Most, if not all of us, utilise Wi-Fi networks in our homes and businesses. If you’re using a mobile device, regardless of the brand and operating system, the chances that you are also connecting to a Wi-Fi network is very probable, too.
We’re mentioning this to emphasize the importance of having managed IT services take care of your internet security – because you are most probably affected by the KRACK attack.
Key Reinstallation Attack – appropriately shortened to KRACK – is a proof-of-concept attack demonstrated by a team of IT services professionals and researchers that highlight how the Wi-Fi networks we thought to be secured are actually very vulnerable.
Most Wi-Fi networks use the Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2) protocol, which is a 13-year-old authentication scheme that promises to secure your details. Unfortunately, the security researchers recently discovered several vulnerabilities at the core of the protocol—which if harnessed by cyber criminals, could compromise your data in the most alarming way possible.
How so? Think of the KRACK as an eavesdropper who suddenly has access to every single data that you send through your Wi-Fi network. This can be as simple as your messages and calls – but what about mobile banking? Australia is a world leader in mobile banking, which only makes sense that one in every three Australians utilize their mobile phones to transact with their banks.
This, unfortunately, is just the icing on the cake. Aside from getting your banking details, the hackers can get virtually every single data that goes through the Wi-Fi network. Every single file that is saved online, every single transaction, every single message. This even spells out more trouble for small and medium businesses.
Most businesses have an inventory of their items, as well as a database of their customers, leads, and other sensitive data. Just imagine all the trouble if all your customers’ data are leaked! This can include their names, addresses, dates of birth… the list can go on and on.
The bottom line, therefore, is that you need to beef up your internet security. Simple firewalls and whatnots would be insufficient to make up for the vulnerabilities in the WPA2 protocol. What you can do instead is to enlist the services of a reputable IT services provider. Look for someone who is highly recommended by your peers, as well as someone who offers comprehensive security packages, such as VPN networks.
In today’s technologically advanced society, you need all the help you can get to ensure that your data is secure.
About IntelliTeK Pty Ltd
IntelliTeK is a managed IT services company in Sydney, Australia. With major vendor relationships and accreditation’s from the worlds leading IT companies including WatchGuard, Microsoft, Trend Micro and Amazon Web Services, IntelliTeK have kept clients happy since 2007.
IntelliTeK are always up to date with the latest cloud backup solutions which is why we only partner with the best in the industry. If your company isn’t fully equipped to fend off cyber criminals, then get in touch with us so we can discuss your options. Call us on 1300 768 779, email us at info@intellitek.com.au, fill out the web form, or have a Live Chat with us below.