When you’re out and about, it’s natural to look for Wi-Fi networks you may connect to. After all, no one wants to use up their available mobile data if there’s an alternative. But it’s this lure of open Wi-Fi networks that leads to deception.

This deception is called the Wi-Fi Karma attack. And as you go about your daily life, and your devices connect to “known networks”, it’s essential to be aware of the traps.

Two WiFi Access Points one is good and one is evil

So, let’s explore how Wi-Fi Karma attacks work and how you can stay safe.

What Is a Wi-Fi Karma Attack?

The Karma Wi-Fi attack is a variation of the more well-known “evil twin attack”. It’s where an attacker tricks your device into connecting to a Wi-Fi network controlled by a hacker.

Imagine a Doppelgänger trying to be your best friend to exploit your trust. In the tech world, this Doppelgänger is the malicious Wi-Fi access point, and the trust is the SSID (Service Set Identifier)—the name of a Wi-Fi Network.

woman at the airport working on a laptop wearing a mask

How Does a Karma Attack Work?

Pretending to be something you trust is a trick as old as time itself, but in the world of technology, it’s still very effective. Let’s take a look at just how a Karma attack works.

1. Probing and Listening

Devices with Wi-Fi capability have a Preferred Network List (PNL), which is like your device’s list of trusted networks. These are networks you use all the time that you save on your device to connect to automatically.

It’s a time-saving feature that’s unfortunately ripe for exploitation.

Most likely you have your favorite coffee shop Wi-Fi network saved in your PNL, it’s probably named something like “CoffeeBeanWiFi”. When searching for Wi-Fi, your device is constantly asking “Is CoffeeBeanWiFi here?”.

The Karma attack starts by listening to these probe requests.

2. SSID Mimicry

After hearing the probe, an attacker’s device replicates the SSID being requested. It shouts back “Hey, it’s me, CoffeeBeanWiFi! Connect with me!”

Your unsuspecting device connects to the network, believing it’s found your favorite café’s Wi-Fi connection.

This connection creates aman-in-the-middle (MitM)situation, where the attacker now sits between your device and the internet, intercepting data.

Free Wi-Fi is not safe enough for all activities

The malicious device, controlled by a hacker, can noweavesdrop on your Wi-Fi connection, recording login credentials, banking details, and anything sent by your device.

A Step-by-Step Example of a Karma Attack

Take Sarah, she’s a frequent traveler at an airport patiently waiting to board a flight and working on her laptop. Here’s how she might be ensnared:

Who Is Vulnerable?

At first glance, you might think every Wi-Fi-enabled device with a PNL is at risk. Thankfully the answer is a little more complicated. Let’s break it down:

1. Devices With a Long PNL

Devices with an extensively populated Preferred Network List (PNL) are more susceptible. This is because they’ve stored the names (or SSIDs) of so many networks they’ve connected to in the past. Every name on that list is an open opportunity for an attacker to impersonate.

2. The Modern Device Savior

The good news is that most modern devices have security patches rolled out that counteract the Karma attack.

Modern devices withup-to-date security patchesare a little more discerning. They no longer shout out names of networks they have previously connected to, but rather they listen quietly.

person pressing laptop key with lock and guard icon above

Modern devices will only connect when they recognize a genuine, previously known network.

3. Public Wi-Fi Is Still Dangerous

Here is where the risk still persists. Saved networks that don’t require authentication, like most public Wi-Fi in cafes and airports, are still a prime target.

This is due to there being no password to confirm the network’s authenticity. Your device is much more likely to eagerly connect to an access point bearing the same SSID as a trusted saved network. This risk persists even if theSSID is hidden.

4. Device Diversity

While most current smartphones and laptops have received protective patches, older devices, certain smart home gadgets, or those not regularly updated might still be vulnerable.

How to Protect Yourself

The Karma attack is a simple exploit of trust, but thankfully the ways to protect yourself are just as easily implemented:

  1. Disable Auto-Connect:Stop devices from auto-connectingto Wi-Fi networks, especially open Wi-Fi networks. This eradicates the threat entirely.

  2. Trim Down Your PNL:Regularlyforget or remove networksfrom your PNL. A shorter list means fewer opportunities for an attacker to exploit.

  3. Use an always-on VPN:If you’re connecting to a public Wi-Fi network, it’s a good practice touse a VPNor “Virtual Private Network”. This creates a secure, encrypted pathway for your data. The best part is, it protects you even if you unwittingly connect to a deceptive network.

  4. Keep Your Devices Updated:Keep yourdevice software updated. This includes both software and firmware updates for devices such as Wi-Fi-connected cameras and smart home gadgets.

What Goes Around Doesn’t Have to Come Around

We’re often reminded of the principle of karma: what goes around, comes around. But when it comes to the Karma Wi-Fi attack, with the right knowledge and precautions, what goes around doesn’t necessarily have to make its way back to you.

Remember, it’s not about being tech-savvy, it’s about being tech-smart. So, the next time your device craves a connection, verify it’s not biting into a trickster’s treat with our helpful tips. This can help keep your devices and your data safe.