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Posted on June 15th, 2012 in Current News, Internet Safety by Simply Security | Be the first to comment | Tags: Current News, Internet Safety

The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) recently issued a statement warning those on the go to be careful when connecting to Wi-Fi hotspots.

The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) recently issued a statement warning those on the go to be careful when connecting to Wi-Fi hotspots. Other Internet security threat reports have identified mobile devices as the new primary target of choice for hackers, meaning laptop, tablet and smartphone users need to be more mindful than ever of endpoint security.

Raising threat awareness

The report from IC3, based on analysis by the FBI, was largely ambiguous about the specific programs involved but was clear that this new threat is a legitimate one.

Users accessing hotel Internet connections via portable devices like smartphones, laptops and tablets seem to be the primary target. Once they establish a public connection with the Wi-Fi source, they receive a pop-up request to update software on their devices in order to access the Internet. The report doesn't specify the name of the software but it describes the request as "routine" in regard to software "for which updates are frequently available." The report extends a blanket warning to all mobile device users who access Wi-Fi connections to be mindful of pop-up windows and software updates but particularly hotel patrons who may not wait to get home and verify the necessity of the download.

Knowing the risks

A separate study conducted by Consumer Link found that users ages 18 to 34 were the most aware of online data security threats but were also more likely than other age groups to use Wi-Fi and public hotspots to connect to the web. Since more places now have Wi-Fi and mobile devices automatically will scan for signals, sometimes using unsecured connections without requesting permission from a user to do so, the threat of accidentally losing sensitive data is on the rise.

"There is an ever-expanding range of Wi-Fi-enabled devices like smartphones and tablets that this age group obviously find very attractive," information security expert Brett Hodgson told Stuff New Zealand. "Add this to the bevy of free Wi-Fi access in high traffic public places … and you get a landscape that is ripe for cybercriminals."

Uncomfortable connections

Since people feel so comfortable using portable devices and may not know the kinds of data security threats to be wary of, Wi-Fi connections in public places could present a challenge for casual users.

"One of the major ways data loss happens is when people are traveling," said security strategist Sian John in an interview with CNN. "You're not in a secure area. Anyone can connect to [hotspots], which means anyone can look at the traffic going across them. There are devices out there that let you hijack them. That is where the risks tend to arise."

The IC3 report should make travelers as well as other mobile device users wary of permissions and protections when accessing a Wi-Fi or other foreign connection. Using only secured or encrypted connections is ideal, but when those options aren't available, accessing a questionable hotspot may be too tempting for those who aren't cautious with mobile access.

Knowing what software is suspect and recognizing the difference between legitimate and malware program requests can enhance personal security and minimize the risk of data theft.