Florida Attorney Ashley Moody is warning residents of a cyber scam that could give hackers their personal information.
The “evil twin” scam involves fake Wi-Fi networks that appear to be trusted networks such as those in public places like restaurants, hotels, and airports.
Attorney Moody recommended the following tips to avoid falling victim to the “evil twin” scheme:
•Always verify that the Wi-Fi network is legitimate with the provider before connecting by checking the exact name with a real person or written instructions.
•Ensure any websites visited use https:// instead of http:// in the URL, or a padlock, showing that the website is protected.
•Only download apps from official app stores, and carefully review the app’s publisher and user reviews to ensure authenticity.
•Consider using a virtual private network to encrypt data and make it more difficult for cybercriminals to access personal information via public Wi-Fi.
•Turn off file sharing and automatic Wi-Fi connections on devices.
•Avoid conducting financial transactions or logging in to personal accounts when connected to public Wi-Fi.
