
The nature of our digital landscape is ever-changing, including newfound security vulnerabilities. The latest is the KRACK (Key Reinstallation Attack) Hack. This bug affects a core encryption protocol – the Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2). For a great summary about how the KRACK Hack works with these networks, check out this video. Most Wi-Fi networks rely on this type of security. Chances are your network at home uses this exact technology.
Now that you're aware of the hack, you might be wondering what you can do to keep safe at this time. There are a few common-sense steps you can take right now to help keep your data safe:
- Get in touch with your vendors and patch away. Microsoft, Google, Cisco, and Apple have all released patches that fix the afflicted hardware. You may need to manually update your devices to stay up-to-date.
- Disconnect devices that don't have a patch. If your Internet of Things device hasn't updated, it can be a huge security risk. Check every device in your home accessed through the internet, from laptops to security cameras to smart lamps and beyond.
- Use Ethernet, until your devices are patched. If your wireless router hasn't released a patch, you may want to use an Ethernet connection until further notice.
- Try the HTTPS Everywhere extension. If you're on Chrome, Firefox, or Opera, your browser will automatically switch over to encrypted access if the web developer has created it.
We will keep you up-to-date with more information as this story develops. Remember to always keep your devices up-to-date and to stay on top of common-sense security steps.