ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / NEWS

Hackers are Lurking Around in Public Wi-Fi networks; Here's How Users Can Protect Their Data

A company in UAE lost millions to hackers which led to its bankruptcy, now experts are telling users how they can steer clear of threats.
PUBLISHED NOV 9, 2023
Close-up of an outdoor Wifi antenna integrated into a pillar | Getty Images | Photo by Smith Collection
Close-up of an outdoor Wifi antenna integrated into a pillar | Getty Images | Photo by Smith Collection

UAE’s top cybersecurity experts have raised an alarm over the vulnerability in the public Wi-Fi system of a US-based company which resulted in a massive breach that led to the bankruptcy of the firm within months as per the Khaleej Times. Experts are now advising residents and visitors to take precautions before connecting to public WiFi networks.

Earlier this year, Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, head of cybersecurity in the government of UAE explained that a US-based company had brought in a team to renovate an aquarium that was installed within their premises. When one of the workers connected to their public Wi-Fi, a vulnerability allowed hackers connected to the same network, to break into the company’s internal system and steal millions of dollars, leaving the company bankrupt.

In this photo illustration, a hacker with an Anonymous mask on his face and a hood on his head uses a computer | Getty Images | Photo by Chesnot
In this photo illustration, a hacker with an Anonymous mask on his face and a hood on his head uses a computer | Getty Images | Photo by Chesnot

A major reason for this is that many public Wi-Fi networks don’t have any security controls to make them more accessible, which opens doors for cybercriminals as well. The report also mentions an incident where a resident of Dubai connected his laptop to the public Wi-Fi of a hotel in the UAE, and got hacked. His entire system was compromised along with every account he had. The victim said that the hackers asked him to pay a ransom in Bitcoin and when he refused, they deleted his TikTok account which had over 10,000 followers.

While it is relatively uncommon to get hacked from a public Wi-Fi connection, it is still a threat as it can have a serious impact on the victim. A public Wi-Fi attack occurs when victims use a connection that is unencrypted and unsecured.

Representative of an iris-recognition device | Getty Images | Photo by Ian Waldie
Representative of an iris-recognition device | Getty Images | Photo by Ian Waldie

Here, the attacker sits as the man in the middle after exploiting a security flaw in the network to intercept data. This allows the hacker to get the details of identity, browsing activities, passwords, account logins, and financial transactions.

Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi or open networks. Hackers may set up rogue hotspots that offer free data. They may also mimic legitimate names of Wi-Fi connections of stores, companies, or lounges to fool users. Thus, it is always advised to use a private connection or verified and secured connections to access the internet. Users are also advised to turn off the option to automatically join open/known networks.

In case it is important to connect to a public Wi-Fi, never access sensitive data, such as financial information, login passwords, or important credentials, through an unverified or unsecured connection.

Representative impage of rows of laptop computers| Getty Images | Photo by Justin Sullivan
Representative impage of rows of laptop computers| Getty Images | Photo by Justin Sullivan

Further, users should make sure that they remove the connection and its saved data from the device once they are done using the network. Specialized software that performs security and virus checks can also be used to protect the device from attacks. The device's firewalls should also be enabled, and configured with optimal security settings.

It is also recommended to update and patch the software of the device to the latest version to avoid potential infections. Even mobile devices need regular updates to prevent the spread of malware.

Representative image of a young woman using her smartphone | Getty Images | Photo by Robert Alexander
Representative image of a young woman using her smartphone | Getty Images | Photo by Robert Alexander

Lastly, using a Virtual Private Network or VPN can also protect the information on the device and browsing data. It can also help users stay anonymous for hackers while accessing a network and browsing the web.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
While all the Sharks were out, Mark Cuban saw the potential in "Garage Celebrations."
8 hours ago
The loss was ironic as the retired teacher coulnd't get a phrase commonly used in classrooms.
10 hours ago
The recalls were issued for a range of products including tires, air conditioners and power banks.
11 hours ago
The guest who got the item as a gift from a neighbor had little to no idea about its significance.
13 hours ago
Harrison got a good deal for the fossil although it wasn't what he had thought.
1 day ago
The player, Beth Barbee left everyone in the dust with her impressive puzzle solving skills.
1 day ago
Given her celebrity status, Harrison cut her some slack in the negotiations.
1 day ago
The deal ultimately fell apart as the seller, Scotty was looking to get $375,000.
2 days ago
The guest was blown away by the six-figure appraisal for his father's John Falter illustration.
2 days ago
Harvey just couldn't believe that the contestant could come up with an answer like that.
3 days ago
Antoinette's win was even more special because she needed a car more than anything at that point.
3 days ago
The player, Catrice Sandt, nearly blew the Bonus Round puzzle by saying too many words in the end.
4 days ago
The co-founders of Nature's Wild Berry left the Sharks in shock with their miraculous product.
4 days ago
The contestant named Whitney could barely control her emotions as she celebrated with Ryan Seacrest.
4 days ago
The player named Kathy Young missed out on the Showcase Showdown as she had to leave.
5 days ago
Harrison closed a mega deal by scooping up three post cards for the price of one.
5 days ago
The guest who brought his father's prized possesion, had already made up his mind.
5 days ago
Harvey got a genius solution to avoid asking an awkward question to Carson Kressley's family member.
6 days ago
The player could barely control her excitement as she had a near-perfect game on the show.
6 days ago
Harrison knew it was too good of a collection to let go, and he decided to raise the stakes.
7 days ago