'Evil Twin' Fear for Wireless Net

Abstract

Researchers at Britain's Cranfield University are warning users of wireless computing devices about bogus Wi-Fi access points that can steal personal information. The so-called evil twin hotspots are set up near existing access points, where they can hijack signals sent between wireless devices and legitimate access points. Dr. Phil Nobles, a expert on cybercrime and wireless technology at Cranfield, said, "Because wireless networks are based on radio signals, they can be easily detected by unauthorized users tuning into the same frequency."Security experts said that setting up adequate protections for access points, as well as installing personal firewalls on wireless devices, can prevent users from being victimized by the unauthorized hotspots.