Vacationers in the United Kingdom are warned to beware of "evil twins" Wi-Fi
If you surf the web while on vacation using an unfamiliar Wi-Fi connection, you could be putting your security at risk. This is what experts from SecureTeam emphasize.
They have found that networks known as "evil twins" of Wi-Fi accounts are often among the culprits behind people falling victim to account hijacking. Even experienced vacationers can fall for this relatively common form of fraud, as reported by huffingtonpost.co.
Kaspersky Lab cybersecurity experts say that fraudsters create fake networks in places such as restaurants, hotels, coffee shops, and even airports.
When you log on to this network and enter personal information, they can use it to try to log in on your behalf, and others can contact users fraudulently.
Fake Wi-Fi networks often have convincing names. To mislead uninformed travelers, fake Wi-Fi networks often use innocent names such as "guest Wi-Fi" or "free Wi-Fi." These networks lack security measures, making them easy to log into. They use credential testing to try to obtain sensitive information.
"Typically, 'evil twin' Wi-Fi networks direct users to a login page similar to that of a trusted network and require an email address, name, and password under the guise of setting up a personal account," the experts note.
How to avoid these networks:
Although there is no foolproof process to protect your online identity, professionals recommend consulting with hotel receptionists and other staff members before logging on to a network. Experts also advise avoiding online shopping, online banking, and other sensitive searches on new or untrusted networks.
