By: Vajratiya Vajrobol, International Center for AI and Cyber Security Research and Innovations (CCRI), Asia University, Taiwan, vvajratiya@gmail.com
It is undeniable that using public Wi-Fi networks to access the internet is more convenient in today’s connected world. The allure of free Wi-Fi is difficult to resist, whether you’re in the lobby of a hotel, the airport, or your favourite café. But in the midst of all this convenience, there’s a hidden risk: the constant threat of Evil Twin Attacks, a malevolent take on the Man-in-the-Middle attack. This post will explain what Evil Twin Attacks are, how they operate, and—above all—how to protect yourself from them.
Understanding Evil Twin Attacks
A cyberattack known as a “Evil Twin Attack” occurs when a malicious party creates a phony Wi-Fi access point that precisely resembles a real one. These fake access points are usually named quite similar to real networks, so inexperienced users won’t be able to tell them apart. The attacker obtains a nefarious advantage—the capacity to intercept and track all data flow between the victim and the internet—as soon as the victim unintentionally connects to the counterfeit access point [1].
The underlying goal of these assaults is usually to steal sensitive personal data, such as financial information, login credentials, and personal identification [2]. Moreover, an attacker can use this newly acquired access to initiate a wide range of additional cyberattacks, such as phishing attempts meant to obtain even more important data or the introduction of malware into the target’s device.
Resisting Evil Twin Assaults
It is imperative to take precautions against Evil Twin Attacks. Take into consideration the following tactics to strengthen your online security and shield yourself from this cyber threat:
1. Pay Attention to Your Surroundings: Being alert is crucial in a society when connectivity is almost universal. When in public spaces such as airports, hotels, or coffee shops, observe which Wi-Fi networks are available. Make sure the network you select is reliable and authentic.
2. Avoid Suspicious Networks: It’s common knowledge that “if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.” Use caution when choosing which network to join. Avoid networks with ambiguous or dubious names, especially if there is no password requirement. Cybercriminals frequently profit from users’ rash and ignorant judgments [3].
3. Confirm authenticity: It’s preferable to be safe than sorry if you have any concerns about a network’s authenticity. Never be afraid to approach the network or facility owner for clarification and the right password. It’s an easy action that can prevent you from stumbling into a cybercriminals’ trap.
4. Use a VPN: utilizing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the best ways to improve your online security when utilizing public Wi-Fi. Your internet traffic is encrypted with a VPN, making it nearly impossible for third parties to intercept. Because it is unintelligible to prying eyes, your data is safe even if you connect to a rogue access point. Purchasing a trustworthy VPN service is a wise decision that can safeguard your privacy and personal data [4].
5. Keep Your Software Updated: Security patches are produced to combat the ever growing cyberthreats. Update your antivirus software, programs, and devices on a regular basis to make sure you have the newest defences available. These updates frequently include essential security patches that protect you from known flaws [5].
You may strengthen your online security and significantly lower your chance of becoming a target of Evil Twin Attacks and other cyberthreats by taking these actions. Using security solutions like VPNs and being vigilant and alert can be crucial in protecting your personal information and maintaining your online privacy.
In this day and age, staying connected is essential, therefore staying safe online is critical. Note that even if public Wi-Fi is convenient, you need to balance that convenience with caution to make sure your online activities stay safe and secure. Remain watchful, stay educated, and protect your online life from online predators.
References :
- Shrivastava, P., Jamal, M. S., & Kataoka, K. (2020). EvilScout: Detection and mitigation of evil twin attack in SDN enabled WiFi. IEEE Transactions on Network and Service Management, 17(1), 89-102.
- Mustafa, H., & Xu, W. (2014, October). Cetad: Detecting evil twin access point attacks in wireless hotspots. In 2014 IEEE Conference on Communications and Network Security (pp. 238-246). IEEE.
- Lu, Q., Qu, H., Ouyang, Y., & Zhang, J. (2019). SLFAT: client-side evil twin detection approach based on arrival time of special length frames. Security and Communication Networks, 2019.
- Muthalagu, R., & Sanjay, S. (2021). Evil Twin Attack Mitigation Techniques in 802.11 Networks. International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 12(6).
- Agarwal, M., Biswas, S., & Nandi, S. (2018). An efficient scheme to detect evil twin rogue access point attack in 802.11 Wi-Fi networks. International Journal of Wireless Information Networks, 25, 130-145.
Cite As:
Vajrobol V. (2023) Safeguarding Your Internet Security: Preventing Malevolent Cyberattacks and Beyond, Insights2Techinfo, pp.1