WiFi Security: Assessment of threats in wireless networks
08/03/2024Wifi connectivity has gone from being limited to restricted environments to becoming omnipresent in virtually every aspect of our daily lives. The ability to connect to the Internet from anywhere, be it at home, in a café, at work, in public spaces, or even in-flight, has enhanced the convenience in our daily lives. Moreover, the expansion of Wifi networks and the use of new manufacturing technologies now allow the interconnection of devices, leading to the significant rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) and providing users with more comprehensive control over their digital environments. However, this proliferation of Wifi networks has also given rise to new threats that require careful evaluation and effective security strategies to ensure secure and risk-free Wifi connections for our data and information. Common Wifi security threats include data interception Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks One of the fundamental challenges in Wifi security is preventing MITM attacks, where an intruder inserts themselves into the communication between two parties, compromising the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data such as passwords and financial information. Spoofing of access points Hackers can create fake Wifi networks that mimic legitimate ones to attract unsuspecting users. Once connected to these malicious networks, our data can be captured by cybercriminals who may sell or misuse it for illicit purposes. Tips for achieving a secure Wifi connection: Strengthen authentication and use security protocols Prioritize strong encryption for networks to protect confidential information transmitted through it. WPA (Wifi Protected Access) encryption uses stronger algorithms than its predecessor, WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), making it more difficult for hackers to intercept and decipher data. Advanced security protocols like WPA3 provide individualized data encryption and advanced two-factor authentication (2FA) methods, adding an extra layer of security by requiring additional verification. Device management Properly manage and monitor devices connected to Wifi networks to minimize risks associated with the large number of connected devices in homes and businesses. Regularly update the router firmware and all connected devices to address potential vulnerabilities. Segmentation of the network to separate critical devices from less secure ones also helps mitigate the risk of threat propagation. Secure Router Configuration The router secure configuration is what will ensure the robustness and overall security of a wireless network. The router, being the first point of contact for devices connected to the Internet, acts as the first line of defence against potential attacks. For this reason, it is important to understand that the proper configuration of the router not only guarantees a stable and efficient connection but also establishes a protected environment that safeguards the integrity and privacy of our data. How to configure the router securely? To ensure a correct and secure configuration of the router, it is recommended to: Change the default username and password of the router, as these are easily accessible to attackers. Use strong passwords containing a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Disable remote administration to prevent cybercriminals from accessing the router externally. Enable WPA2 or WPA3 encryption instead of the outdated WEP for enhanced network security. Optionally, disable SSID broadcast to make the network less visible and harder to detect by hackers. Keep the router firmware updated to address vulnerabilities and improve overall device security. By following these steps, you will strengthen the security of your wireless network and reduce the chances of experiencing unwanted attacks or intrusions.
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Interpol opens its first office in the Metaverse
07/11/2022Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organization or International Police, has presented its first office in the metaverse through which they intend to improve the fight against crime in the digital universe. The digital police station, which is a copy of the General Secretariat of Interpol in Lyon (France), will offer training for investigators and police officers and will allow the collaborators of this international organization to interact through their avatars, without geographical or physical limits. The inauguration of this new virtual center had been accompanied by the announcement of the creation of a group of Interpol experts that will advise police forces around the world about the risks on the global stage. Also, it has been announced that the International Police Organization has joined Meta, Microsoft and other technology giants to define the metaverse and protect communities from cybercrime, including globally recognized and criminalized crimes, such as sexual harassment, 'phishing', financial fraud or 'ransomware', among others. The objective of this joint work, they explained, is to create regulatory frameworks "and eliminate future criminal markets before they are fully formed." According to a study by the technology company Gartner, in over three years, in 2026, one of four people will spend at least one hour a day in the metaverse to work, shop and interact with other users.
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Less than half of Spaniards change their passwords when they separate from their partner
05/10/2022The email and social network accounts of one in five Spaniards (21%) have been subject to violation by a third party who has changed the passwords without the owner's knowledge or consent, attributing 37% of the victims this wrong use to their ex-partners. This data comes from the recent study carried out by Avast and Dynata on the degree of knowledge that Spaniards have of the passwords of their partners or relatives. In this study more than 2,000 Internet users have participated. Among the most striking results of this survey is that the collaborators who say they still know their ex's passwords, 56% of them has admit that they even know, also, their professional email passwords. 24% of those surveyed also claim that their location has been tracked without their consent due to knowing their password. This behavior, the authors of the study explain, can be considerated as technological abuse, which can be further aggravated by installing spyware or 'stalkwerware' on other people's devices or controlling or harassing someone through home technology.
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The new USB 4 2.0 promise speeds up to 80 Gbps for data transfer
19/09/2022Next for his market presentation, the main characteristics of the new generation of USB are already known: USB 4 2.0 promises to double the speed of Thunderbolt 4 and the original USB 4.Although we will have to wait until November to know all their technical characteristics, USB Promoter Groupt has already explained that USB 4 2.0 will offer speeds up to 80 Gbps for data transfer, through a USB-C cable and connector.This significant increase in transfer speed is possible because the new USBs incorporate a new physical layer architecture, capable of supporting. So, the new USB are preparing, for example, to support the transfer of 4K or 8K videos from one computer to another without problems or to offer, also, the maximum gaming experience to gamer users thanks to its ultra-fast speed rate.Intel, meanwhile, is already working on Thunderbolt 5, which everything indicates will also offer speeds of 80 Gbps.
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Metaverses for adults in Horizon Worlds from Meta
05/08/2022Meta has announced that it will offer special spaces in Horizon Worlds for user up of 18 years old. To do this, the company has already begun to contact users who are creating their digital worlds on this platform, who have been asked to classify their content. Otherwise, it will be Meta who does it and regardless of its character, it will classify it as restricted adult content. All universes containing nudity, alcohol, soft drugs, blood, gambling promotion, etc. they will need to be rated 18+ through the Horizon Worlds settings section, "Build Mode" of the "World" tab. Meta has also announced that regardless of rating, worlds that contain explicit sexually content or promote violence or crime will be banned. Content depicting intense real-life violence or attempting to sell, buy, or trade regulated goods such as weapons, tobacco, or alcohol will be also prohibited.
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Menorca launches 5G connection in the 700MHz band while fiber optics continues not reach in some areas of Ibiza
13/05/2022After the relevant procedures to verify the absence of interference with DTT or other incidents, Movistar has received the green light to turn on 5G in the 700MHz band in Menorca and at this time the municipalities of Es Mercadal and Sant Lluís are already under this coverage. The new 5G in the 700MHz band has better range and better capacity to go through obstacles, thus offering better indoor coverage and universalizing some of the characteristics of 5G communications, such as low latency. The switching on of 5G in the rest of the island will be gradual. And while this is happening in Menorca, in Ibiza, the mayor of Sant Josep, has transferred to Telefónica the need that the operator deploy its optic network to cover all the municipality, because, explains the mayor, there are still areas such as Es Cubells, Cala d'Hort or points in Sant Agustí where the fiber network does not reach. The desire of the Ibiza Town Hall is, furthermore, to turn the capital of the island into one of the first destinations reached by 5G technological leap outside the large cities of the State. “It is a great opportunity for our citizens and the development of new economic sectors. We are also sure that 5G will soon be among the demands of tourists. The 5G availability will allow us to offer an exponential increase in added services to further improve their stay”, explained the Deputy Mayor for Finance and Modernization of Sant Josep, Vicent Roselló.
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Island Browser for Business Reaches $1.3 Billion Value
06/04/2022Just some weeks after its launch, Island, the webbrowser focused in enterprise and security, has just reached a $1.3 billion valuation. Island browser is based on chromium and has been developed by two former Symantec executives, who were looking for an option configured to the web security needs of companies and not conventional users. The new browser, in addition to limiting the add-ons that many often some people install on company computers and that sometimes cause significant security breaches, incorporates specific tools to prevent this type of actions, protect SaaS applications, identify incidents and prevent data theft. Depending on the level of security required by each company, Island Browser allows, for example, to download content or not, disable or enable the copy and paste option or deny access to certain domains, among other options. From Island, also insist that their project is based on the utility and not on the consumer, so that the characterization level of Island browser it offers the minimum.
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Recycling containers connected to the mobile to reward the citizen
31/03/2022The Spanish startup Recircula Solutions has just presented Recysmart to the market, a device that can be installed in any type of urban container and identify the material of the recycled packages. The objective of this development is to promote incentive programs that helps population to recycle. The device combines a unique mechanical design with AI algorithms based on acoustics, so the unique and characteristic acoustic signal that a package generates when it's inserted into a container is captured by the sensor, processed and reported in real time to the managers authoritys so they can remunerate the person who has use the container. To do this, the citizen will have previously identified himself on the device through his mobile or using a physical card. In Sant Cugat del Vallés (Barcelona) several of these devices have been installed in various containers in the town. Recircula Solutions will also send several units to Portugal, Austria, France, the United Kingdom and Greece.
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