Open Wi-Fi networks with weak to no encryption pose a possible security danger on the Paris Summer Olympics 2024. .
| Photo Credit: Reuters
As guests and athletes Paris for the Summer Olympics 2024, open Wi-Fi networks with weak to no encryption pose a possible security danger.
Out of the practically 25,000 free Wi-Fi spots in Paris, practically 25% of the networks have been discovered to have critical security weaknesses, akin to weak or nonexistent encryption, making them weak to interception, decryption, or cracking assaults.
Researchers at Kaspersky analysed 47,891 sign networks throughout standard areas and Olympic venues in Paris, figuring out 24,766 distinctive Wi-Fi entry factors.
Additionally, nearly one-in-five of the networks have been discovered to be utilizing WPS configuration, which is taken into account outdated and may simply be compromised. The configuration may probably enable attackers to compromise the security of related units to steal delicate data together with Personally Identifiable Information, and banking information.
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Only six p.c of the analysed networks used the newest WPA3 security protocol which is much less inclined to assaults.
“Like the sportspeople training for the summer of sport in France, cybercriminals have also prepared an unsavoury welcome for the millions of people heading for Paris hotels, fan zones and events. They might set up fake access points or compromise legitimate networks to intercept and manipulate data transfers. Open and misconfigured Wi-Fi networks are particularly attractive to criminals, as they enable the theft of passwords, credit card details, and other sensitive user data,” Amin Hasbini, Head of META analysis unit at Kaspersky’s GReAT (Global Research and Analysis Team) mentioned.
Threat actors are recognized to focus on standard sporting occasions to run on-line scams. Attackers are additionally recognized to make use of weak on-line security protocols to run information theft campaigns. The collected information is commonly bought on the darkish net, or used to launch phishing assaults.
