How to avoid the vulnerability of the WiFi that threatens to 4 out of every 10 Android

EP

• The security protocol of WPA2, which is used to protect the vast majority of wireless connections, it was ‘hacked’ a few days ago.
• vulnerabilities of this protocol to compromise the security of the 41% of Android devices, says McAfee.
• do You are stealing WiFi? How to find out, and ways to prevent it.
• How to share WiFi from your Android mobile phone.

just a few days Ago came to light a number of vulnerabilities in the security of the WiFi networks known as KRACK, acronym in English reinstallation key. The security protocol WPA2, used to protect the vast majority of wireless connections, had been ‘hacked’, compromising the safety of the traffic WiFi network and exposing the personal information of millions of users.

The weakness, identified by the researcher Mathy Vanhoef, could affect the 41% of the devices that work with an operating system Android, as pointing from McAfee, in a statement.

With the emergence of these new threats, the cybercriminals could exploit vulnerabilities in the security of wireless networks to intercept access credentials, data about credit cards, emails, or personal information.

in Addition, and as explained from the security company, they could also inject ransomware (‘malware’ that encrypts the equipment asks for a ransom) or other malicious content in a web site, which means that even a reliable web site could be offering a link, or ad that actually leads to a program or other malicious content.

How to protect yourself

In an increasingly connected world, users need to feel protected. Not in vain, once a cybercriminal has access to a wireless network, the possibilities of ‘hacking’ are virtually endless. But whathow can users protect themselves from these attacks and connect to the network securely?

From McAfee advise users to hide your IP address while connecting to WiFi networks and public or open, as this will allow both your location and your information (bank details, passwords, login credentials, etc) to stay safe.

The company also stresses the importance of refresh devices. Users should be sure to install security updates on their devices. In this way, can avoid, to the extent possible, any vulnerability in the systems.

Update the ‘firmware’ for the router. The router is the most important element to protect the wireless network. However, this update depends, in large measure, from the rapidity with which the device manufacturers and the developers of ‘software’ to generate a patch. Therefore, from McAfee emphasize that it is advisable to consult the website of the manufacturer of the corresponding device for details on the status of the patch to protect against KRACK.

you should Also use VPN networks. If the user needs to connect to a public network, you can use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN will keep information private and ensure that the data go directly from the device to where it is connected to.

it Is essential install security devices. To have a complete security solution can help to keep the devices away from viruses and other ‘malware’ is not desired.

finally, the users should not forget to protect your connected home. For example, with a solution such as McAfee Secure Home Platform protects all Internet-connected devices in the home network, including devices, IoT (Internet of Things), a wide variety of emerging threats such as virus, ‘malware’ and ‘phishing’.

The emergence of this new vulnerability in the WiFi networks that use the security encryption WPA2 reinforces the idea that cybercriminals are getting more creative and use methods of attack more sophisticated in order to try to violate the systems. For this reason, and as pointed out from the company, the users must be prepared to counter these threats and ensure the security of all your devices.

Tecnología