Staying safe while browsing online has never been more important in the digital age, with so much of our information shared and stored online. There are numerous ways in which people can attempt to hack into our devices, from installing mirroring software and tracking our activity to stealing sensitive information like passwords and compromising our finances.
One particularly alarming method that hackers can use to gain access to our devices involves manipulating the Wi-Fi network to which we are connected. According to a professional ‘ethical’ hacker who works to catch online child predators, this method, known as a “man in the middle attack,” allows hackers to control the traffic on the network as if they were the modem or router.
By creating dummy networks, hackers can trick unsuspecting users into connecting to these fraudulent Wi-Fi connections, thereby giving the hacker the ability to intercept and control the data being transmitted between the user’s device and the internet.
The hacker, Ryan Montgomery, demonstrated this method during an interview on the Shawn Ryan Show, showing how he could use his homemade tool to scan the local area and target all the nearby Wi-Fi networks at the same time. This shocking revelation left the host of the show stunned at the ease with which hackers can manipulate Wi-Fi networks to gain access to people’s devices.
In response to these types of threats, it is important for individuals to be vigilant and take steps to protect themselves while browsing online. One way to avoid falling victim to these types of attacks is to avoid using free Wi-Fi when out and about, as these networks are often more vulnerable to hacking attempts. However, it is not always practical to avoid using free Wi-Fi, especially when traveling or in situations where a reliable internet connection is not readily available.
One alternative to using public Wi-Fi is to ensure that you have a data plan that provides enough data to meet your needs, and to plan ahead when traveling to avoid getting charged extra for data usage. Additionally, using your phone as a hotspot can provide a secure alternative to using public Wi-Fi, allowing you to access the internet without exposing your device to potential security threats.
By staying informed about the various ways in which hackers can gain access to our devices and taking proactive steps to protect our information, we can reduce the risk of falling victim to online security breaches. Being aware of the potential risks associated with using public Wi-Fi and taking precautions to safeguard our devices can help to ensure a safer and more secure online browsing experience.