Ever use public WiFi? Of course you have.
It’s simple. Just get the password and you’re in. That’s public information. You may be sitting, having a cup of coffee and working away on your laptop. Maybe some online banking, facebook or other social media sites.
What’s going on under the hood?
- Transmitting data over the public airways
You’re transmitting everything over the public air that can easily be seen by anyone. If they have the right tools. Which, by the way, are easy to obtain and use. Think about it. Credentials, websites, banking information. You get the idea. - Man-in-the Middle
Remember in the old days when students used to pass notes in class to someone across the room? Anyone could read it and the sender and receiver wouldn’t even know. Some of those notes could be embarrassing if they were read along the way. Damage done. Think of public WiFi as the same concept. You might be thinking. Why not put it in a sealed envelope or staple it closed. Brilliant. Keep reading. - Evil Twin
Think about it. The network name and password to the WiFi is viewed in public. In steps the evil twin. Simply put: The attacker sets up their laptop to act as the wireless access point. Uses the same network name and password to connect to it. You’re now connected to the evil twin. The attacker’s laptop, giving you Internet access. All the data is being recorded. All the while you don’t even know it. - Bub-Bye
Now that you’ve been compromised, say bub-bye to anything you shared. It’s not coming back. I‘m sure your mind is thinking of all the bad possibilities.
How to Protect Yourself:
Don’t use public WiFi.
If you must: Use a secure VPN. At least you have a fighting chance. Consider a VPN is like passing those notes in class that are stapled or in a sealed envelope. Better yet. Used a cryptic code that only you and the other person knows
Otherwise: Be your own hero.
Simply turn your cell phone into your own firewall. From your phone: Go to settings – Connections – Mobile Hotspot and tethering. Then enable it. Once you do that, you can view the network name and password.
Now, from your computer. Go to your WiFi settings and connect to your newly established, private WiFi name that you just created. Connect to it and type in the password. Voi La Secure Internet in public.
Settings may differ slightly on different phone vendors. The concept and technology is the same.
There are many security factors that are not covered here. Hopefully, this is thought-provoking for you to beware.
Remember, the bad guys are ruthless criminals. They are out for the money and not your well-being.
Eric Gulbrandsen
Northstar Network Group
eg@northstarnet.com