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Why You Should Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi

Why You Should Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi

Cybersecurity Snacks
October 26, 2023

Nathanael / Cybersecurity Snacks

Good morning. Today, we are covering why you should avoid using public Wi-Fi. We are also offering practical tips on what you should do when using public Wi-Fi. We will also bring you the latest news and jobs in the cybersecurity field. First time reading? Sign up here

Main Meal

Why You Should Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi

Ah, public Wi-Fi! The sweet siren calls of free internet whenever you’re out and about. It beckons us, like an all-you-can-eat buffet promising endless shrimp cocktails and dessert towers. But just like that buffet might have some questionable sushi, public Wi-Fi has its own fishy side. Let's journey together into the not-so-secret life of public Wi-Fi and see why you might want to think twice before connecting.

Eavesdropping on Your Digital Diary: Public Wi-Fi is like that gossip-loving aunt at family reunions. Connect, and she might just eavesdrop on your online activities. Hackers can easily sneak a peek at the sites you're browsing, your login credentials, or even that embarrassing Google search ("Why do cats hate cucumbers?"). So, unless you want someone to know about your secret cat video addiction, you might want to reconsider.

Man-in-the-Middle is NOT a Fun Game: In the digital world, there's a sneaky little trick called a "Man-in-the-Middle" attack. It's like when you're passing a note in class, and the person in between decides to alter it. Only, in this scenario, the note is your personal data, and that person in between? A crafty hacker. They can intercept and alter communications without you even knowing it. And no, they won't just correct your typos.

Honey, That's a Trap! Some public Wi-Fis are honeypots set up by hackers. They might have enticing names like "Free_Airport_WiFi" or "Totally_Not_a_Hacker_Network". Once you connect, you're in their playground, and they're the mischievous kid with all the toys.

Automatically Connecting is Like Leaving Your Door Open: Your device loves making life easy for you, so sometimes it'll automatically connect to networks it recognizes. This might be fine at home, but in public? It's like leaving your front door open with a sign that says, "Hey, come check out my cool stuff!"

You Might Catch a Virus, and Not the Common Cold Kind: Just as you wouldn't share a drink with someone who’s sniffling and sneezing, sharing a public Wi-Fi network can expose your device to nasty digital germs. These can range from malware that spies on you, to ransomware that locks up your data until you pay up.

That Padlock isn't as Trustworthy as it Looks: You might think, "But there's a padlock next to the website's name! It's secure!" Well, while that padlock (SSL encryption) is good for private networks, on public Wi-Fi, it's like having a fortress... made of marshmallows. Sure, it'll stop the gummy bears, but it won't do much against the determined cookie monsters.

So, what should you do?

Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN): It's like a protective bubble that encrypts your data and keeps it safe from prying eyes.

Turn off sharing: Make sure you're not unknowingly sharing files, printers, or other bits and bobs.

Forget the network after logging off: Kind of like forgetting that embarrassing dance you did at the last office party.

Use your phone's data: It might not be unlimited, but it's often safer than public Wi-Fi.

Remember, while public Wi-Fi can be tempting (and sometimes a lifesaver when you're lost in a new city and need Google Maps), it comes with its risks. So, next time you're out and about, and you see that "Free_Public_WiFi" network, think of it as that sketchy buffet with the day-old sushi. Might be best to pass it up.

News

Mark Thomas / Pixabay

US Government Shutdown Puts Cybersecurity at Risk, Cybercriminals Relieved to Have Extra Month

Amid the looming threat of US government "nap time" (a.k.a. shutdowns), there's a plot twist in the cybersecurity saga. Imagine this: federal workers playing 'unpaid musical chairs,' and the rising star of "Grumpy Gary," the disgruntled insider. Oh, and let's not forget our friends at CISA – they might be getting some unexpected 'days off', making our digital realm resemble a wild west. Public companies? They'd be like headless chickens, calling in the cyber cavalry for backup. Bottom line, if the government's heading for a siesta, grab your digital armor, folks! (more)

Oldham Council in UK Under Siege: Fend off 10,000 Cyber Attacks a Day with ‘Charm and Wit’

Oldham Council just dropped a bombshell: they're like a digital celebrity, getting 10,000 cyber "paparazzi" clicks every day! So, they're splashing out a cool £682,000 on a fancy tech makeover. Think of it as upgrading from a leaky umbrella to a full-blown fortress! Councilor Elaine Taylor gives it two thumbs up, saying it's "cash splurged wisely." They've seen the horror movie sequels featuring other stars like the University of Manchester and Redcar and Cleveland Council. Time for Oldham to get those cyber-sunglasses on and avoid those flashes! (more)

Automotive Cybersecurity Market Grows Faster Than Speeding Ticket Revenue - Car Hackers Beware

Hold onto your seatbelts, folks! Allied Market Research just predicted that by 2030, the automotive cybersecurity world will be worth a whopping $32.41 billion! That's like if every car had its own personal Iron Man suit. They’re forecasting a 16.6% growth rate each year. Why? Governments are hopping on the "smart car" bandwagon and people are screaming for more car cybersecurity. But, there are some speed bumps like creating a common platform and the teeny issue of making sure apps are hacker-proof. Still, with vehicles becoming mini Fort Knoxes and adaptive security growing, the road ahead looks turbo-charged! (more)

Nathanael / Cybersecurity Snacks

France just gave the "I'm watching you" eyes to Russian state hackers for sneaking into several crucial networks

Guess who's been crashing the French party? It's the Russian APT28 hacking squad, also going by the fancy names 'Strontium' or 'Fancy Bear'. They've been snooping around French government soirées, businesses, and even universities since mid-2021. Instead of using the backdoor (because that's SO last season), they're sneaking in through the windows by messing with peripheral gadgets on critical networks of French organizations. Stay fancy, but vigilant, France! (more)

The StripedFly malware has thrown a party, inviting over 1 million Windows and Linux hosts without them even knowing!

In the world of sneaky software, StripedFly is like the ninja that's been hiding in your cookie jar since 2017! Kaspersky's super-sleuths stumbled upon this master of disguise, which has been silently party-crashing over a million devices worldwide. Not only does it have an insatiable appetite for your website and WiFi passwords, but it's also nosy enough to snap sneaky screenshots and eavesdrop on your mic (maybe it's hoping for some karaoke?). It even wants to know where you work and your job title—probably for some light LinkedIn stalking. Talk about an over-enthusiastic digital pen pal! (more)