There are many ways that modern hackers can attack a device. Some of the most common methods include phishing emails, password guessing, malware, and ransomware attacks. But online security is a massive topic; even these everyday hacks only cover the surface. In fact, one of the most common hacking techniques is also one of the least known: rogue access points.
In this article, we’ll define rogue access points, give examples of how real hackers use this technique daily, and give you several tips for avoiding these scams—before you become the next victim.
Let’s dive in.
What are rogue access points?
Before we dive into rogue access points, it helps to understand standard access points. Fortunately, it’s straightforward: An access point is a tool used to connect a wireless device to a network.
By extension, a rogue access point refers to a network attack involving a hacker pretending to be a trustworthy network access point. Instead of actively trying to hack a specific person, the scammer creates their own network access point with the intent of hacking or tracking anyone who joins the network through the “rogue” access point.
You can think of it as the inverse of a phishing attack. In a phishing attack, a scammer contacts their intended victim by pretending to be a known and trustworthy person or organization. In the case of rogue access points, the scammer secretly creates a rogue access point on a specific network and waits for victims to come to them.
Cybersecurity is full of jargon; this concept is best understood with an example. Let’s discuss one of the most common places to run into a rogue access network.
Example of a rogue access point
The best example of rogue access points is at a coffee shop.
Many coffee shops, restaurants, and hotels maintain an open network to make it fast and easy for guests to access WiFi. The problem is this is precisely the environment hackers look for when creating rogue access points: A network where numerous people join, work, and transmit data through a shared network.
In this case, the hacker can create a rogue internet access point in that same network with a free and unsecured WiFi network. As people attempt to connect to the internet, they think their data goes straight from their device to the actual access point and then the network server. Instead, their data passes through the rogue access point on its way to the server, which means all that data is available to the hacker.
Once someone has joined the rogue access point, the hacker takes control and can issue many attacks against the converged device, from stealing personal data to uploading a malicious program. In the case of our example, all the victims did was join what they thought was a public WiFi network. The hacker and owner of the rogue access point could use the unsecured network to attack the victim’s device.
This is why it’s considered a cybersecurity best practice to use a VPN (virtual private network) whenever you join a public WiFi network, such as at your favorite coffee shop or hotel.
A VPN encrypts your information and helps stop prospective snoopers in their tracks before they can eavesdrop on your device’s activity.
As mentioned above, this is just one example of a rogue access point. Other methods include USB drives being tampered with, malicious software downloads, exploiting bugs in code, and social engineering.
But understanding what a rogue access point is is only half the battle. Knowing how to defend your device and network against these scammers is also essential. So, let’s discuss how to protect yourself against rogue access points.
How to avoid joining rogue access points
To safeguard yourself against unauthorized access points, it’s crucial to grasp their functioning and the techniques hackers employ to seize control. Here are a few tips for avoiding these hacks:
- Double-check with network hosts: If you see multiple network access points and are unsure which one to join, it’s best not to guess. Instead, talk to someone working where you’re trying to join the network. This might be a barista at the coffee shop. Preferably, you want to find whomever the IT person is who set up the network at that particular location.
- Look for HTTPS: If you’re unsure about the network you’ve joined, limit your internet activity to websites using HTTPS URLs. These websites are more secure and encrypt your data when you visit them, reducing the risk of visiting rogue access points.
- Forget networks: When you leave a public WiFi, select “Forget” the network. This prevents your device from automatically connecting to the network when you’re nearby in the future.
- Choose data over unsecured networks: If a network is unsecured, it’s better to use data from your device or create a personal hotspot instead of joining the network.
- Use a VPN: With a VPN, you encrypt your data and shield your activity from others, including hackers. This will help protect you from scammers stealing your data, even if you connect to a network using their rogue access point. This point is particularly important for cybersecurity, so let’s dive deeper.
Protect yourself from rogue access points with a secure VPN
Earlier in the article, we pointed out one of the most essential cybersecurity best practices: utilizing a trusted VPN. Let’s dive deeper into why this particular security measure is so important.
VPNs are vital for helping protect against rogue access points. They encrypt your internet traffic and create a secure tunnel between your device and the VPN server. Even if someone happens to intercept your traffic, they won’t be able to read it because it’s all encrypted.
Additionally, using a VPN hides your IP address, which helps make sure you can’t be tracked as easily online. By implementing a trusted VPN, you can help ensure that sensitive data remains secure and in the right hands.
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