What is an evil twin attack?

Evil twin attack: What it is and how to protect yourself

An evil twin attack is a cyber threat where hackers create a fake Wi-Fi network that mimics a legitimate one to steal sensitive data. An evil twin access point is a type of rogue access point, but while all evil twins are rogue, not all rogue access points are evil twins. These rogue networks appear trustworthy, tricking unsuspecting users into connecting and exposing their personal information.

Cybercriminals use this method in public places like cafes, airports, and hotels, where people often connect to unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Once connected, the attacker can monitor online activities, steal login credentials, and even inject malware into the victim’s device.

How evil twin attacks work

Understanding how evil twin attacks operate can help you recognize and avoid them.

1. Identifying the target network

Attackers first choose a public Wi-Fi network to impersonate, often creating an evil twin network, which is a fake Wi-Fi hotspot designed to mimic legitimate ones in high-traffic locations where users expect free internet access.

2. Creating a fake access point

Using the same SSID (Wi-Fi network name) as the real network, hackers set up a fake wireless access point that impersonates a legitimate network. To increase deception, they may disable the real network or create a stronger signal to lure victims.

3. Luring victims

When users search for Wi-Fi, they see the hacker’s evil twin Wi-Fi network listed as an option. These deceptive networks mimic legitimate ones, luring victims into connecting unknowingly.

4. Stealing data

Once connected, the attacker can intercept communications, steal credentials, track online activity, and even inject malicious software onto the victim's device.

Risks of an evil twin attack

Connecting to fake Wi-Fi networks can have serious consequences, especially when using public Wi-Fi:

• Data theft: Attackers can steal passwords, credit card details, personal messages, and browsing history.

• Man-in-the-middle attacks (MITM): Hackers can intercept and modify data, leading to fraudulent transactions or phishing attacks. Learn more about how MITM attacks work and how to stay protected.

• Malware installation: Connecting to a rogue network increases the risk of malware infections, which can spread to other devices.

• Phishing & social engineering: Attackers may create fake login pages to trick users into entering credentials, which they then exploit. Explore more about how phishing attacks deceive users and how to recognize them. Read about social engineering tactics and how cybercriminals manipulate trust to gain access to sensitive information.

How to protect yourself from evil twin attacks

While evil twin attacks are deceptive, you can protect yourself by following these cybersecurity best practices:

1. Verify Wi-Fi networks

Before connecting to public Wi-Fi, ask an employee for the correct SSID to ensure you’re on a legitimate network, as hackers often create fake networks with the same SSID to impersonate legitimate ones.

2. Use a VPN (virtual private network)

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it difficult for hackers to intercept data even if you connect to a rogue network. Additionally, implementing wireless intrusion prevention systems (WIPS) can further enhance security by actively preventing malicious activities such as evil twin attacks and safeguarding wireless communication.

3. Disable automatic Wi-Fi connections

Turn off auto-connect features on your device to prevent it from automatically joining unsecured networks. Hackers often use devices like the Wi-Fi Pineapple to create fraudulent networks, known as evil twins, which mimic legitimate networks in crowded public areas to steal users' credentials.

4. Look for HTTPS websites

When browsing, check if the URL starts with "https://" and has a padlock icon, indicating a secure, encrypted connection.

5. Keep software updated

Make sure to regularly update your operating system, applications, and security software to close vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.

6. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for your online accounts to enhance security. Even if hackers obtain your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the additional authentication step.

Stay safe from evil twin attacks

Cybercriminals are always evolving, and evil twin attacks are just one of the many ways they attempt to steal data. By staying informed, cautious, and proactive, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these cyber threats.

Always verify networks, use a VPN, and follow basic cybersecurity practices to keep your personal information safe. The more cautious you are, the harder it becomes for hackers to exploit you.