It is clear that connecting to a Wi-Fi network is more risky than connecting via cable. You will be more exposed and hackers could spy on you. But to what extent are you really in danger? Could they see what you do over a network? In this article we are going to talk about it. We are going to explain what is known as Eavesdropping or eavesdropping over the wireless network. We will give you some tips to protect yourself.
Basically, it’s something like intercepting a phone communication, reading a letter before reaching your destination, or listening to the conversation you’re having with someone else in a restaurant. And yes, a cybercriminal could know what you do on a Wi-Fi network and affect your privacy.
Spy over Wi-Fi
These attacks that we are going to talk about involve spying on a person through a Wi-Fi network. It means that an attacker will be able to intercept and monitor the traffic of that wireless network without having permission to do so. It is necessary that you have the appropriate knowledge and that you exploit a vulnerability or take advantage of a flaw.
For example, there is what is known as Man-in-The-Middle. It is when an attacker puts himself in the middle, between the device from which we browse and the server or website we are trying to access. That will mean that he could collect the information and data that we are sending.
Through an unencrypted network, they could launch MiTM attacks as we have explained. This can occur, for example, on public networks. It could happen in an airport, shopping center, library… Basically, any place with public Wi-Fi that anyone could connect to.
They could also spy over Wi-Fi by distributing malware. They can carry out different techniques to achieve this goal. In this case, it is common for them to exploit software vulnerabilities, carry out phishing attacks or flood a system with Spam.
Tips to avoid it
But what can you do to protect yourself and prevent people from spying on you over Wi-Fi? It is key to avoid connecting to networks that may be dangerous. For example, if you connect through a network in a library, it is essential that you use a VPN so that you can encrypt the connection and prevent them from spying on you without realizing it.
Regarding your own Wi-Fi, the one you may have at home, it is essential that you protect it well. You must use a good password, with strong encryption. It uses WPA-3 encryption or, failing that, WPA-2. Do not use weak keys, which can be easily exploited. The more complex it is, the better for your safety.
It is also important that you protect your devices well. Using a good antivirus can help you detect malware. You should always choose a warranty program that works well and about which you can find information on the Internet. In addition, having everything updated will help you correct vulnerabilities and thus prevent bugs from being exploited.
Therefore, as you see, it is always essential to avoid being spied on through Wi-Fi networks. You should always protect your home network, as well as connect to trusted networks or use a VPN to avoid problems. That will help you protect your data.