Can you imagine a world without computers or without the internet?  It seems pretty much impossible to imagine, because computers are so integrated into our everyday lives.  Sometimes it can be a challenge to protect the wondrous internet.  A new internet security challenge that we should all be aware of is called KRACK.

KRACK, which stands for “key reinstallation attack”, was first discovered in 2016 by two Belgian researchers, named Mathy Vanhoef and Frank Piessens.  KRACK is basically a security flaw in Wi-Fi systems around the globe.  Wi-Fi systems are protected two different ways: through WPA2 and https.  KRACK allows hackers the ability to find holes in the WPA2 security protocol, and this can be very disastrous for internet users who use Wi-Fi.  If your Wi-Fi system is attacked, then a hacker can gain access to your information, such as credit card numbers, emails, messages, passwords, photos, etc.  Needless to say, the results of having someone steal your information in this manner can be devastating.

Along with the regular use and dependency people have on the internet, many people also rely heavily on accessing the internet through a Wi-Fi system.  If you have any device that uses Wi-Fi for internet connectivity, then you are considered vulnerable to this KRACK security flaw.  In order to protect your internet access from hackers, or these modern-day digital pirates, there are some precautions you may want to consider.

This first thing that you can do is update any of your devices that use Wi-Fi.  Hardware and software manufacturers are aware of the KRACK security flaw, and they are quickly developing updates that will help protect your devices. 

Always try to use a wired ethernet connection, if possible.  However, when you do use Wi-Fi, plan to stay on websites that begin with “https”.  These websites are encrypted and are secure websites.

Try to avoid public-access Wi-Fi connections.  These connections are main targets for cyber-criminals.

Also, you can hide your network activity if you are on a Virtual Private Network (VPN).  For a list of the best VPN providers, you may need to do a little online research.

In conclusion, KRACK is not something that should be taken lightly, but there are some things that you can do to limit your risks of being invaded by a hungry hacker.  The good news about a KRACK invasion is that the hacker needs to be in close proximity to the Wi-Fi connection that they are trying to invade, so it is a good idea to not only protect yourself from watchful eyes while online, but also pay attention to the environment around you.  We can all just do the best we can in order to protect our personal world.

RedWave Technology Group offers data security solutions and virus removal services to help you ensure your information stays out of the hands of the wrong people.  Give us a call today at (205) 917-5757.