Krack attack: NZ wi-fi users warned

Internet NZ says New Zealanders should avoid using wi-fi following a global software hack.

Weaknesses have been discovered by Belgina researchers that allow attackers to read data that passes between a device and the wi-fi router, and CERT NZ says in some cases, attackers can alter the traffic to change what is displayed to the user.

The attacks, also known as KRACK, also give attackers the ability to inject viruses or ransonware into the website that is being visited.

This affects almost all devices including computers, mobile phones, routers and smart TV.

"If your device supports wi-fi, it is most likely affected," researchers Mathy Vanhoef and Frank Piessens says on the krackattack.com [www.krackattack.com website], which they set up to provide technical information about the flaw and methods hackers might use to attack vulnerable devices.

InternetNZ deputy chief executive Andrew Cushen says plugging in a cable to a home modem or using the data on a mobile device was the best way to keep safe until the vulnerabilities were fixed.

Microsoft's recent security update resolves the issue, except for Vista and XP, he said.

Mr Cushen says if customers have any doubt they should contact their internet provider or their product manufacturer.

Communications company Spark said it was aware of "a global security vulnerability that has the potential to put all wi-fi networks, and the devices that access those networks, at risk of being compromised".

It was not aware of any Spark customers who had been compromised by the vulnerability to date.

It was talking to device manufacturers to find out when patches would be available for devices, and the process for installing those.

RNZ has contacted Vodafone for comment.

-RNZ

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4 comments

Trustpower

Posted on 17-10-2017 12:21 | By maildrop

I'm safe, the Trustpower 100mbs is so slow and patchy the virus would never upload. They'd give up and try elsewhere.


blessing in disguise

Posted on 17-10-2017 13:07 | By Mein Fuhrer

put an end to the stupid cyber world we live in


How fantastic...

Posted on 17-10-2017 14:20 | By GreertonBoy

Could the internet and all of this technology be if it were only used for good? Such a shame human nature means anything that could be good, will be eventually used to rob you? Such a shame....


Whistling in the dark

Posted on 17-10-2017 14:29 | By Papamoaner

Should be ok if you're running Windows10. The world's gone mad. It used to be the pommy neighbours coming over the fence at night to steal eggs from the chook house. Now the buggers are swooping in electromagnetically on somebody else's invention.


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