Photo Credit: SmartPlanet.com
Just when you thought you had heard it all, this comes along: a computer virus that can spread through Wi-Fi as efficiently as the common cold.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool say that, for the first time, they proved that a virus can infect a Wi-Fi network in highly-populated areas the way the common cold spreads through humans.“It was assumed … that it wasn’t possible to develop a virus that could attack Wi-Fi networks but we demonstrated that this is possible and that it can spread quickly,” said Alan Marshall, professor of network security at the University of Liverpool, in a press release.
The good news is this is entirely preventable, and need not necessarily mean total chaos.
A WiFi Virus is Preventable
With sufficient encryption and password protection the virus can be stopped, but in less secure environments it can spread like wildfire, for example in pubic WiFi networks like coffee shops and airports.
While these areas might be convenient for us, they are at risk.
It can’t cause physical damage
“When Chameleon attacked an AP, it didn’t affect how it worked, but was able to collect and report the credentials of all other Wi-Fi users who connected to it.
The virus then sought out other Wi-Fi APs that it could connect to and infect.” said Alan.
If you do use public areas, here are some tips on how to be as safe as you possibly can.
Article Source: Smart Planet
Author: Tyler Falk
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