Have you ever been at a coffee shop, airport, or hotel and connected to the free Wi-Fi without giving it a second thought? It’s so easy and convenient, right? But what if I told you that connection could put your personal or business data at serious risk? Let me introduce you to the sneaky concept of an “Evil Twin” network attack. It’s one of many cyber criminal tactics our team is learning about in our annual series of cyber security training.
Imagine this: You’re sipping your coffee, getting ready to catch up on emails, or scrolling through social media, and you see a network named “Free_Coffee_WiFi.” You connect, thinking it’s provided by the coffee shop. What you don’t know is that a cybercriminal set up a fake network with an almost identical name. That’s the Evil Twin. Once connected, they can intercept everything you’re doing online—from logging into accounts to entering sensitive payment information. Yikes, right?
So, how do you avoid falling victim to these attacks? Here are a few tips to keep your data safe:
- Verify the Network Name: Always double-check the Wi-Fi network name with an employee before connecting. Cybercriminals often use subtle differences in naming to trick people.
- Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your data, making it much harder for attackers to steal your information, even if you connect to a malicious network.
- Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Don’t log into bank accounts or enter payment details while on public Wi-Fi. Save those tasks for a secure, private connection.
- Turn Off Auto-Connect: Disable the auto-connect feature on your devices to prevent them from connecting to networks without your knowledge.
- Consider Mobile Data: When in doubt, use your mobile data instead of public Wi-Fi. It’s a safer option, especially for sensitive activities.
Even with all these precautions, no system is foolproof. That’s where cyber insurance comes into play. At V.F. McNeil Insurance, we understand that proactive behavior is essential, but having the right insurance protection can provide peace of mind when it comes to personal or business-related cyber risks.
Let’s talk about how we can help protect you from the unexpected. Give us a call or stop by to discuss your options for cyber insurance coverage. After all, staying connected shouldn’t mean putting your information at risk.
For additional information about Securing Wireless Networks, you can visit the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and learn additional risks to using wireless networks.
