Why It’s Important to Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi in Places Like Airports and Cafés
Key Points:
- Cybersecurity threats such as “evil twin” attacks are increasingly targeting public Wi-Fi in places like airports and coffee shops.
- Hackers can now carry out these attacks with tools costing less than KES 75,000, making the attacks more common.
- Using a VPN or a mobile hotspot is the best way to protect yourself while accessing the internet on the go.
Over the years, users have been repeatedly advised to avoid public Wi-Fi in places like airports and cafés due to the security risks. Public Wi-Fi, especially in busy areas, is a prime target for hackers who are increasingly using a method known as “evil twin” attacks. These attacks involve setting up a fake Wi-Fi network to trick users into entering personal information.
How Evil Twin Attacks Work
Evil twin attacks occur when a hacker sets up a fake Wi-Fi network, often in a public space like an airport, to steal personal details such as email or social media login credentials. Once the user connects, the fake Wi-Fi network mimics the real one, fooling them into entering sensitive information.
With easily accessible technology, hackers can set up these networks with little effort. Devices used for this type of attack can be as small as a router hidden in a bag or behind a display.
How to Protect Yourself
To avoid falling victim to these attacks, it’s best to avoid public Wi-Fi entirely. Using your mobile phone’s hotspot is one of the safest alternatives. By doing so, you create a private network that only you can access.
If using a hotspot is not an option, you should use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your data, making it much harder for hackers to access your information, even if they intercept the data.
Airports and Public Wi-Fi Security
In many cases, airports outsource their Wi-Fi services, and there may be limited oversight of the security measures in place. While some providers have systems to detect rogue networks, not all airports can actively monitor their public Wi-Fi networks.