Recently, security researchers discovered a serious issue with the WPA2 protocol which allows encryption of Wi-Fi networks. As a result, this could lead to data leak.
When you connect to a Wi-Fi network that is protected by a password, you probably assume your connection and data on the network are safe.
Sadly, a research done at the KU University of Leuven found that there is a loophole that makes it easy to tap into any modern wireless network easily.
This vulnerability is known as Key Reinstallation Attack (KRACK), which attacks the WPA2 protocol which safeguards most Wi-Fi connections
The Effects of KRACK on internet users
KRACK is extremely dangerous as it attacks any weak wireless network (Wi-Fi). This means the problem does not affect products and sellers alone, but also any modern device that supports Wi-Fi capabilities. Therefore, both your wireless router and Wi-Fi enabled devices are vulnerable.
Who and what is at risk?
A weak Wi-Fi connection can provide a platform for an attacker to get away with important information. Tampering with the connection between your device and the router can compromise sensitive data such as chat messages, credit card numbers, credentials, photos, emails, and crucial documents. Furthermore, attackers can inject ransomware or malicious code into sites and manipulate any information they want.
How KRACK works
KRACK is like a virus that attacks WPA2 protocol which makes sure the connection between a Wi-Fi enabled device and a router is always secure.
Typically, to connect to a wireless network, a router and a Wi-Fi enabled device need to communicate via what is referred to as a four-step cryptographic handshake. This process allows for the exchange of pre-set credentials such as a Wi-Fi password and agrees to use the same key: Wi-Fi enabled devices can securely connect to a router.
But when the WPA2 is manipulated the attacker can use the one-time encryption key repeatedly. This makes the connection weaker and consequently breaks the encryption, hence the attacker gets to intercept and manipulate or steal information. However, for this attack to be successful, the attacker needs to be near the target Wi-Fi network.
Tips on protecting your Wi-Fi connection
Because this vulnerability is still new, there are currently no updates to protect devices against the malware, but better still, there are ways to protect yourself from KRACK.
First and foremost, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which helps to protect the channel between your Wi-Fi enabled device and the VPN server. With the encrypted tunnel, there is no way an attacker can view your traffic, even if the Wi-Fi network you are using is vulnerable. As a matter of fact, a VPN is capable of protecting your internet traffic irrespective of the network in question. A VPN makes you immune to KRACK.
VirtualShield offers a 30-day free trial which you can use to protect your internet activities, even if you are using a hacked network.
Apart from using a VPN, there are other great ways to stay safe on a wireless network.
First, you should always log into websites with SSL encryption. All the websites you visit should have HTTPS and not HTTP. The latter provides some additional protection on your traffic. For instance, you can visit https://virtualshield.com and not http://virtualshield.com.
Make sure to use the latest software updates. Unfortunately, patches for KRACK have not been released yet, and so, to stay on the safe side, just use a secure VPN service. Companies such as Android, iOS, and Windows are expected to release their patches soon enough. Make sure your OS is also up to date to protect yourself against KRACK.
Because there are currently no software updates, the only permanent solution as of now is to install a secure and powerful VPN connection on your device.
VirtualShield protects your emails, browsing history, conversations, passwords, online banking, and more. When you are connected to VirtualShield, any and all internet traffic is protected, giving you confidence wherever you may be.
