Hacking into laptops easily possible through public Wi-Fi connections

According to security researchers, the use of public Wi-Fi connections could result in dangerous virus infections on users' laptops since public places like airports and coffee shops have been hackers' key areas for attack through these wireless means.

Explains Mike Kershaw, security researcher who developed the Kismet wireless network system for intrusion detection, public Wi-Fi hotspots pose a larger risk to computer security unlike ever-before. This is because attackers are capable of intervening through the wireless and poisoning end-users' Web browsers. Subsequently, they introduce bogus web-pages alternatively seize data in course of time, Kershaw says. PCWorld published this on February 7, 2010.

Furthermore, Kershaw states that when a user's browser is poisoned, the situation will persist until the user is able to fully purify his browser. Tech.Blorge published this on February 8, 2010.

Remarking about the problem, the researchers stated that traditionally, the sole method for hackers breaking into a PC was via a domestic wire connection. Whereas today since Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere, hacking increasingly through this means, perhaps poses a severe difficulty.

Sometimes hotspots of sensitive and important nature are password-secured, still a few have weak protection or outdated standards, which are easy to hijack.

Moreover, severe security threat from wireless emerges with many users having an intense preference for using non-chargeable online access. But, it may be possible that a computer hacker constructs a bogus Wi-Fi network, which may look rather genuine. So, if a user accesses its connection, he can be attacked through various techniques. The most common one is thrusting a viral infection into his PC, which will give the hacker an admission to all the stored computer files alternatively, help him to steal the user's e-mail passwords or bank account details when the user surfs on the Net.

Kershaw, however, suggested some defenses. The poisoned browser can be continuously cleaned through manual means or through private-browser method. Further, company security professionals must not allow users to connect their laptops to public Wi-Fi systems.

Aside this, the security specialists suggest computer users not to browse sensitive sites, which solicit their private information, in public places.

Related article: Hacking Attacks Are Increasing to Haunt Banks

» SPAMfighter News - 2/13/2010