Beware of Evil Twin Attacks: How to Spot and Avoid Fake Wi-Fi Networks
Imagine you’re at the airport, waiting for your flight. You see a network called “Free Airport Wi-Fi” and eagerly connect to it, hoping to catch up on emails or browse the web. But what if that seemingly harmless network is actually a trap set by hackers? This is the danger of Evil Twin Attacks.
What is an Evil Twin Attack? An Evil Twin Attack is when hackers set up a fake Wi-Fi network that looks exactly like a legitimate one. They hope unsuspecting users, like you at the airport, will connect to it, allowing them to steal personal information, spy on online activity, or even inject malware onto devices.
Why Travelers are Prime Targets Travelers are often prime targets for these attacks because they are frequently on the move, carrying valuable information or money. Additionally, since they are not local, it would be difficult for them to help hunt down the perpetrators. This makes airports, hotels, and other public places ideal spots for hackers to set up their traps.
How to Spot an Evil Twin Attack· Network Name: Be cautious of Wi-Fi networks with duplicate names or stronger signals than expected. For example, if you see multiple “Free Airport Wi-Fi” networks, it could be a red flag.
· Verify with Staff: Always confirm the correct network name with airport staff before connecting.
· Signal Strength: The signal might be stronger if you are near the hacker and weaker if you are farther away.
· HTTPS: Ensure websites start with “HTTPS” to indicate a secure connection.
How to Protect Yourself
While travelling, avoid accessing sensitive information like banking apps or email on public Wi-Fi, especially networks like “Free Airport Wi-Fi.” In fact it’s also best to turn off the auto-connect feature on your device and be careful to choose networks manually. If you are staying in a hotel or other area with questionable security, consider investing in a personal hotspot. Personal hotspots are an excellent tool to provide Wi-Fi access to travelers while abroad that you can be certain isn’t an Evil Twin or a corrupted network. While there’s always a potential for danger with networks while travelling, owning your own travel hotspot provides an additional air gap to protect your information.
The Bottom Line
Evil Twin Attacks are a real threat, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks like “Free Airport Wi-Fi.” Travelers are particularly vulnerable due to their valuable information and the difficulty in tracking down perpetrators. Stay vigilant, verify networks, and use additional security measures to protect your personal information.
For more information about data security while traveling, visit Simo
About the Author
Eric Plam is the President at SIMO, the company behind Solis, which provides advanced mobile Wi-Fi hotspots designed for travelers and remote workers. With a career deeply rooted in the telecommunications and mobile technology sectors, Plam has been instrumental in launching innovative connectivity solutions that address common travel and connectivity challenges, such as inconsistent Wi-Fi, need for SIM cards, international data costs and more. His leadership continues to shape the future of global connectivity, ensuring seamless, reliable access for users around the world.