KRACK attack made the WPA2 connection vulnerable. And now we must take measures to guarantee our Wi-Fi network security. Therefore, today we explain everything you need to know about the KRACK attack and how to become a Wi-Fi Protector. Prevent you or your friends from hackers attacks!
Keep your Wi-Fi Protected after KRACK Attack
Only a few days ago came to light a series of security vulnerabilities in Wi-Fi networks known as KRACK, acronym in English for key re-installation. The WPA2 security protocol, used to protect the vast majority of wireless connections, is “hacked”. In this way, compromising the security of Wi-Fi network traffic and exposing the personal information.
The weakness, identified by the researcher Mathy Vanhoef, could affect 41% of the devices that work with an Android operating system. So that, with the emergence of these new threats, cyber criminals could take advantage of security vulnerabilities in wireless networks. This to intercept access credentials, credit card information, emails or personal information.
How does KRACK Attack Work?
First, when a device connects to a Wi-Fi network with WPA2, the first step for communication is to negotiate with the router a key that will use to encrypt the traffic sent between them. This key is not the key of the Wi-Fi network, but a random one, which is negotiated for each session.
To agree on this encryption key, the devices perform the “4 way handshake”. Thus, they confirm through messages that both have the encryption key.
The problem is that the WPA2 protocol does not verify that the key is different from the ones that were already used. Therefore, the system uses the same key more than once, and this is the vulnerability.
How to protect your Wi-Fi against KRACK attack?
Keep the IP address hidden: KRACK attack is vulnerable to this.
In an increasingly connected world, users need to feel protection. Not in vain, once a cyber criminal hacks a wireless networks, the possibilities of “hacking” are practically endless. But how can users protect themselves from these attacks and connect to the network securely?
McAfee advises users to keep their IP address hidden while connecting to public or open Wi-Fi networks. This will allow both their location and their information (bank details, passwords, credentials, etc.) to remain secure.
Update devices the key against KRACK attack
The company also emphasizes the importance of updating the devices. Users should make sure to install security updates on their devices. In this way, they can avoid, as much as possible, any vulnerability in the systems.
Update the router “firmware”
The router is the most important element to protect the wireless network. However, this update depends, to a large extent, on the speed with which device manufacturers and software developers generate a patch.
Therefore, from McAfee they emphasize that it is advisable to consult the website of the manufacturer of the corresponding device. This is good to know the details and the status of the patch to protect itself from KRACK attack.
Use a private virtual network, it will be useful against KRACK attack
It is also convenient to use VPN networks to avoid KRACK attack. If the user needs to connect to a public network, he can use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN will keep the information private and make sure that the data goes directly from the device to where it is connected. It is essential to install security on the devices.
Having a complete security solution can help keep the devices away from viruses and other “malware“. Also, VPN devices are so secure and they update the system every day!
The appearance of this new vulnerability in Wi-Fi networks using WPA2 security encryption reinforces the idea that cybercriminals are increasingly creative and use more attack methods to try to attack systems. Therefore, and as they point out from the company, users must be ready to counteract these threats and ensure the security of all their devices.
Now you know all about the KRACK attack and how to avoid it. If you like learning more about IT security, you can visit this article. You can also visit the homepage to read about new content of interest. Do not forget to follow us on social networks and share this information so that more people will know. See you soon!
