Wifi connectivity makes it easier than ever for computer security to be compromised
Never before have we experienced the level of connectivity that even the average person can now access. There are wifi networks broadcast by nearly every type of business, from laundromats and motels to coffee shops and entire downtown areas, not to mention the fact that many computers and smartphones can now act as an access point for others to use their Internet connection. While this brings a great deal of convenience, it also creates many enticing targets for unscrupulous folks. A new threat has recently been discovered taking advantage of unsuspecting users, and while its exact purpose is unknown, experts are concerned. NPR.org explains:
Wireless security expert Joshua Wright first noticed it about four years ago at an airport.
“I went to connect to an available wireless network and I saw this option, Free Public WiFi,” he remembers. “As I looked more and more, I saw this in more and more locations. And I was aware from my job and analysis in the field that this wasn’t a sanctioned, provisioned wireless network, but it was actually something rogue.”
Free Public WiFi isn’t set up like most wireless networks people use to get to the Internet. Instead, it’s an “ad hoc” network — meaning when a user selects it, he or she isn’t connecting to a router or hot spot, but rather directly to someone else’s computer in the area.
Even those who consider themselves computer savvy could easily be tricked into having their computer access “Free Public WiFi,” assuming it to be just another innocuously named public network. The danger, though, is that as soon as they connect they are leaving the information on their system completely exposed. No big deal for those with no sensitive information, but imagine one of your top executives having every single file (and password) on their work laptop being 100% compromised and you can begin to comprehend the immense dangers such a security flaw presents. As long as we use computers and the Internet, there will be attacks on users. Because of this, crisis management planning absolutely must prepare for, and defend against, the inevitable.
The BCM Blogging Team
https://www.bernsteincrisismanagement.com/