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"Evil Twin" Hackers a New Danger

As with any handy new device, wireless-equipped laptop computers present a new danger for users: WiPhishing.

According Dr. Phil Nobles, a cyber-crime expert at Cranfield University, the criminals set themselves up as "evil twins" to legitimate laptop owners. The way it works is this: hackers set up their own laptops so that when legitimate users type in a network address to access the wireless connection, their laptops actually connect to the hackers' machine. The hackers can then gain access to any information the legitimate user is transmitting, including personal information or banking details.

The hackers must be in the same general area as the users, but they don't have to be in the same building - they could be across the street or parked outside. The hackers' machines can jam the legitimate connection by sending out stronger signals.

Copyright © 2005 Bankers' Hotline. Originally appeared in Bankers' Hotline, Vol. 15, No. 2, 4/05

First published on 04/01/2005

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