Krack Attack

There’s a massive problem with Wi-Fi security, and it affects every single computer, router and smartphone. Cyber Insider explains how to combat it

ANOTHER MONTH, AND another massive security flaw has been found. In this case, the problem is with Wi-Fi connections, which given how much we all use it – in public, at home and at work – is a serious problem for everyone.

So how big is the problem? Well, the issue is that anyone within range of your wireless network can eavesdrop and read everything going across it. In other words, the problem is massive.

The exploit has been named Krack (Key Reinstallation Attack) by the Belgian researcher who discovered it. Without getting overly technical, the root of the problem is in the way in which Wi-Fi networks establish a secure connection with a device.

GOLDEN HANDSHAKE

Using what’s known as a four-way handshake, the client connects to a network, gets handed an encryption key and uses that to encrypt all data sent over the network. At this point, anyone that doesn’t have this key is unable to see what’s going on over the network.