal data open and vulnerable to whoever wants to get their hands on it.

Snooping and Sniffing

In some cases, criminals will use software applications known as packet sniffers to intercept data from unencrypted Wi-Fi networks. These network attacks are more common on older routers and devices, such as those that use WEP encryption.

Packet snooping or sniffing is known as one of the most common forms of cyber attacks.

Staying Safe on Public Wi-Fi

Although there are many risks associated with using wireless networks, there are also quite a few things you can do to ensure your online safety.

Verify the Network

Because of man-in-the-middle attacks, it’s always recommended to read a network’s name carefully to ensure that it is, in fact, owned by the establishment that it claims to be owned by. If you’re uncertain about a network’s name, you can always ask an employee to verify if it is the correct network to be using.

Disable Location and File Sharing Services

File sharing services are another common route for cybercriminals to access unsecured devices. Therefore, unless you’re using it, we recommend that you disable your location and file sharing services when connected to public Wi-Fi sources.

Update Firmware

Any type of device or software will develop vulnerabilities over time. This is why our devices and software constantly require updates, which ensure that you’re using the latest firmware and software patches available.

We recommend regularly checking your device’s manufacturer’s website for more information on firmware updates.

Use a VPN or Virtual Private Network

Using a VPN is the easiest and safest way to ensure that you’re kept safe while using public Wi-Fi.

VPNs encrypt your data and act as an anonymous tunnel between your device and the internet. Essentially, any of the information that passes through the VPN’s tunnel won’t be visible to anyone else connected to the network.

Therefore, using a VPN is recommended as the best way to protect yourself since no one will even be able to see your device.