The number of WiFi- attacks over the years are increasing hence securing your data while connected to a Wi-Fi network is very essential. 98% of Americans use wireless internet at home or in public but it is very clear with the total number of users that Wi-Fi security is very essential. Wired connections are still great for desktop customers to stream, but they do not provide you the luxury to browse on the go and hence they are becoming obsolete. As now Wi-Fi is the most favourable platform to use the internet, cybercriminals will start to exploit it for their own gain.
Cybercrime is well, a very profitable illegal operation which robbed the world for more than $600 billion in 2017 itself. This is reality and these cybercriminals are targeting users via Wi-Fi connections. Both public and home/office networks are affected but high amount of Wi-Fi attacks are done on public Wi-Fi as they are easy to hack. Read our post on How Can User Increase Their Online Security to know more about online security.
Some Common Wi-Fi Attacks
While it is very difficult to know who exactly did the attack until they are caught, but we do know some common techniques used by hackers to attack Wi-Fi networks.
Malicious Intent
Hackers trick a person into connecting to the wrong Wi-Fi network. Cybercriminals set up a soft access point in their system which replicates the one at your work or any public Wi-Fi spot you frequently connect. You might end up connecting to the wrong network thinking it is the legitimate one. Once you are connected then the hacker and steal your sensitive information like financial data, passwords and can even plant virus in your system.
Accidental Connection
This type of breach occurs when a system connects to wireless access point of neighbouring network. Although there is nothing malicious, it is still a breach. Information is exposed to the person managing the network to which you got connected. Such situations are often problematic for businessman who would like to keep their deals a secret. This kind of association could be accidental and in some cases deliberate.
Ad Hoc Networks
These are peer-to-peer network connections that are operated between wireless computers without access points. If you are connected to an Ad hoc network, you are providing an opportunity for others to access your personal information. These type of connections are very risky if you are connecting with unknown Ad hoc networks.
MAC Spoofing
This is a type of network identity theft for MAC systems. A hacker captures network traffic and copies MAC address of a machine which has network privileges. This attack could be very problematic to residential systems. Go through our post on Safeguard And Protect Your Data to know more about data protection.
Battle The Dangers Of Public Wi-Fi With VPN
Free public Wi-Fis are attractive and quite easy to connect, but they could indeed turn into traps if they are compromised. Your data without a VPN is neither encrypted nor secured, so a simple man-in-the-middle attack could finish the job for hackers. Hackers can steal your browsing data, financial info, passwords, etc. These type of cyber crimes happen frequently. But you can avoid it with implementing good security habits. Confused from where to start? Start by using a VPN.
VPN encrypts your online data thereby evading hackers and snoops. Even you ISP cannot monitor your online activity. VPN provides the easiest way to protect yourself against all vulnerabilities of public Wi-Fis. Your information remains private. Choose VPNShazam – one of the best VPN providers for keeping your information safe online. We use OpenVPN protocol which is the safest and most trusted. Our network consists of 1800+ VPN servers spread across 140+ countries which guarantees an up time of 99%. You can secure your connection and change your location with just one click. We provide fastest VPN speeds and unlimited server switches all at just $2.5 a month. VPNShazam provides the ultimate Wi-Fi security that guards you even on public Wi-Fi. Click here and order VPNShazam now!!!
