Wi-Fi Snooping

Wi-Fi snooping is a cyberattack that intercepts and monitors data traffic transmitted over a Wi-Fi network. Cybercriminals use various tools and techniques to carry out Wi-Fi snooping. Some of these techniques and tools include:

• MiTM attacks: MiTM, or Man in the Middle attack, is when a cybercriminal intercepts communication between two parties within a network who are communicating with each other. Once the attack is launched, the cybercriminal can intercept and alter the communication between the two parties, making them believe they are still directly communicating.
• Packet sniffing: This technique utilizes software that captures and analyzes packets of data transmitted over the network.
• Rogue access points: These are sham Wi-Fi networks set up by cybercriminals intending to deceive users into connecting to them, putting their information at risk.

Examples of Wi-Fi Snooping

Below are some examples of when a user can fall victim to Wi-Fi Snooping:

• An email communication gets intercepted via a MiTM attack.
• An online purchase leads to a user’s credit card information being stolen.
• A cybercriminal intercepts a user’s bank account login credentials.

How to Avoid Wi-Fi Snooping

Below are steps you can take to reduce the risk of falling victim to Wi-Fi snooping:

• Update software: Keep your web browser and operating system up to date, as this protects your data and network against known cyber vulnerabilities.
• Protect yourself: Use a security solution, including web filtering and malware protection, that prevents malicious activity from infecting your computer.
• VPN usage: A VPN, or virtual private network, is an extensible authentication protocol that encrypts a user’s IP address to protect their data, such as browsing information and location.
• Secure networks: Connect to secure networks and avoid public unsecured networks.