Search This Blog
Powered by Blogger.

Blog Archive

Labels

Load More
Trendy Right Now

Popular Posts

Showing posts with label Wi-fi. Show all posts
WIreless Connection
Bluetooht Cyberattacks CyberCrime Cybersecurity Police Technology Wi-fi WIreless Connection

Digital Espionage: The Dark Side of Bluetooth Tracking and Police Surveillance

 


Using a Bluetooth device, a robotics hacker has created a service that allows citizens to monitor police activity in real-time, using technology. His service enables people to follow police activity using the information and data that law enforcement officers give them, according to the hacker. 

Almost all smartphones, tablets, and laptops come with Bluetooth technology integrated into them, which is an incredibly useful wireless technology. In addition to transferring files, playing audio wirelessly, and acquiring health data from wearable trackers, users can use it for many other purposes. 

Bluetooth is also being targeted as a means of breaking into users' devices and stealing the information they have on them, similar to WiFi. The fact that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are so useful makes the majority of people keep them active continuously on their devices. 

As a consequence, this can make them potentially vulnerable to bluebugging, which is a technique that uses Bluetooth technology to attack their devices remotely. There is a way for hackers to spy on police officers by hacking their systems. 

A monitoring system that uses Bluetooth signals emitted by firearms and cameras carried by law enforcement officers can be used to monitor the activities of the officers. A Bluetooth-enabled device could be used to avoid police mistakes, as stated by the duo behind a tool that detects signals. 

There is a possibility of tracking most police activities using Bluetooth technology within the police department. Alan Meekins, the founder of RFParty, a Bluetooth startup that has been integrating with the RFParty Bluetooth platform, informed Engadget that police officers are likely to leak their location via Bluetooth signals emitted by their devices. 

Using Bluetooth technology, a hacker, whose name is Nullagent, has developed a service where individuals can monitor police activity on their smartphones. Nullagent stated at the Def Con conference that Axon, one of the biggest suppliers of law enforcement equipment, uses Bluetooth as a means of connecting its police equipment to its computers. 

If citizens have access to Bluetooth data, they could gain valuable insights into police conduct and could compel law enforcement to release video footage that was taken from body cameras. However, there are concerns that this data may be misused by cybercriminals to gain information for fraudulent purposes. 

Hackers can hack users' devices and trick their devices into connecting to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networks controlled by cybercriminals. This will allow them to bombard users' devices with malware, spy on their activities and even steal their data from their text messages and apps (when their phone is connected to those networks). 

It is common for Bluetooth devices to have a 64-bit identifier called a MAC address, which is the unique identifier that identifies them from each other. A device's address often contains an Organizational Unique Identifier (OUI), which serves as a way to identify where the address came from. 

Axon is a company best known for its Tasers, and Meekins and his co-founder Roger “RekcahDam” Hicks were drawn to Axon after researching the Internet-connected devices that were being used by many police departments. In the present day, police equipment is equipped with Bluetooth-enabled technology, including Tasers, body cameras, and laptops in vehicles (often made by Axon). 

It was found by simply reading through the company documentation that they could find the OUI for the holsters of some police officers. They can even send a Bluetooth ping when the gun is unholstered. Police violence should be combated In the Bluetooth RF Party project, the duo aims to contribute to the fight against police violence and contribute to it. 

As an agent’s body camera is used to record a video, it is possible to detect that this video was recorded by the agent’s body camera by analyzing the Bluetooth signals emitted by the device. In theory, this information could force the police to provide footage that is compromised. It is possible to use the RFParty Bluetooth application, which can be accessed from the Google Play Store, to gather information on the event, sometimes crucial, and use that information to corroborate or deny the testimony provided. 

This can be done by analyzing Bluetooth signals and determining if a Taser or electric gun was used. Using Bluetooth signals, people can easily determine all of this information. There are several testimonials from users of the app on X that have already used these features to track law enforcement in their area. Even though the RFParty application itself is not directed towards spying on police, a few users have already used it to do so. 

How can you ensure that you remain safe?

There have been some guidelines given by the Dorset Police to residents of Bournemouth, which users can all use to avoid becoming victims of blue bugging in the future. The first thing users need to do is disable Bluetooth on their devices whenever they are not using them. 

In addition, it is important to turn off these services, such as AirDrop and Fast Share, which rely on Bluetooth unless users are sending or receiving files from a friend that you are familiar with. By restricting access to Bluetooth services, it would be much harder (if not impossible) for people to become victimized by blue bugging in the future. 

In addition, it is recommended that users make sure that their smartphone, tablet, and Bluetooth-enabled computer have an antimalware application installed. The antimalware app will alert them if any suspicious activity or attempts are made to gain access to users' devices through its perimeter, protecting their privacy and personal information in the event a hacker does gain access to their device. There are fortunately not a lot of blue bugging attacks around - but this could gradually change over the coming months.
Read more »
Wi-fi
Cyber Security Data Privacy Hacking Internet Safety Network Prevention Protection Security Wi-fi

Secure Your Wi-Fi: Spot Hacking Signs and Preventive Tips

 

The discussion around being cautious regarding security while utilizing public Wi-Fi networks is well-known due to the susceptibility of these networks to compromise by criminals. Yet, it's essential to recognize that private Wi-Fi networks are also vulnerable to hacking.

Cybercriminals possess the ability to breach private Wi-Fi networks and gain access to personal data. Gaining insight into their techniques is crucial for enhancing network security.

Methods Employed by Cybercriminals to Compromise Wi-Fi Networks

The inherent wireless nature of Wi-Fi networks allows numerous devices to connect concurrently. However, vulnerabilities exist that attackers exploit to illicitly access browsing sessions. Several tactics are employed to achieve this...

1. Obtaining Router's Default Password
Relying on the default password of your Wi-Fi router poses risks, as intruders can deduce it from the device's settings. It is advisable to change the password immediately upon setting up your connection. Once this step is taken, the default passcode becomes invalid.

2. Utilizing Brute-Force Attacks
Merely altering the default password doesn't guarantee immunity against hacking. Malevolent actors can utilize brute-force techniques, attempting multiple combinations of usernames and passwords until a match is found. This process is automated to expedite testing numerous login credentials.

3. Executing DNS Hijacking
Hackers might execute a DNS hijack, redirecting traffic from your device to their malicious websites. This manipulation involves altering the queries generated by your Wi-Fi's DNS. Consequently, you unknowingly connect to their sites, enabling them to extract your data.

Detecting Signs of Wi-Fi Breach

Cybercriminals endeavor to execute non-intrusive infiltration of your Wi-Fi network. However, by remaining vigilant, you can discern potential indications of compromise:

1. Unfamiliar IP Addresses Connected
Each internet-connected device possesses a distinctive IP address. Your Wi-Fi maintains a roster of connected IP addresses. Although these devices might not be readily visible, they are stored in a designated area. Reviewing the IP address section in your device settings can reveal unfamiliar devices.

2. Browser Redirection
Hacked Wi-Fi networks often prompt web browsers to perform unintended functions. For instance, inputting a specific URL may result in redirection to unfamiliar websites. Such alterations indicate a DNS setting change, redirecting browsers to malicious sites for data extraction.

3. Modified Wi-Fi Password
Observing sudden password inaccuracies indicates potential intrusion. If you haven't modified the password, a hacker likely has. Changing the password is among the first steps taken by scammers post-breach, denying your immediate access and facilitating their control.

4. Sluggish Internet Connection
While occasional internet slowdowns are common, persistent sluggishness can denote unauthorized network access. Intruders could engage in bandwidth-intensive activities, causing noticeable network degradation.

Preventive Measures Against Wi-Fi Hacking

Despite Wi-Fi's associated security risks, several proactive steps can thwart potential attacks:

1. Enable Encryption Mode
Utilizing encryption safeguards against eavesdropping attacks that intercept communications. Encryption obfuscates data, rendering it indecipherable to external parties even if acquired. Contemporary Wi-Fi routers typically include default encryption options like WPA and WPA2, enhancing security.

2. Regular Password Changes
The security of your Wi-Fi network hinges on your password's strength. While robust passwords are advised, their invulnerability is uncertain. To preempt this, periodically alter your router's password. This continual modification deters intruders. Employing a password manager can alleviate the inconvenience while boosting security.

3. VPN Usage in Public Spaces
Public Wi-Fi networks are susceptible to intrusions. Utilizing a virtual private network (VPN) conceals your IP address, rendering you inconspicuous while browsing. This measure safeguards against criminal attempts to compromise your connectivity.

4. Deactivate Remote Administration
Remote access to Wi-Fi networks, though convenient, is exploited by attackers. Disabling remote administration, unless necessary, closes an exploitable gap.

5. Turn Off Wi-Fi When Inactive
Inactive Wi-Fi is impervious to hacking. Switching off your router during periods of inactivity eliminates immediate threats and prevents unauthorized usage by neighbors.

6. Fortify Wi-Fi Security Settings
Private Wi-Fi networks offer substantial user and security controls. Activation of multiple security features is advisable. Layers of security present formidable challenges for criminals attempting unauthorized entry.

In conclusion, while discussions often center on the vulnerability of public Wi-Fi networks, it's vital to recognize that private networks are not immune to hacking. Understanding the tactics employed by cybercriminals, recognizing breach indicators, and implementing comprehensive security measures are pivotal in safeguarding your Wi-Fi network and personal data.
Read more »
Wi-fi
Cyber Security Drone Network Protocol User Privacy Wi-fi

A Newly Discovered Bug Allows Researchers to See through Walls

 

Cybersecurity researchers at the University of Waterloo in Ontario have designed a drone-powered tool that employs WiFi networks to infiltrate barriers. 

Called Wi-Peep, the device was created by researchers Ali Abedi and Deepak Vasisht utilizing a drone purchased at a store with $20 worth of cheap components. 

According to the study presented at the 28th Annual International Conference on Mobile Computing and Networking, Wi-Peep launches a “location-revealing privacy attack” to exploit the data in WiFi networks and employs it to “see through walls,” or, rather, approximate the location of devices via sneaky scanning. 

Modus operandi 

With an abundance of Wi-Fi connections, any small vulnerability can damage user privacy. The Wi-Peep device exploits loopholes in the IEEE 802.11 - a longstanding wireless protocol for local access networks - to draw out responses from devices in a wireless network. 

First, the Wi-Peep spoofed a beacon frame, causing all devices to immediately send a response that the Wi-Peep detected and used to determine all devices’ MAC addresses. After identifying the MAC addresses, the Wi-Fi deploys an unencrypted data packet to the victim’s device. Without proper encryption, this packet could not control the device; however, thanks to “Polite Wi-Fi,” the device deploys a confirmation, regardless of the contents of the packet. 

This confirmation effectively closes the loop between Wi-Peep and the target device, allowing Wi-Peep to spot the device’s location employing a time-of-flight (ToF) measurement combined with the localization model. The measurements precisely determine the device's position with around a meter of accuracy, making it a disturbingly effective localization technique. 

Abedi and Vasisht worry that a hacker armed with this device could potentially “infer the location of home occupants, security cameras, and home intrusion sensors.” 

During their presentation, researchers stated the device can be employed to “track the movements of security guards inside a bank by following the location of their phones or smartwatches. Likewise, a thief could identify the location and type of smart devices in a home, including security cameras, laptops, and smart TVs, to find a good candidate for a break-in. In addition, the device’s operation via drone means that it can be used quickly and remotely without much chance of the user being detected.”
Read more »
Wi-fi
Coronavirus Cyber Attacks Cyber Security Wi-fi

A New and Amazingly Simple Device in an Era of Pandemics to Protect Your Privacy



A period of pandemics and social distancing sent more people than ever into the work-from-home world. These new realities mean average consumers at home wound up confronted with yet another problem. 

A considerable lot of their household internet setups came up short on the security and protection of bigger workplace setups that incorporate upgraded cybersecurity and firewalls. Here steps in a new and incredibly simple on-hand device to plug those privacy gaps at the source. 

The Firewalla cybersecurity unit hit the market before anyone even realized what a coronavirus was. Nobody could've envisioned how ideal its feature would be. It was initially expected to prevent the 'creep next door' from redirecting the user's Wi-Fi sign or taking advantage of their home security cameras. 

The device is made to shield all devices on the system from cyberattacks and alert the user when anything worrying is to such an extent as endeavored. When the user purchases the unit and assigns out its guard duty, there's no monthly fee. 

The magic device additionally comes with a rather one of a kind feature through which it constructs a personal online firewall, there's the "Family Time Social Hour" ability that totally blocks every single social media platform for each hour in turn. 

Regardless of whether the user needs to compel everybody to complete some work or ground kids in some face-to-face interaction, a world without Twitter or Facebook for an hour is indeed a brilliant place. 

Apart from this addition keeping the user's private messages, documents, and other online behavior behind their home's own readymade firewall, this little blue box empowers monitoring of any minor's Wi-Fi use. 

Parents can likewise utilize Firewalla to keep out unwanted sites and online networking intruders. 

Nonetheless, the devices are pretty simple to set up and ready to improve personal and home-based situated online security in numerous ways, the Firewalla is a sensibly evaluated and viable choice for ensuring online privacy regardless of whether your home hasn't become a base for pandemic-time homebound work. 

The Firewalla Blue comes with 500Mb processing power, while the more affordable Firewalla Red offers 100Mb and sells for $109. As of now, only Firewalla Red is accessible at Amazon. Nonetheless, both the versions remain accessible and in stock at the Firewalla website.


Read more »
Wi-fi
Black hat Cybersecurity Spectra Wi-fi

New Spectra Attack that breaks the division between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to be released at Black Hat Security Conference


The developers call it "Spectra." This assault neutralizes "combo chips," specific chips that handle various kinds of radio wave-based remote correspondences, for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE, and others. The attack system is set to release in August at the Black Hat Security Conference in a virtual session. The full academic paper with all details will also be published in August. The researchers teased a few details about the attack in an upcoming Black Hat talk, "Spectra, a new vulnerability class, relies on the fact that transmissions happen in the same spectrum, and wireless chips need to arbitrate the channel access."


The Spectra assault exploits the coexistence mechanism that chipset merchants incorporate within their devices. Combo chips utilize these systems to switch between wireless technologies at a quick pace. Specialists state that while this coexistence mechanism speeds execution, they likewise give a chance to attackers for side-channel assaults. Jiska Classen from Darmstadt Technical University and Francesco Gringoli researcher from the University of Brescia state that they are the first to explore such possibility of using the coexistence mechanism of Combo chips to break the barrier between Wireless.

"We specifically analyze Broadcom and Cypress combo chips, which are in hundreds of millions of devices, such as all iPhones, MacBooks, and the Samsung Galaxy S series," the two academics say. "We exploit coexistence in Broadcom and Cypress chips and break the separation between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which operate on separate ARM cores." Results change. However, the research group says that specific situations are possible after a Spectra assault. "In general, denial-of-service on spectrum access is possible.

The associated packet meta-information allows information disclosure, such as extracting Bluetooth keyboard press timings within the Wi-Fi D11 core," Gringoli and Classen said. "Moreover, we identify a shared RAM region, which allows code execution via Bluetooth in Wi-Fi. It makes Bluetooth remote code execution attacks equivalent to Wi-Fi remote code execution, thus, tremendously increasing the attack surface." Though the research used Broadcom and Cypress chips for Spectra attacks, the researchers Gringoli and Classen are sure that this attack will work on other chips.
Read more »
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)