Do you know the dangers of using public WiFi?
When you’re somewhere like a bar or a coffee shop offering free WiFi, you might think you’re in safe hands. But if you’re not aware there are so many dangers out there when it comes to using public WiFi.
Don’t worry, we’re here to explain it. Read on for our guide to the dangers of public WiFi so you know what to look for.
MITM (Man-in-the-Middle) Attacks
This is when a hacker sits between another device/connection point and your device. They’re looking to gather any data you’re sending. For example, you’re sending important, confidential data to your boss. The hacker can intercept and gather this data.
This is how criminals get company login details, as well as financial information. Employees need to beware too. Thieves can also gain personal and financial information about them too.
Hackers Getting Malware Onto Your Device
When you connect to free WiFi check to see if you’ve enabled file sharing with other devices. If so, an experienced hacker can find security flaws with ease on your device. Once they find a weakness to exploit, they can infect your device with malware.
These are malicious software and computer viruses that scan your device. They’re stealing private information like bank logins and details and social media accounts. Computer safety is key here, if you’re worried about hackers, click for more information.
Malware Worm Attacks
Another computer security risk of free WiFi is worms. Worms are destructive standalone malware programs, which use public WiFi to infect devices.
Worms jump from device to device, changing and deleting important files. It will also sap your bandwidth too, slowing your machine to a crawl. It only takes one weak device to infect the whole network.
Monitoring Software
Hackers often use monitoring software designed to pick up transmissions between devices. They’re prevalent on public WiFi networks, due to how easy it is to intercept devices.
This gives access to your search history, login details, account information, and more. It’s an illegal practice that you’ll see referred to as “sniffing” or “snooping”. Make sure you’re clued up so you know how to protect yourself online and how to protect your computer.
Fake or “Rogue” Networks
Hackers will sometimes set up a rogue network hotspot. This is a network that looks like any official free WiFi network. If you click it, you will share all the personal data and information on your device with the person who made it.
They’ll have generic names like “Public WiFi” designed to lure you in to connect. For cafes, bars, and restaurants, hackers will adjust the name of the network to make it look more genuine. For example, if you’re sitting in a bar called Stardust, the WiFi might say “Star_Dust” or “StarDust”.
Dangers of Public WiFi Made Simple
So, there you have it! Now you know the dangers of public WiFi you’ll be sure to protect yourself.
Your company and personal data is a valuable asset to hackers, and they’re out to steal it from you. Don’t give them the opportunity by opening yourself up to attacks on public networks.
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