Why Public WiFi Is Insecure

Free public WiFi is now widely available in various locations, including airports, hotels, and coffee shops, which often promote it as an added benefit of their services. For many, the ability to connect to the internet on the go is quite appealing, especially for traveling business professionals who need to access work emails or share documents online.However, using public WiFi hotspots comes with more risks than many users may realize, with the majority of these risks stemming from Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks.

Man in the Middle Attack 

 A Man in the Middle (MitM) attack occurs when a malicious actor intercepts the communication between two parties. There are several types of MitM attacks, but one of the most prevalent involves intercepting a user's request to access a website and responding with a fraudulent webpage that appears legitimate. This can happen to nearly any website, including those for online banking, file sharing, and email services.For instance, if Alice attempts to access her email and a hacker successfully intercepts the communication between her device and the email provider, the hacker can execute a MitM attack, directing her to a fake website. If the hacker obtains her login credentials, they could use her email account for further malicious activities, such as sending phishing emails to Alice's contacts.In this context, the Man in the Middle serves as a third party capable of intercepting data transmitted between two points while masquerading as a legitimate intermediary. Typically, MitM attacks aim to trick users into providing sensitive information on a counterfeit website, but they can also be employed to simply eavesdrop on private conversations.(Add Picture)

WiFi Eavesdropping  

WiFi eavesdropping is a type of Man in the Middle (MitM) attack in which a hacker monitors the activities of anyone connected to a public WiFi network. The information intercepted can range from personal data to internet traffic patterns and browsing habits.This is typically achieved by creating a fraudulent WiFi network with a name that appears legitimate. The fake hotspot name often closely resembles that of a nearby store or business, a tactic known as the Evil Twin method.For instance, when a consumer enters a coffee shop, they might find several WiFi networks with similar names: CoffeeShop, CoffeeShop1, and CoffeeShop2. There’s a good chance that at least one of these networks is a hacker’s creation.Hackers can use this technique to gather data from any device that connects to their network, which can lead to the theft of login credentials, credit card information, and other sensitive data.WiFi eavesdropping is just one of the many risks associated with public networks, so it’s generally advisable to avoid using them. If you must connect to a public WiFi, it’s wise to confirm with an employee that the network is authentic and secure.

Packet Sniffing

  Criminals sometimes employ specific software programs known as packet sniffers to intercept data. While these tools are often used by legitimate IT professionals to monitor and record digital network traffic—helping them detect and analyze issues—they can also be used within private organizations to observe browsing patterns.Unfortunately, many of these packet analysis tools are misused by cybercriminals to collect sensitive information and engage in illicit activities. As a result, victims may not realize anything is wrong initially, only to later discover that they have been victims of identity theft or that their company's confidential information has been compromised.

Cookies Theft and Session Hijacking 

 In simple terms, cookies are small data packets that web browsers collect from websites to store browsing information. These packets are typically saved locally on the user's computer as text files, allowing the website to recognize the user upon their return.  Cookies are beneficial as they enhance the interaction between users and the websites they visit. For instance, cookies enable users to stay logged in without needing to re-enter their credentials every time they access a webpage. They can also be utilized by online retailers to remember items added to shopping carts or to track users' browsing activities.Although cookies are just simple text files and cannot carry keyloggers or malware, posing no direct threat to your computer, they can be risky in terms of privacy and are often exploited in Man in the Middle (MitM) attacks.If malicious actors manage to intercept and steal the cookies you use to interact with websites, they can leverage that information against you. This phenomenon is known as Cookies Theft, which is often associated with what’s referred to as Session Hijacking. A successful session hijacking allows an attacker to impersonate the victim, enabling them to interact with websites on the victim's behalf. This means they could access personal emails or other websites containing sensitive information using the victim’s current session. Session hijacking is particularly common at public WiFi hotspots, which are easier to monitor and more susceptible to MitM attacks.

How to Protect Yourself from MitM Attacks

1. Disable Automatic WiFi Connections: Turn off any settings that allow your device to automatically connect to available WiFi networks.
2. Turn Off File Sharing and Log Out: Disable file sharing features and log out of accounts you aren't currently using.
3. Use Password-Protected Networks: Whenever possible, connect to password-protected WiFi networks. If you must use a public WiFi network, avoid sending or accessing sensitive information.
4. Keep Your Software Updated: Ensure that your operating system and antivirus software are regularly updated.
5. Avoid Financial Transactions on Public Networks: Refrain from conducting any financial activities, including cryptocurrency transactions, while connected to public networks.
6. Utilize HTTPS Websites: Access websites that use the HTTPS protocol. However, be aware that some hackers can perform HTTPS spoofing, so this measure is not completely foolproof.
7. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): It’s always advisable to use a VPN, especially when accessing sensitive or business-related information.
8. Be Cautious of Fake WiFi Networks: Don’t trust a WiFi network just because its name is similar to that of a store or company. If you're unsure, ask a staff member to confirm the network's authenticity. You can also inquire if they have a secured network available for customers.
9. Turn Off WiFi and Bluetooth When Not in Use: Disable WiFi and Bluetooth on your device when you're not using them, and avoid connecting to public networks unless absolutely necessary.

Final Thoughts 

 Cybercriminals are constantly searching for new methods to gain access to people's data, making it crucial to educate yourself and remain vigilant. In this discussion, we've covered some of the various risks associated with public WiFi networks. While many of these risks can be reduced by simply using a password-protected connection, it's important to understand how these attacks operate and how you can protect yourself from becoming the next victim.