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Showing posts with label Hacking Risk. Show all posts

Hidden Dangers of Public Wi-Fi: What A Traveler Needs To Know

 

Public Wi-Fi networks have become ubiquitous in our modern world, offering convenience and connectivity to travellers and commuters alike. However, beneath the surface lies a web of hidden dangers that could compromise your privacy and security. As an expert in cybersecurity, it's crucial to shed light on these risks and provide travellers with the knowledge they need to protect themselves in an increasingly connected world. 

One of the most significant dangers of connecting to public Wi-Fi is the risk of falling victim to a cyberattack. These networks are often unsecured, making it easy for hackers to intercept sensitive information transmitted over them. From passwords to financial data, travellers risk exposing their most personal information to prying eyes. Another hidden danger of public Wi-Fi is the prevalence of rogue hotspots. 

These malicious networks are designed to mimic legitimate Wi-Fi networks, tricking unsuspecting users into connecting to them. Once connected, hackers can launch various attacks, from phishing scams to malware downloads, putting travellers' devices and data at risk. Furthermore, public Wi-Fi networks are often monitored by cybercriminals looking to steal valuable information from unsuspecting users. 

By intercepting unencrypted data packets, hackers can gain access to usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information, leaving travellers vulnerable to identity theft and fraud. To mitigate the risks associated with public Wi-Fi, travellers should take proactive measures to protect themselves and their data. One of the most effective ways to stay safe is to avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks altogether, especially when handling sensitive information such as online banking or email access. 

If connecting to public Wi-Fi is unavoidable, travellers should use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt their internet traffic and protect their data from prying eyes. Additionally, travellers should enable two-factor authentication on all their accounts to add an extra layer of security against unauthorized access. It's also essential for travellers to keep their devices and software up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates. 

By regularly updating their devices, travellers can patch known vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of falling victim to cyberattacks. In conclusion, while public Wi-Fi networks offer convenience and connectivity to travellers, they also pose significant risks to privacy and security. By staying vigilant and taking proactive measures to protect themselves and their data, travellers can minimize the hidden dangers of public Wi-Fi and enjoy a safer and more secure travel experience.

This Security Flaw Enables Hackers to Unlock Millions of Hotel Doors

 

Researchers have unveiled vulnerabilities impacting approximately 3 million Saflok electronic RFID locks found in 13,000 hotels and homes globally, which could potentially enable unauthorized access to any door in a hotel by creating fake keycards.

Discovered by a team of researchers including Lennert Wouters, Ian Carroll, rqu, BusesCanFly, Sam Curry, shell, and Will Caruana in September 2022, these security flaws, dubbed "Unsaflok," were brought to light during a private hacking event in Las Vegas. At the event, various teams competed to identify vulnerabilities within a hotel room and its associated devices. The researchers focused on scrutinizing the Saflok electronic lock system and uncovered flaws that could compromise the security of any door in the hotel.

After notifying the manufacturer, Dormakaba, of their findings in November 2022, the researchers allowed time for the vendor to address the issues and inform affected hotels without publicizing the matter.

Despite no confirmed instances of exploitation in the wild, the researchers caution that these vulnerabilities have existed for over 36 years, raising concerns about potential misuse. The researchers publicly disclosed the Unsaflok vulnerabilities, alerting the public to their impact on nearly 3 million doors utilizing the Saflok system.

The Unsaflok vulnerabilities involve a series of exploits that, when combined, allow an attacker to unlock any door using a pair of counterfeit keycards. This attackThe Unsaflok vulnerabilities involve a series of exploits that, when combined, allow an attacker to unlock any door using a pair of counterfeit keycards. This attack method requires the attacker to obtain method requires the attacker to obtain one legitimate keycard from the property, which can include their own room keycard. 

By reverse-engineering Dormakaba's front desk software and lock programming device, the researchers were able to spoof a master key capable of opening any room. Creating forged keycards involves cracking Dormakaba's key derivation function and utilizing readily available tools such as Proxmark3, Flipper Zero, or an NFC-enabled Android smartphone.

Affected Saflok models include Saflok MT, Quantum Series, RT Series, Saffire Series, and Confidant Series managed by System 6000 or Ambiance software. These models are deployed in 13,000 properties across 131 countries, with Dormakaba actively working on mitigations. However, the process is complex and time-consuming, with only 64% of locks upgraded as of March 2024.

While Dormakaba issued a statement acknowledging the vulnerability and their efforts to address it, the researchers stress the importance of heightened awareness among hotel staff and guests. Measures such as auditing entry/exit logs and using the NFC Taginfo app to check keycard types can help detect potential vulnerabilities. The full details of the Unsaflok attack will be shared once the remediation efforts reach satisfactory levels.

Critical Automotive Vulnerability Exposes Fleet-wide Hacking Risk

 

In the fast-evolving landscape of automotive technology, researchers have uncovered a critical vulnerability that exposes an unsettling potential: the ability for hackers to manipulate entire fleets of vehicles, even orchestrating their shutdown remotely. Shockingly, this major security concern has languished unaddressed by the vendor for months, raising serious questions about the robustness of the systems that power these modern marvels. 

As automobiles cease to be mere modes of transportation and transform into sophisticated "computers on wheels," the intricate software governing these multi-ton steel giants has become a focal point for security researchers. The urgency to fortify these systems against vulnerabilities has never been more pronounced, underscoring the need for a proactive approach to safeguarding the increasingly interconnected automotive landscape. 

In the realm of cybersecurity vulnerabilities within the automotive sphere, the majority of bugs tend to concentrate on infiltrating individual cars, often exploiting weaknesses in their infotainment systems. However, the latest vulnerability, unearthed by Yashin Mehaboobe, a security consultant at Xebia, takes a distinctive focus. This particular vulnerability does not zero in on a singular car; instead, it sets its sights on the software utilized by companies overseeing entire fleets of vehicles. 

What sets this discovery apart is its potential for exponential risk. Unlike typical exploits, where hackers target a single vehicle, this vulnerability allows them to direct their efforts towards the backend infrastructure of companies managing fleets. 

What Could be the Consequence? 

A domino effect that could impact thousands of vehicles simultaneously, amplifying the scale and severity of the security threat. 

In the realm of cybersecurity, there's a noteworthy incident involving the Syrus4 IoT gateway crafted by Digital Communications Technologies (DCT). This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2023-6248, provides a gateway for hackers to tap into the software controlling and commanding fleets of potentially thousands of vehicles. Armed with just an IP address and a touch of Python finesse, an individual can breach a Linux server through the gateway. 

Once inside, a suite of tools becomes available, allowing the hacker to explore live locations, scrutinize detailed engine diagnostics, manipulate speakers and airbags, and even execute arbitrary code on devices susceptible to the exploit. This discovery underscores the critical importance of reinforcing cybersecurity measures, particularly in the intricate technologies governing our modern vehicles. What's particularly concerning is the software's capability to remotely shut down a vehicle. 

Although Mehaboobe verified the potential for remote code execution by identifying a server running the software on the Shodan search engine, he limited testing due to safety concerns with live, in-transit vehicles. The server in question revealed a staggering number, with over 4000 real-time vehicles spanning across the United States and Latin America. This discovery raises significant safety implications that warrant careful consideration.