Kaspersky’s analysis of nearly 25,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in Paris revealed that 25% have weak or no encryption, making users vulnerable to data theft, with only 6% using the latest WPA3 protocol. To stay safe, visitors are advised to use a VPN and follow cybersecurity best practices.
27 July 2024 – As the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games draw near, Kaspersky experts have conducted a comprehensive analysis of nearly 25,000 free Wi-Fi hotspots in Paris. The study found that approximately 25% of these networks have weak or no encryption, posing significant risks for personal and financial data theft. Alarmingly, only 6% of the networks utilize the latest WPA3 security protocol.
With Paris anticipating a large influx of tourists for the first in-person summer Games since pandemic restrictions were lifted, Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) has evaluated the security of open Wi-Fi networks that visitors are likely to encounter.
The analysis, covering 47,891 signal records across popular locations and Olympic venues, identified 24,766 unique Wi-Fi access points. Findings revealed that a quarter of these networks suffer from serious security flaws, including weak or non-existent encryption, making them vulnerable to interception, decryption, and cracking attacks.
Moreover, nearly 20% of the networks were found to be configured with WPS, an outdated and easily compromised algorithm, which increases the risk of data breaches through WPS attacks. Only a minimal 6% of the networks employed the latest WPA3 security protocol, which offers enhanced protection.
Amin Hasbini, Head of the META research unit at Kaspersky’s GReAT, warns, “Cybercriminals are preparing to exploit the large number of visitors by setting up fake access points or compromising legitimate networks to intercept and manipulate data transfers. Open and misconfigured Wi-Fi networks are particularly attractive to criminals, as they allow the theft of passwords, credit card details, and other sensitive information.”
To safeguard against these threats, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) such as Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection is recommended. A VPN encrypts the internet connection, creating a secure tunnel between the device and the internet, thus preventing cybercriminals from intercepting data. By masking the IP address and encrypting all transmitted data, a VPN ensures that personal and financial information remains protected even on unsecured networks.
For additional safety tips, Kaspersky experts advise avoiding sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi, verifying network legitimacy, enabling device firewalls, using strong passwords with two-factor authentication, keeping software updated, and disabling file sharing.