Overcoming Security Issues in Public Wi-Fi and Mobile Hotspots

 Public Internet connection through Wi-Fi and mobile hotspots are inevitable in today’s world, serving as the Internet connection providers in airports, cafes, hotels and many other public places. Although they have several advantages, including mobility and connectivity, they take a high risk for security. Being open to all connected devices, these networks make users susceptible to various cyber threats and unauthorised access to information. This assignment will analyse the risks associated with using public areas such as Cafes, airports, hotels, Wi-Fi and Mobile hotspots and how they can be minimised.

Potential Security Threats in Public Wireless Networks and Mobile Hotspots

1. Man-in-the-middles (MITM) attacks

Overview: MiM attacking means that the attacker, as a third party, intervenes between the user and the WPA2 encrypted Wi-Fi network and can capture all information that the user enters, such as passwords, credit card details, and other personal information.

Solutions:

·         Use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): VPNs secure internet traffic, meaning that even if an attacker gets in the middle, their traffic cannot be decoded.

·         Secure Websites (HTTPS): This is because, often, you will find that the websites you are using are not secure from attackers. Always ensure you are using https, which acts as an intermediary and encrypts the data being passed between the user and the website.

2. The latter is still associated with Wilderness Hotspots and Fake Networks.

Overview: This consists of fraudsters who deploy malicious hotspots with names that resemble popular public access points. People can unknowingly connect to those fake networks, allowing attackers full access to their internet session and valuable data.

Solutions:

·         Verify Network Names: Always ask the venue's stakeholders to confirm the actual name of the network to which they wish to connect. Do not link to any unknown venues or whose names seem fishy.

·         Network Authentication: Every business and public venue should have a secure authentication standard (WPA3) to prevent unauthorised connections to the business’s network.

3. Data Snooping

Overview: In open and non-secure local Wi-Fi connections, the attacker can easily intercept the communication traffic between a host and the network. This can reveal personal information, including usernames and passwords, emails, and banking details.

Solutions:

·         Encryption: It is always better to encrypt communication channels using HTTPS web browsing and applicable SSL/TLS for emails and files.

·         Disabling Sharing: Never enable file and print sharing on a public network. It will make it easier for people to spy on you.

4. Session Hijacking

Overview: Session hijacking is an attack whereby the attacker captures session cookies to gain control and access to an active web session, such as an email or social media account.

Solutions:

·         Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Forcing MFA to fix a session enshrinements an additional layer and makes it challenging for a hacker to log in during the hijacking of the session.

·         Clear Session Cookies: Always delete session cookies when exiting websites or services. Because social media is heavily used in the course, you can clear cookies by closing a session using browser settings or extensions that delete cookies upon closing a session.

5. Lack of Encryption

Overview: Most public networks do not adequately secure their networks, making users vulnerable to data hijacking. Thus, even if a network has WEP or WPA2, attackers can easily penetrate it.

Solutions:

·         WPA3 Encryption: Public Wi-Fi services should adopt the current WPA security protocol. The newest standard is WPA3, which offers improved security and defence against force attacks.

·         Educating Users: Users should embrace encrypted networks and avoid open Unsecured WLAN anytime, anywhere.

6. Evil Twin Attacks

Overview: An Evil Twin attack involves an attacker establishing a similar Wi-Fi network as another legal one while joining the second network. If a user connects to this network, the attacker can easily spy on their internet session, steal data, or use this network to dive deeper and attack the user’s computer system.

Solutions:

·         Use of VPNs: A VPN follows the policy of encrypting all data, ranging from emails to browsing sessions, making it hard for an attacker to decipher or alter the data.

·         Public Wi-Fi Network Alerts: People should be wary of the names of the networks they connect to and should have their connections verified by the management or staff in hospitality places.

Ten Tips for Protecting Your Information When Using Public Wi-Fi and Mobile Hotspots

1. Always Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows your internet traffic to run through an encrypted tunnel, making it difficult for hackers to snoop on or access any information you may pass through the internet.

2. Enable Firewall Protection: Make sure that your device’s firewall is on to deny any external device access to your device.

3. Avoid Accessing Sensitive Information: When using public networks, do not log into bank accounts, type passwords, or make any other transactions with your accounts.

4. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Use two-factor authentication on options that allow it so that in the event that your login information is compromised, your accounts are safe.

5. Keep Software Up to Date: The first step is to check that the hardware, firmware, operating system, applications, and security tools are based on the latest patches and releases.

6. Disable Auto-Connect: Turn off the feature that connects you to available networks, and your device will not join any open network it encounters.

Conclusion

Convenience is undisputable when using Public Wi-Fi and mobile hotspots. However, where there is convenience, security is always an issue. Consequently, the parties in a business relationship using or providing services can avoid cyber threats, know the risks, and take precautions. Therefore, preventing the security issues infecting public Wi-Fi and mobile hot spots includes encouraged use of VPN, encryption of communication channels and safe connection habits. As for all kinds of techniques developing constantly in the future, security and user attention will remain the core principles of preventing potential threats.