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Be Aware of “Rogue” or Free Wi-Fi Networks

Be Aware of “Rogue” or Free Wi-Fi Networks

If you use so-called ‘free’ Wi-Fi networks while at your favorite cafe or while traveling, you might get more than you bargained for. Protect yourself – and your identity – with these simple tips. You’re sitting in an airport lounge and seize the chance to check your e-mails before your flight departs. You log on and are tempted by a wireless Internet provider offering free Internet access. So, do you take it?

Security experts warn that hackers may be masquerading as free public Wi-Fi providers to gain access to the laptops of unsuspecting travelers. All it takes, they say, is a computer program downloaded from the Internet, an open access point and a user who has ignored basic security advice. The difficulty for travelers is differentiating between a good Internet access hotspot and a rogue, or somebody trying to actually glean credentials from you. The issue is that you don’t necessarily know the difference between a good and a bad one.

This could happen in a number of ways, but one of the sneakiest is a “rogue” Wi-Fi network that look like a free alternative to your hotel’s $10 to $15/day rate. In other words, tech-savvy thieves are taking advantage of your thirst for constant connectivity – and desire to save a few bucks.

The basic idea is someone in the vicinity has created a ‘free Wi-Fi network’ that you connect to, but in doing so, you’re allowing them to tap into your info, access your files and possibly steal your personal identity too. These rogue networks are really individuals who have software to hack into your systems — and because the majority of people’s laptops are not protected, they’re a lot more susceptible than they think.

In fact, a software tool has been developed that demonstrates the risk of unprotected wireless networks.  This software tool acts as a promiscuous access point that masquerades itself as a wireless network. It makes the victim connect to our rogue wireless network automatically.

Rogue operators will often craft network names similar to the name of the hotel or the coffee shop where your end user is attempting to connect. One careless click and your data is exposed. Scary stuff. So, what to do? You’ve got your work cut out for you, and it starts with awareness, say the experts. So consider these following steps:

Whenever possible, avoid free public Wi-Fi networks. When a traveler goes to a hotel, they should make sure they have a wired [Ethernet] connection.

Be Aware of “Rogue” or Free Wi-Fi Networks was last modified: November 7th, 2019 by Beth Williams
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